The Literature Lounge

In this episode of The Literature Lounge, author of ‘Tales of the Panchkanya’, Eika Chaturvedi Bannerjee , talks about the rich tapestry of feminine wisdom embodied by the Panchakanya – Ahalya, Draupadi, Kunti, Tara, and Mandodari delving into the timeless tales of these legendary figures, revealing their profound influence on Indian mythology and cultural heritage. Through an engaging discussion,...

This episode of The Literature Lounge is a quiet yet powerful reflection on work, leadership, and inner discipline. In a deeply thoughtful conversation, author Richa Tilokani opens up about her unexpected journey into writing—one that didn’t begin with ambition, but with self-doubt, curiosity, and handwritten notes as she tried to make sense of Karm Yoga for herself. What started as a personal sea...

This episode of The Literature Lounge is a raw examination of duty, conflict, and conscience. Join us for an exclusive conversation with Shri Prakash Singh , a legendary officer of the Indian Police Service, as he shares insights from his memoir, Unforgettable Chapters: Memoirs of a Top Cop. A conversation about the line between order and justice, and the weight of the uniform. What this episode i...

This episode of The Literature Lounge is a sobering audit of the stories we are sold. Author Umesh Upadhyay , a veteran journalist with four decades across print, radio, TV, and digital, unpacks his book Western Media Narratives on India from Gandhi till now. He dissects the persistent lens of bias, born from his experience watching the skewed portrayal of India during the COVID-19 pandemic. A con...

This episode of The Literature Lounge is an archaeological dig into the deep, forgotten fabric of India. Author Zilka Joseph excavates the 2,000-year story of the Bene Israel Jews—from their ancient arrival on the Konkan coast to the sweet, shared rituals that bind communities—revealing a history that predates modern nations and lives on in a handful of flattened rice. A conversation about the fla...

This episode is a profound shift in perspective on the mind itself. Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Pallavi Joshi reveals her journey from gynecology to psychiatry, a pivot sparked by personal crisis and a mentor's crucial question. She shares groundbreaking cases from her Mumbai residency and her mission to replace stigma with science and strength. A conversation about the courage to change, the myths that...

In this compelling episode, host Mohua Chinappa sits down with Richa Mukherjee — an accomplished author and storyteller who has navigated journalism, advertising, and literature. From forging a path through diverse storytelling mediums to championing the raw, real voices of women in fiction, Richa's perspective challenges stereotypes and sparks essential dialogue. What you’ll hear in this conversa...

In this captivating episode, renowned author and feminist Kiran Manral shares her multifaceted writing career, from her early days as a blogger to becoming one of India's distinguished literary voices. Kiran delves into her experiences in advertising and journalism, which have enriched her storytelling across various genres. She also provides an exclusive peek into her book, "Rising 2.0: 20 M...

What really happens behind the scenes in the world of books? How is artificial intelligence changing publishing, and what does it take to build a meaningful career with words? In this illuminating episode of The Literature Lounge, host Mohua Chinappa sits down with Sangeetha Menon, a publishing professional whose unexpected writing journey led her into the heart of the literary world. Sangeetha re...

Is there really a "right age" to start something meaningful? How do ancient concepts of Dharma guide modern business ethics? In this inspiring episode of TLL, we sit down with Ashutosh, a pioneer who transformed India's pharmaceutical retail landscape. Defying those who said he was "too late in life," Ashutosh shares his remarkable journey from starting with just 100 rupees in the 1980s to revolut...

What does it truly mean to be "politically correct" in today's India? Is it a shield for civil discourse, or a silencer for necessary debate? In this incisive episode of The Literature Lounge, Mohua Chinappa engages in a fearless conversation with the insightful Satya Mohanty, challenging conventional narratives on development, public policy, and the state of the nation. They dive deep into the un...

What is the true secret to eternal happiness? How can we manage our minds in a world full of distractions? And what is the practical wisdom the Vedas offer for modern life? In this profound episode of The Literature Lounge, Mohua Chinappa sits down with world-renowned spiritual leader and author Swami Mukundananda. Swamiji, a former IIT graduate and corporate professional, bridges ancient Vedic kn...

What is the true meaning of 'Dharma'? Can the essence of ancient scriptures be captured in translation? And in a modern world, how do we distinguish eternal ethics from religious dogma? In this profound episode of The Literature Lounge, Mohua Chinappa sits down with Sunita Pant Bansal, a renowned author and scholar of Indian scriptures and mythology. Sunita, who has been writing and interpreting s...

From topping the NDA and earning the Sword of Honour to surviving a hang-gliding crash and losing a leg — and then circumnavigating the globe on Trishna of India — Major A.K. Singh’s story is a masterclass in grit. He takes us from RIMC schooldays and the National Defence Academy to early ocean passages (Bombay–Iran in an 18-ft Seabird), selecting a blue-water yacht in the UK, hand-steering throug...

In this captivating episode, horror writer K Hari Kumar explores the folklore and psychological suspense shaping his work. Drawing from haunting tales and vivid dreams, his books like "India's Most Haunted" and "Dakhma" challenge conventional storytelling. The discussion travels to Kerala and Tulunadu, where supernatural entities influence culture. Hari reveals the misunderstood role of Yakshis as...

In this episode of the podcast, host interviews acclaimed nutritionist and author Kavita Devgan about her book "500 Healthy Recipes and Easy Cooking." Kavita shares her journey into nutrition, her philosophy of holistic health, and the importance of eating local, seasonal foods. She offers practical tips for stress-free, home-cooked meals, highlights the role of fermented foods and healthy fats, a...

In this episode of The Literature Lounge Podcast, Mohua Chinappa is in conversation with Tara Khandelwal — editor, podcaster, and founder of Bound, a thriving platform nurturing India’s creative talent. Having worked on over 700 books across genres, Tara opens up about the invisible labour behind editing, the delicate balance between structure and creativity, and what it means to be a creative com...

In this episode of The Literature Lounge Podcast, Mohua Chinappa is in conversation with Sharmishtha Mukherjee — author, former politician, and daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee. Her memoir Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers traces her emotional journey through his personal diaries, discovered after his passing. As she pieced together his private reflections, Sharmishtha not only...

In this episode of The Literature Lounge Podcast, Mohua Chinappa is in conversation with Manoj Kumar Rao — journalist-turned-author, about his debut book Yashoda: Ek Swayam Prabhastri Ki Vaastvik Kahani. The book chronicles Yashoda’s journey from breaking caste barriers and educating her daughters to pioneering child planning for women in her community. Why This Episode Matters: Yashoda’s life sho...

In this episode of The Literature Lounge , we meet Jairam N Menon, author of Masala Chai for the Soul . After decades in corporate communications, Jairam turned to writing—using humour and wisdom to craft stories that comfort, entertain, and heal. He reflects on the influences that shaped him—his father’s love for books, the encouragement of friends, and the art of weaving humor into even life’s m...

What happens when a rational economist is forced to confront what logic can’t solve—grief, ego, and the longing for love? In this episode, host Mohua is joined by Rajeev Balasubramanyam, whose acclaimed novel Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss traces the journey of a Cambridge economist stumbling his way toward healing and inner peace. Rajeev reflects on addiction, ego, and identity, and how fict...

In this episode of The Literature Lounge, author and biographer Ashis Ghatak takes us on a musical journey from his beginnings as an English teacher to becoming the voice behind the lives of legendary musicians. At the heart of this conversation is his latest work on Shankar Mahadevan a portrait of the singer-composer whose career spans a serendipitous audition with the Grammy-winning band Shakti,...

What if stress wasn’t something to just endure, but something you could unlearn, rewire, and rise above? In this insightful episode, Mohua speaks with senior consultant psychiatrist and author Dr. Rajiv Mehta, whose book Rewire, Rework, Reclaim offers practical, compassionate tools for managing stress—from anxiety and burnout to relationship issues and digital overload. Drawing on over two decades...

In this special episode of The Literature Lounge, celebrated film journalist and author Aseem Chhabra takes us on a deeply personal journey—from his early days in political reporting to becoming one of the most respected voices on Indian cinema. At the heart of this conversation is Chhabra’s moving tribute to the late Irrfan Khan—an actor who redefined the idea of stardom with quiet power and glob...

In this essential episode for authors and aspiring writers, host Mohua is joined by editor, book marketeer, and literary consultant Namrata, founder of Keemiya Creatives and Bookbots India. With years of experience in shaping author brands and championing South Asian voices, Namrata breaks down the what, when, and how of book marketing in a way that’s refreshingly honest and incredibly doable. Fro...