The Literature Lounge

What if stress isn’t caused by your life—but by how you label it? In this episode, Mohua speaks with Dr. Srikumar Rao, author of Modern Wisdom, Ancient Roots, about why so many of us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck—and how ancient spiritual traditions offer a radical path to freedom. Drawing from Vedanta, Sufism, and Buddhist thought, Dr. Rao unpacks the illusion of control, the myth of succes...

What if every city carried the memory of its darkest moments, and the crimes that shaped them? In this gripping episode, Host Mohua is joined by journalist and author Mayabhushan Nagvenkar, whose latest book Murder in the City: Deadly Crimes that Rocked the Nation uncovers chilling urban murders that left a permanent mark on India’s metro cities. Drawing on decades of experience as a crime reporte...

The Literature Lounge stands out as a unique podcast series devoted to authors whose books captivate readers and serve as catalysts for stimulating conversations.  In partnership with Rupa Publications, one of the leading publishing companies in India, we will host authors from diverse backgrounds to explore their literary works, delve into their creative journeys, and uncover the inspiration...

What if art wasn’t just meant to be seen, but experienced through a deeper inner eye? In this evocative episode, Mohua is joined by Dr. Harsha V. Dehejia, physician, poet, scholar of Indian aesthetics, and author of The Third Eye of Indian Art. With over 30 books and a life devoted to the beauty of Indic traditions, Dr. Dehejia invites us into a world where art is not merely visual, but spiritual....

What if the artist you grew up watching on screen was also a fierce thinker, a cultural rebel, and a man of great vulnerability? In this moving episode, Mohua sits down with journalist and author Sanghamitra Chakraborty, whose new biography Soumitra Chatterjee and His World paints a deeply layered portrait of the legendary Bengali actor. But this conversation goes far beyond cinema—it journeys thr...

What if the city you rush through every day is actually alive, with seasons, stories, and sacred rhythms waiting to be noticed? In this soul-stirring episode, Mohua sits down with Anuradha Jain, author of Delhi: A Nature Journal . From the blooming of seasonal flowers to the return of sparrows in balconies, their conversation is a gentle reminder that nature is not somewhere else, it’s right here,...

What do you do when life throws you off course, twice? For Rohan Raj, the answer was simple: go back to what he loves most, books. In this honest and warm episode, Mohua sits down with Rohan Raj, the heart behind Book Nerds , a thriving book community he co-founded with his wife Neha Raj. What started after two job rejections has grown into a movement bringing readers, authors, and book lovers tog...

In this gripping episode, Mohua sits down with author and master storyteller Anurag Tripathi to discuss his latest thriller, The Goa Gambit—a novel that plunges readers into the glamorous yet dangerous world of Goa's casinos. Set against this high-stakes backdrop, The Goa Gambit is more than a casino caper. It's a fast-paced tale woven with suspense, moral ambiguity, and a central charac...

In this soulful episode, Mohua speaks with Shailini Sheth Amin—architect, designer, and the founder of Moral Fibre, an ethical fashion company rooted in Gandhian philosophy. Their conversation begins with Shailini’s work in sustainable fashion and expands into a moving exploration of her debut memoir, Fit In, Stand Out, Walk: Stories from a Pushed Away Hill. At the heart of the memoir is Neelima,...

In this reflective episode, poet and editor Vinita Agrawal takes us through Nissim Ezekiel, Poet & Father: A Centennial Celebration (1924–2024)—a rich and intimate anthology she curated to mark the hundredth birth anniversary of one of India’s most iconic modern writers. Vinita shares how the anthology came together through heartfelt tributes, critical essays, and deeply personal recollections...

In this engaging episode, Siddharth N. Vijayaraghavan shares the remarkable journey behind Empire of the Cholas, a debut novel he began at just 13. Now an author, musician, and anthropologist in training, Siddharth reflects on how curiosity, cultural roots, and a deep love for storytelling converged to bring this sweeping historical narrative to life. Timed to honour World Heritage Day (April 18th...

In this thought-provoking episode, Manish Panchal reflects on his writing journey and the powerful ideas behind his book Define Your Orbit . Drawing from decades of experience in business, consulting, and mentoring, he shares how the book emerged from a deep desire to help individuals lead intentional, meaningful lives by defining their own paths. Manish breaks down the core premise of the book: t...

In this profound episode, Dr. Badrinarayan Shankar Pawar takes us on a deeply reflective journey through his book Everyday Spirituality: Lessons from the Ordinary Life of a Mother. He challenges the idea that spirituality requires rituals or renunciation. Instead, he highlights how true enlightenment is found in the way we fulfill our daily responsibilities.   Drawing from his mother’s life—a woma...

How on earth did Stephen Huyler find himself pedalling a bicycle rickshaw through the Indian border on his twentieth birthday? Intriguing stories like this define the life of art historian and cultural anthropologist Stephen Huyler who came to India 52 years ago, traversing the subcontinent to explore and document its subcultures. His latest book Transformed by India: A Life pays tribute to the st...

In this powerful episode, author and social impact advocate Anirban takes us on a heartfelt journey through his book In Pursuit of a New Dawn, a compelling collection of short stories exploring resilience, social change, and the human condition. Inspired by real people and experiences, Anirban shares how his writing draws from encounters with marginalized communities, those living in regions impac...

In this insightful episode, celebrated author Murzban Shroff takes us on a journey through the soul of Mumbai as captured in his latest book, Muses Over Mumbai. With a deep passion for storytelling rooted in social realism, Murzban shares how his work is shaped by extensive research, real-life experiences, and an unwavering commitment to capturing the city’s evolving identity. As he reflects on hi...

In this inspiring episode, celebrated author and journalist Kiran Manral takes us through the extraordinary journeys of India’s trailblazing women as captured in her book, Rising 2.0: 20 More Women Who Changed India. Through compelling narratives, she brings to life the grit, determination, and achievements of women who defied conventions and carved their own paths across diverse fields—politics,...

In this profoundly insightful episode, diplomat-turned-author Rajiv Dogra takes us on a compelling journey through the intricate world of geopolitics, diplomacy, and history. As the author of acclaimed works on India's foreign policy and international relations, he brings a wealth of experience and deep analysis to the conversation. His latest book, Autocrats: Charisma, Power, and Their Lives...

In this deliciously captivating episode, food writer Priya Bala and restaurateur Jayanth Narayanan take us on a mouthwatering journey through India's vibrant street food scene. As co-authors of Bazaar Bites , they share the stories behind the street-side delights that define our cities, from Lucknow's Tunde Kebabs to Madurai's legendary Ban Parotta. With infectious enthusiasm, Priya...

Episode Summary In this delightful and thought-provoking episode, author Anuradha Marwah takes us on a journey through her novel, Aunties of Vasant Kunj . Don’t be misled by the title—these women are anything but conventional. From Buddhist chanting to activism and a fondness for fermented drinks, they redefine sisterhood in the heart of Delhi. A rebellious free spirit, a single romance-teaching p...

The Literature Lounge, hosted by Mohua Chinappa is a popular podcast series dedicated to the world of books and the brilliant minds behind them. Through exclusive conversations, we uncover how authors craft captivating stories, thought-provoking essays, insightful biographies, provocative prose and poetry that spark possibilities within us. From dreaming big to breaking conventions, each episode e...