Books and Beyond with Bound

Is Mumbai still a city for everyone, or just for those who can afford it? In this episode of Books & Beyond, Tara sits down with veteran journalist and author Sidharth Bhatia to discuss his latest book, Mumbai: A Million Islands. The book is not about the history of Marine Lines or the Gateway of India, but the thing that actually builds this city... PEOPLE! Tara and Sidharth explore the bubonic plague of 1896, the transformation of Parel’s textile mills into high-end malls, and what it’s like for 28 families to build a rooftop community, hauling groceries, furniture, and even dead bodies up by rope. They discuss displacement of both slum and middle-class communities, the stories of activist Gauri Sawant and Kanthibai of Kamathipura, and how walking across the city reveals the hidden lives and stories that often go unnoticed. Whether you’re a lifelong Mumbaikar or a curious outsider, this episode is a love letter and a critique that will make you question what it truly means to belong in Mumbai today. Books and Documentaries mentioned in the episode: Imagine spending five days of uninterrupted creativity in a serene, century-old Indo-Portuguese villa. Join an exclusive group of twelve writers for a transformative writing retreat. 5 seats left, apply now! Learn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/annual-writers-retreat Apply now: https://tinyurl.com/46rhn7hz ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What if the most important love story in your life isn’t romantic at all? In our brand new episode, journalist and author Deepanjana Pal talks about her novel, Lightning in a Shot Glass. It’s a witty, radical look at two Mumbai flatmates navigating love, life, and ambition on their own terms. Tara and Deepanjana dive into why female friendships are often the real love stories of our lives and how having chosen family keeps us grounded. They challenge the notion of genre hierarchies while showing that love stories can be smart and fun. Deepanjana also gets candid about the messier parts of life, from workplace politics and abuse of authority to age-gap and interfaith romance. By bringing these real-world messes into the conversation, she proves that fiction can be both joyful and deeply authentic at the same time. If you’re looking to dive into something that's as smart and fun as it is unapologetically real, this episode is for you! Books and TV Shows mentioned in the episode: 12 writers, 5 days A transformative writing experience nestled in a serene century old Indo-Portuguese villa. Learn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/annual-writers-retreat Apply now: https://tinyurl.com/46rhn7hz ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What happens to “us” when we’re no longer the smartest beings on the planet? In our brand new episode, technologist and global innovation leader Akshay Chopra discusses his debut novel After Us, exploring a world transformed by SUI, a self-aware, benevolent superintelligence that questions the very definition of life and humanity. Tara and Akshay dive deep into the fascinating (and often terrifying) intersections of science and fiction, from the "Longevity Escape Velocity" that could grant us 400-year lifespans to why humans may never truly understand an AI’s motives, and how Akshay conceived SUI not as an invention, but as a fallible, evolving being. The conversation goes on to explore why science fiction remains largely untapped in India, despite its wealth of technologists and storytellers, and how our fear of AI may stem from humanity’s own history of driving other species to extinction. Akshay also shares his journey of publishing his novel through Jaico and his shift from a "pretentious" writing style to a simplified narrative. By stripping away the jargon, he makes the looming reality of our future impossible to ignore. If the AI takeover keeps you up at night, this episode is just for you! Books, Movies, and TV shows mentioned in the episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What does it take to actually curate a literary festival? We’re back! Season 9 of Books & Beyond kicks off with Tara and Aishwarya spilling the tea on their latest project: curating the Literature Section for the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026! This episode is a deep dive into the madness of curation. Why is Aishwarya obsessed with color-coded Excel sheets? Why is Tara picking out "apples" for a festival? And how many "healthy skirmishes" does it take to build a schedule from scratch? From the magic of reading Kafka in Marathi to the courage it takes to launch a debut novel, tune in for an exclusive peek into the heart of a mammoth arts festival! ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Would you keep writing if your agent told you "not yet" for ten straight years? In this episode of Books & Beyond, Tara sits down with NYT bestselling author Alka Joshi to discuss her latest novel, Six Days in Bombay. Alka reveals the incredible decade-long journey behind her debut, The Henna Artist, from a relentless agent who kept saying the book wasn’t ready, through years of tireless revisions, to the "perfect timing" that landed her in Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club. But for Alka, the story started much earlier. She shares her personal journey of navigating prejudice as an Indian in America; an experience that once forced her to leave her heritage behind, until she finally chose to embrace it all to tell her mother’s story. She also takes us behind the scenes of her new book; how she purposefully traveled to cities like Prague, Paris, and Florence to "live" the world of her novels before meticulously reconstructing the 1937 world portrayed in Six Days in Bombay. Tara and Alka also dive into their shared love for historical fiction, their top book recommendations, and the real-life incredible women who inspired her most beloved characters. Tune in now to hear firsthand about Alka Joshi’s fascinating road to publishing and her life as a storyteller! Books Mentioned in the Episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

You don't need a playbook to become a leader, your instincts are your guide. In the latest episode of Books & Beyond, Roopa Kudva, author of Leadership Beyond the Playbook, joins Tara to challenge the formulaic approach to leadership. Instead of giving you a 10-step plan, Roopa hands the steering wheel to you. They dive into why true leadership can’t be squeezed into neat frameworks and why the real growth happens when you start looking inward. Roopa shares her own evolution, from asking for a career-changing role to her transition into becoming the CEO of Crisil. They also explore leadership styles, authentic vs. inauthentic communication, and the science of resilience, including how to build it within yourself and across your organisation. Whether you’re taking your first step up or navigating a major transition, this episode is an empowering reminder that you are in the driver’s seat and get to decide the leader you want to be. Books mentioned in the episode: Authors mentioned in the episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Ever wondered what it takes to go from crunching numbers to creating worlds that millions of readers dive into? In the latest episode of Books & Beyond, Amish Tripathi shares the ups, downs, and behind-the-scenes of his journey from the 9-to-5 grind to bestselling author. From juggling a full-time job while writing Immortals of Meluha, to being one of the few authors in India who can write full time, he spills it all. Get a peek into his unique writing process: constant reading, letting characters “speak” to him, and rewriting until the story feels just right. He also shares insights for aspiring writers on how to navigate the journey of writing while staying true to their craft and managing the realities of the profession. Whether you’re an aspiring author or just curious about the magic behind bestselling books, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and the twists and turns of Amish’s writing journey. Tune in now and dive into the mind of one of India’s most celebrated authors! Books mentioned in the episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Ever wished you had an extra hour each day? (Spoiler: you don’t need one!) In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara chats with Apekshit Khare, HR professional and author of The Time Energy Toolkit, about why the problem isn’t our 24 hours, it’s how we use our energy. Apekshit breaks down the very real time struggles we face in India, from social expectations to nonstop notifications, and shares small, doable shifts that actually work. Think: finding your purpose, setting chill social media boundaries, and using tech without letting it hijack your day. He also shares fun, practical tools like the “day catalog,” his go-to method for tracking where your time and energy really go. Plus, we get into his love for playing the sitar, how side passions keep him grounded, the story of getting published with Westland, and what he’s working on next. Tune in for an episode that’s equal parts helpful and hopeful, all about feeling less burnt out and more in control of your day. Book mentioned in the episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

How does mythology change when we look at them through women’s lives? In this episode, Tara chats with P. Lalita Kumari, also known as Volga, one of the most influential feminist voices in Indian literature, and Purnima Rao, the translator of On the Banks of the Pampa, Volga’s retelling of Shabari’s story from the Ramayana. Volga shares how the idea for Shabari’s story first took shape, reflecting on the many women in mythology whose voices have been silenced. She talks about nature, womanhood, and the connection she sees between the two. Purnima speaks about the process of translating Volga’s lyrical Telugu prose into English while preserving its essence. Volga also explores her journey as a reader and poet, the challenges of writing as a feminist in the 80s, and how storytelling became her weapon. Purnima discusses her shift from tech to writing, the hurdles of setting up an independent Telugu publishing house, and the need to fill gaps in the literary ecosystem. Together, they look ahead to their upcoming projects, and to Volga’s return to contemporary narratives. Tune in to dive into their creative process and literary brilliance. Books mentioned in the episode: Painting mentioned in the episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What dangerous secrets lie beneath the "comforting newborn smell" of one of the most trusted companies in the world? In this explosive episode, Pulitzer Prize-nominated NYT journalist Gardiner Harris pulls back the curtain on Johnson & Johnson's history, detailed in his book No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson. Gardiner reveals J&J's systemic deception, from knowingly selling asbestos-contaminated baby powder for seven decades to marketing drugs as cancer cures that were actually "Miracle Grow" for tumours. He exposes J&J's hidden role in the opioid crisis and their shocking refusal to share life-saving HIV drugs with Africa, costing millions of lives. Drawing from years of investigative reporting, Gardiner explains how corporate PR, media influence, and medical incentives allow giants like J&J to evade accountability, even with secret Grand Jury testimony as evidence. Tara and Gardiner also discuss the stories that didn't make it into the book and the mental toll of exposing the truth. Tune in for an essential, eye-opening conversation that forces consumers to question the products of a company they love and trust. Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Learn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Can a vision board help you design your dream life? In this episode, Pushkar Anand, author of Manifest Your Infinite Riches and founder of the Centre for Infinite Riches, discusses what it truly means to manifest the life you want, beyond material wealth. Pushkar shares his journey from a corporate career to pursuing an MBA at Cambridge and founding the Centre for Infinite Riches. He highlights actionable steps such as the Primary Vision Tool and the JJ Method for manifesting goals, while emphasizing the importance of taking inspired action, having faith, and seeking mentorship. He also touches upon publishing his book in India through Jaico. The conversation also explores personal growth, developing clarity in your goals, and cultivating a mindset that supports meaningful action, using real-life examples to bring these ideas to life. Tune in to this infinitely rich conversation about aligning your subconscious visions with reality, taking inspired action, and watching them manifest in your life. Books mentioned in this episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Learn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

How do you rebuild your life when one moment changes everything? In this episode, Tarini Mohan, the author of the memoir, Lifequake shared the raw and honest story of suffering a traumatic brain injury and waking up from a coma with lifelong disabilities. She details the disorienting early days of recovery, how she fought her way back to pursue her MBA at Yale, and the simple cup of coffee that reminded her where joy resides. Tarini also discusses the incredible discipline behind writing her book, working with Mohit Parikh, her mentor through Bound, and the difference in disability support between India and America. This is a story of survival, resilience, and why love, not just inspiration, is the primary theme of a life rebuilt. Books mentioned in the episode: Podcasts mentioned in the episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in CoonoorLearn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What happens when the ghosts you see are more reliable than the people you know? In this episode, Daisy Rockwell, the internationally acclaimed, Booker Prize-winning translator and author, takes us inside the unique world of her latest novel, Alice Sees Ghosts, a family story where a young woman sees her grandfather’s ghost, who nudges her to unearth buried family secrets. Daisy shares how she began translating Hindi and Urdu literature and what inspired her to write her own fiction. She shared how she weaves history and the supernatural into a story that travels across continents and how she creates characters that are anything but ordinary. Plus, we get a look into her writing process, her upcoming projects, and how winning a major literary prize has changed her life. Tune in to experience a deep dive into family, ghosts and the beautifully unsettling way the past can haunt the present. Books mentioned in the episode: 1. Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree 2. Mai by Geetanjali Shree, translated by Nita Kumar 3. Taste by Daisy Rockwell 4. Heart Lamp: Selected Stories by Dr. Banu Mushtaq 5. History’s Angel by Anjum Hasan 6. Falling Walls by Upendranath Ashk, translated by Daisy Rockwell 7. A Gujarat Here, A Gujarat There by Krishna Sobti, translated by Daisy Rockwell 8. Our Friend, Art (upcoming memoir by Daisy Rockwell) Movie mentioned in the episode: Frozen (2013) Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in CoonoorLearn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What if the person your ex-husband fell for was your doppelganger? In this episode, Sanjena Sathian takes us inside her new novel Goddess Complex, exploring one of the most personal choices a woman can make. Step into the world of Sanjana Satyananda, a woman navigating life after a challenging period in her life, grappling with themes of motherhood, fertility, divorce, and absurdly enough, a doppelganger with a cult following. With a protagonist who almost shares her name, and including not one, Sanjena reveals how much of herself she poured into the story. She also reflects on her writing journey, her time at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, her acclaimed debut novel, and how Goddess Complex marks a shift in her storytelling. Tune in now for this rollercoaster ride! Books mentioned in the episode: Movies and TV Shows mentioned in the episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in CoonoorLearn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

When carefully laid plans go up in smoke, is it fate playing its hand, or the works of a silent puppet master pulling the strings? In this episode, engage in a candid conversation with Shikhar Goyal, an iron-and-steel entrepreneur with a creative streak that led him to write his debut novel Delhi Disco, a romantic thriller that crackles with chemistry and unease inside Delhi’s newest club, Kapital. He opens up about the grind, the tactics that kept him motivated, the early rejections he faced, and how a pragmatic approach to pitching finally took the manuscript to publication. The conversation moves across the plot twists and suspense along with exploring the love story, the tongue-in-cheek humor, and his process of creating characters he knows so well, even slipping in inside jokes just for kicks. Books and Movies mentioned in the episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in CoonoorLearn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

The goodbye you can't miss! Michelle returns to the mic with Tara for a special, unfiltered conversation you won’t want to miss. From a sneak peek into her upcoming novel to never-before-told stories about starting Books & Beyond, this episode is part milestone, part behind-the-scenes tell-all. They relive their very first author interview, reveal the moments that put the show on the map, and spill on their favorite guests. Plus, a candid look at how life, books, and the literary world have changed, from India to New Zealand. If you’ve been here since the beginning, this one’s going to hit hard. If you’re new, this is where you start! Books and Authors mentioned in this episode: Michelle and Tara’s favorite episodes: Movie mentioned in this episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in CoonoorLearn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What happens when two women find themselves in the midst of horrendous crimes? Join us as Tara and Michelle speak to two avid thriller writers– Devashish Sardana and Nidhi Upadhyay. In this episode, Devashish discusses his book “The Girl with Broken Dreams”, a story of a feisty CBI investigator who finds herself in a quest for the truth behind a string of suicides, while battling her own demons. And Nidhi Upadhyay talks about her book “I Hear You”, a story of a woman trapped in an abusive marriage, and how she starts talking to the baby in her womb- only to find him responding! In this exclusive series in partnership with Penguin Random House India, we will shine a spotlight on two compelling contemporary voices each month, individuals who are reshaping the landscape of Indian literature. Tune in to hear how they started their thriller-writing journey, how they kept finding their way back despite having day jobs, and the concerning contents of a thriller writer’s search history! Books and authors mentioned in this episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in Coonoor Apply to all retreats here. ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Ever wondered what it’s like to live with a disability? Or how writing can help navigate the toughest of life’s challenges? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara chat with Abhishek Anicca, author of Grammar of My Body, a creative memoir about his life with VATERS syndrome, a condition affecting multiple parts of his body. Abhishek dives into his experience of living with chronic illness and disability in India, sharing his journey of vulnerability, humor, and breaking stereotypes. Abhishek also talks about the therapeutic power of art, especially poetry and performance, in dealing with mental health challenges and reclaiming his narrative. From the poetic nature of illness to the importance of clear, non-metaphorical communication, he gives us a deep insight into the world of writing about personal experiences. If you’ve ever been curious about the intersection of personal storytelling, disability, and creativity, this conversation is for you! Listen in for an inspiring, thought-provoking episode. Trigger warning: This episode discusses chronic illness, disability, and mental health struggles. Listeners are advised to exercise caution. Books mentioned in this episode: Illness as Metaphor - Susan Sontag Shattered: A Memoir - Hanif Kureishi ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What happens when the wounds of Partition run deeper than history books will ever reveal? In this episode, Reenita Hora joins Tara to discuss her searing historical novel Vermilion Harvest, set against the haunting backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Through the fearless, curious eyes of protagonist Aruna, Reenita brings alive an often forgotten chapter of colonial brutality and the emotional legacy it left behind. They talk about the silencing of trauma, mixed-race identity, interfaith love, and how historical fiction can give voice to the stories that official narratives erase. Reenita also shares her journey to being an author and the exciting ways in which the book might find new life through music, theatre, or film. With equal parts heart and history, this episode explores the tension between legacy and liberation, and the quiet courage it takes to rewrite the script. Books, shows, and films mentioned in this episode: Love StoryOperation MomSundri and Mundri's Lohri AdventureToo Big to FailJallianwala bagh, 1919____________________________________________________ The Bound Publishing Course is a comprehensive, three-month-long, certified program designed to give people the skills, network, and opportunity to build a career in book, magazine, or digital publishing. You will take part in 100 hours of live online sessions, led by over 40 experienced industry professionals. The course moves from foundational learning to specialised career tracks through live simulations, in-class exercises, and assignments. This hands-on approach is supported by career-focused guidance, such as resume workshops and interview preparation, and culminates in a Capstone Project. You can explore more about the course here. Apply here! ____________________________________________________ ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What sets a legend apart from just another player? The answer lies in the mind. In this episode, Tara dives deep into the psychology of peak performance with Dr. Samir Parikh and Divya Jain, authors of The Champion Within. What really makes someone a champion, not just in sport, but in life and work? From game-day rituals and comeback stories to dealing with pressure, anticipatory anxiety, and failure, this episode is packed with stories and science behind how mental strength is built. You’ll hear about the famous Wimbledon choke that turned into a redemption arc, what athletes do between points to reset their focus, and how a sense of fun can literally shift your performance. Whether you're building a startup, sitting for exams, or chasing your next big win, this episode will make you rethink what it means to show up with grit and joy. _____________________________________________________________________________ The Bound Publishing Course is a comprehensive, three-month-long, certified program designed to give people the skills, network, and opportunity to build a career in book, magazine, or digital publishing. You will take part in 100 hours of live online sessions, led by over 40 experienced industry professionals. The course moves from foundational learning to specialised career tracks through live simulations, in-class exercises, and assignments. This hands-on approach is supported by career-focused guidance, such as resume workshops and interview preparation, and culminates in a Capstone Project. You can explore more about the course here. Apply here! ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.