Books and Beyond with Bound

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. In this special episode of Books & Beyond, Tara and Michelle converse with Aditi Kumar and Shivalik Bakshi as they take us on a tour of the Indian Army and give us an insider’s view of defence families. Exploring the heartbreaking story of the forgotten men of the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the relentless search to get them back home, Shivalik Bakshi brings us the story of his own uncle, Capt Kamal Bakshi who was declared ‘Missing-Believed Killed’ after the Battle of Chamb, in his book “Nowhere Man”. Aditi Kumar’s novel “Operation Payback” is the story of a Veer Nari who decides to join the Indian Army to honour her husband’s legacy, and delivers an audacious plan of action to deliver much-deserved payback not just for herself but for the entire nation. Tune in to hear heartfelt and never-before-heard stories about individuals who serve in the armed forces! Produced by Aishwarya Javalgekar ‘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.

Does history give you goosebumps? Specifically, history that explores the minds of kings and uncovers hidden stories of little-known queens? In this episode, Tara and Michelle venture into the ancient palaces of South India as they converse with Anirudh Kanisetti, author of “Lords of the Deccan: Southern Indian from the Chalukyas to the Cholas”. They discuss how a majority of Deccan history got left out and why it mattered enough to make him dive into translations of literature and inscriptions from 600-1100 CE, how he made friends through memes, and why making history accessible was important to him. Tune in to hear Anirudh Kanisetti talk about his fascination for Deccan history, and examine the politics of the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and Cholas up close! Produced by Aishwarya Javalgekar ‘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 create a family drama embroiled in suspense? In this episode, Tara and Michelle uncover the nuances of writing a thriller with Vivek Shanbhag. We delve into how he navigates the minefield of family life as well as the intricate realm between truth and perception amidst India's evolving social and political landscape. Tune in to hear them unpack Vivek Shanbhag’s writing process, his books, Kannada literature, translations into English, the politics of translations, and how pop culture helped him learn a language. Authors mentioned: Produced by Aishwarya Javalgekar ‘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 ugly truths lie behind the carefully curated social circles in Dhaka’s high society? In this episode, Tara and Michelle converse with Nadeem Zaman, author of “The Inheritors”, as he talks about privilege, parties, and politics in Dhaka. In a delightful mix of satire and social commentary, his book explores Nisar’s eye-opening journey back to his hometown as he uncovers secrets and revisits his childhood “home”. Tune in to hear Nadeem Zaman talk about what it’s like to party with the elite in modern-day Dhaka, the class disparity he witnessed growing up, why his book has not been published in the US, and his upcoming work of fiction. Authors mentioned in this episode: Mira Sethi Jhumpa Lahiri Taslima Nasreen Sharbari Zohra Ahmed Books mentioned in this episode: Citizen By Descent- Kritika Arya The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald Independence- Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Destination Wedding- Diksha Basu Equations- Shivani Sibal Crazy Rich Asians- Kevin Kwan Pineapple Street- Jenny Jackson Truth or Dare: And Other Stories- Nadia Kabir Barb Produced by Aishwarya Javalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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 for a national hero to be deemed a deadly criminal? Join your host Michelle, as she dives into conversation with Hussain Zaidi, author of “R.A.W. Hitman: The Real Story of Agent Lima”, as he talks about covering the story of Lucky Bisht, who was convicted for the alleged murder of two notorious criminals. In his book, he uncovers how a 16-year-old ended up being “a fantabulous killing machine”. In this episode, you’ll hear how Hussain Zaidi accidentally hurtled headfirst into crime journalism and how he escaped getting shot in Iraq by bonding over Bollywood and Amitabh Bachchan. Tune in to hear more stories about his growth as a crime journalist, how he convinced Lucky Bisht to tell his story, and the trouble he faced getting it published. Authors mentioned in this episode: Vikram Chandra Neeraj Kumar Books and series mentioned in this episode: Dongri to Dubai- Hussain Zaidi The Lincoln Lawyer (Series) Bambai Meri Jaan- Dir. Shujaat Saudagar Produced by Aishwarya Javalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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.

Is our worth as women determined by our ability to make rotis? In this episode, we delve into the nuances of writing mainstream feminist poetry in India! Join Tara and Michelle as they talk to Mehak Goyal about her book “Failure to Make Round Rotis: Poems on Rebellion, Resilience and Relationships”, about her inspiration, her writing process, and her publishing journey. How did she go from a start-up founder to a published poet? How did she decide what to write? How did she translate her personal experience into poems? And more importantly, how did a mainstream publishing house pick up a poetry book? Tune in to find out! Authors and Poets mentioned: John Keats Jeet Thayil Ranjit Hoskote Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Fatimah Asghar Arundhathi Subramaniam Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Books mentioned: Infidel by Ayaan Ali Produced by Aishwarya Javalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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 would you do if you discovered your favourite sport, which is almost a religion in this country, is rife with corruption? Join your hosts Tara and Michelle as they unravel the shocking story of corruption in cricket with one of India's most well-respected police officers and a former BCCI anti-corruption chief. In this episode, you'll hear from Neeraj Kumar as he tells us how he uncovered the alarming truth behind the administration that runs various cricket tournaments, including the IPL, and the impact it has on our country’s sportsmen. This is a podcast episode you don't want to miss. It will inspire you, anger you, and make you think. Tune in now and find out why "A Cop in Cricket" is a book you have to read, especially if you love cricket. Books and authors mentioned in this episode: Byculla to Bangkok - S. Hussain Zaidi Nine Lives - William Dalrymple Memoirs of A Maverick: The First Fifty Years (1941–1991) - Mani Shankar Aiyar Vengeance - George Jonas Confessions of a Thug - Philip Meadows Taylor P. G. Wodehouse Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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.

Imagine discovering surprisingly progressive stories from the 19th century, all written by your grandmother! In this episode, we'll introduce you to Ranjana Kaul and her passionate endeavour to do justice to her grandmother's legacy — a trailblazing woman, who not only wrote but also fervently fought for women's rights. Join your host, Michelle, as she delves deep into the captivating accounts of how Ranjana serendipitously unearthed the stories and accounts of her grandmother. Laxmibai Abhyankar wrote short stories in Marathi, and Kaul, her granddaughter, painstakingly translated and moulded her work into an English collection called "Stepmother and Other Stories". The collection highlights archaic customs and regressive beliefs, such as the mistreatment of widows and the denial of education to women. Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar Sound Edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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 would you react if you found out that your employer was poisoning you and your community with a deadly substance? Join your hosts Tara and Michelle as they unravel the astonishing story of "Heavy Metal: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal" by journalist Ameer Shahul. Prepare to be drawn into a world of courage, corporate recklessness, and the battle for justice. In this episode, you'll hear from Ameer Shahul himself how he uncovered the horrifying facts about the mercury contamination, how he joined forces with Greenpeace and the local workers to launch a campaign against the company, and the challenges he faced to publish his book. This is a podcast episode you don't want to miss. It will inspire you, anger you, and make you think. Tune in now and find out why "Heavy Metal: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal" is more than just a book - it's a movement. Tune in to the riveting world of corporate accountability and environmental justice. Movies & Shows mentioned in this episode : Chernobyl – Dir. Johan Renck Qala Dir – Anvita Dutt Guptan Erin Brokovich – Dir. Steven Soderbergh Minamata – Dir. Andrew Levitas Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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.

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. In this special episode of Books & Beyond, Tara and Michelle talk to two Indian diasporic writers – Shastri Akella and Jai Chakrabarti, about their books that break the mold of conventional storytelling and offer nuanced perspectives on gender stereotypes. Being Indian writers based out of the US, how do they explore themes of gender, sexuality, and identity in their works? How do they challenge the stereotypes and expectations of Indian culture and society? How do they celebrate the diversity and complexity of the LGBTQ+ community in India and beyond? They discuss Shastri’s “The Sea Elephants” – a queer coming-of-age novel about a young man ‘Shagun’ who joins a street theater troupe and discovers his feminine side. And Jai’s “A Small Sacrifice for an Enormous Happiness” – a collection of stories that explore family, culture, and identity across borders, featuring characters who defy gender norms and embrace their true selves. Tune in to have your perspectives challenged! Book mentioned in this episode : The God Of Small Things by Arundhati Roy Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon The Gathering by Anne Enright Close to Home by Michael Magee The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkein Authors mentioned in this episode : Salman Rushdie Fareed Zakaria Aanchal Malhotra Bernard Malamud Michael Cunningham Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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 write a memoir of your mother, who was a courtesan in a changing India? Did Manish’s relationship with his mother color his own narration of her life story? Did he leave out bits that made him uncomfortable? What did his mother say when he told her he wanted to write a book about her? In this episode of “Books and Beyond,” Tara and Michelle talk to Manish Gaekwad, the author of “The Last Courtesan,” a memoir of his mother, Rekhabai, who was one of the last tawaifs (courtesans) in India. They discover Rekhabai’s extraordinary life story, from being sold and trained as a wife to becoming a singing and dancing star in Calcutta and Bombay, to raising her son in a challenging world. They find out Manish’s own journey from growing up in a world of mujras, kathak and thumri. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the fascinating lives of Manisha and Rekhabai, and their bond of love and courage. Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar Sound Edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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 mysteries lie beneath ‘Meow Meow’ — one of Mumbai’s biggest drug scandals? Join Michelle and Tara for a thrilling episode of Books and Beyond with stellar crime reporter Srinath Rao as he takes us on a journey of the process of writing his breathtaking book unveiling the life and crimes of Shashikala ‘Baby’ Patankar, infamous as ‘Mumbai’s Drug Queen’. What is Meow Meow, the drug that flooded the streets of Mumbai? How did Baby get involved in the drug racket, and who is she beyond her persona as a criminal? How does one report crime? Tune in to dive into an enthralling conversation about crime! Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar Sound Edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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.

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. How do ancient and moving epics reach the world through translation? Join Michelle and Tara for a very special episode of Books & Beyond in partnership with Penguin Random House India, where they have some exciting conversations around translations with two language connoisseurs, Nandini Vijayaraghavan and Catherine Thankamma! They talk about Nandini Vijayaraghavan’s four-part translation of Tamil legend Kalki’s epic myth, “Sivakami’s Vow” and Catherine Thankamma’s translation of the Malayalam bestseller, "Susanna’s Granthapura" by Ajai P. Mangattu. Michelle and Tara, with their guests, uncover the process and politics of translation, talk about fidelity to original texts and understand the fall back in time to learn about the world of myths! Tune in to learn the secrets of translation and mythology! Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav If you want to create a book to cherish your loved ones or share your knowledge with the world, read more about Bound's ghostwriting services here: https://www.boundindia.com/services/ghostwriting/ Or email us at connect@boundindia.com. ‘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.

Does life have to come to a halt once you touch 60? Join Michelle and Tara in conversation with Nidhi Chawla and Reshmi Chakraborty about their book ‘Rethink Ageing: Lessons in Ageing from the Older and Bolder Generation’ — a book that challenges the way we think about ageing in India today. What does it mean to age actively, and how can one do it? Can you start afresh once you cross the threshold of 55? And how do you prepare for your second innings? Michelle and Tara find out what options are available to senior citizens in terms of jobs, hobbies and dating! Tune in to an enlightening discussion! Books mentioned in this episode: You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar Edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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 secrets lie behind the silences of Bombay’s silent films? Join Michelle in conversation with Tejaswini Apte-Rahm about her book ‘The Secret of More’, as she learns about previously unrevealed secrets that lie behind the glitz and glamour of Bombay’s silent film era. ‘The Secret of More’ looks at Bombay of the 1900s through the rags-to-riches story of Tatya, whose life is intertwined with two parts of Bombay’s beating heart – the textile mills and the silent film industry. How does he spin his story from one industry to the other? Does he fall or fly in the City of Dreams? Tune in to find out! Books mentioned in this episode: Manjhi’s Mayhem by Tanuj SolankiBorderless by Namrata PoddarThe Education of Yuri by Jerry Pinto Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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.

Tara and Michelle discuss which "myths" changed the way they view the world, and which left no impression on them at all. In this episode, they cover the reason behind the unfailing popularity of myths, mythology books, screen adaptations and much more. Was it Adipurush’s dialogues that led to its downfall? How much VFX is too much? Why do we still love Amar Chitra Katha? Tune in to find out! Books mentioned in this episode: Names of the Women by Jeet ThayilBusiness Sutra: A Very Indian Approach to Management by Devdutt PattanaikShikhandi: And Other Tales They Don't Tell You by Devdutt PattanaikAmar Chitra KathaThe Shiva Trilogy by Amish TripathiPercy Jackson series by Rick RiordanSamsara: Enter the Valley of the Gods by Saksham GargMohini by Anuja ChandramouliHarry Potter series by J K RowlingMovies mentioned in the episode AdipurushBrahmastraSoorpanagaiRenfieldRaajneetiTV shows RamayanaMahabharata ‘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.

Find out the nuances of writing feminist mythological retellings and historical fiction from the master storyteller, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni! Join Tara and Michelle as they talk to her about her inspirations, her writing process, and her latest book ‘Independence’, which is a story of three sisters during the Partition of India and West Bengal. What is her origin story as a writer? How does she decide what stories to write? How did she navigate through the limitations of mythology to create strong women characters? Tune in to find out! Books mentioned in this episode: -Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni -The Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni -Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni -Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree -Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh -The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood -Karna’s Wives: The Outcast Queen by Kavita Kane -The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy -Liberation of Sita by Volga Produced by Aishwarya Javalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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.

Find out what happens when two psychologists unite to pen down stories from within the therapy room! Join Tara and Michelle in conversation with Yashodhara and Aruna about their book ‘And How Do You Feel About That? Breakdowns and Breakthroughs in the Therapy Room’, in which they reconstruct and deconstruct the therapy process using fictionalized stories. What are some of the myths about therapists in India? What kind of population groups are going to therapy in India? Books mentioned in the episode: •The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud •Love’s Executioner and Other Tales of Psychotherapy by Irvin D. Yalom •Anxiety: Overcome It and Live without Fear by Sonali Gupta •Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? By Dr. Julie Smith •The School of Life: An Emotional Education by Alain De Botton •The Course of Love by Alain De Botton •Born to Win by Muriel James •I’m Okay, You’re Okay by Thomas Harris •Games People Play by Eric Bern Produced by Aishwarya Javalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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.

Find out how the Indian middle-class perceives dating and pre-marital intimate relations! Join Michelle in conversation with Aravind Jayan about his book ‘Teen Couple Have Fun Outdoors’, which deals with the aftermath of a leaked intimate-video of a teenage couple from a middle-class family in Kerala. How can humour be used to write fiction about social issues? How does shame dictate the behaviour of Indians? What is dating like in modern India? How much freedom does the couple actually have? Tune in to find out! Books mentioned in this episode: •Goodbye Columbus by Phillip Roth •Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbag Produced by Aishwarya Javalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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.

Find out what data can and cannot tell us about modern India - from the way we eat, work, pray, and marry! Join Tara and Michelle in conversation with Rukmini S , the author of ‘Whole Numbers and Half Truths’, a book which uses data to decode and demystify the private, but social lives and habits of modern Indians. What does an independent data journalist do? How can numbers and data be used to tell a story? How to have conversations about sensitive issues as a journalist and writer? Tune in to find out! Books mentioned in the episode: •Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo •Raag Darbari by Shrilal Shuklal •A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth •Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh Khan by Shayana Bhattacharya •Planning Democracy: Modern India’s Quest for Development by Nikhil Menon •India Moving: A History of Migration by Chinmay Tumbe •Age of Pandemics (1817-1920) by Chinmay Tumbe •Ants Among Elephants by Sujatha Gidla •Lady Doctors: The Untold Stories of India’s First Women Doctors by Kavita Rao Produced by Aishwarya Javalgekar Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav ‘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.