Books and Beyond with Bound

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:Thursday Murder Club Series by Richard OsmanEveryone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin StevensonIf Tomorrow Comes by Sidney SheldonBloodline by Sidney SheldonClub You To Death by Anuja ChauhanForgotten (2017)‘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:GET OUT: The Gay Man’s Guide to Coming Out and Going Out - Aniruddha MahaleWhy Men Rape - Tara KaushalHeavy Metal: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal - Ameer ShahulThe Namesake - Jhumpa LahiriDelirious - Damien WilkinsSee How They Fall - Rachel ParisIsobar Precinct - Angelique KasmaraOrbital - Samantha HarveyBrooklyn - Colm ToibinGhachar Ghochar - Vivek ShanbhagThe Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis - Amitav GhoshBeautiful Thing - Sonia FaleiroTwo Good Girls - Sonia FaleiroMeow Meow - Srinath RaoLady Doctors: The Untold Stories of India’s First Women in Medicine - Kavitha RaoDaughters of the Sun - Ira MukhotyThe Secret of More: A Novel - Tejaswini Apte-RahmThe Blue Bar (Blue Mumbai Thrillers Book 1) - Damyanti Biswas1950s Housewife: Marriage and Homemaking in the 1950s - Sheila HardyThe Most - Jessica AnthonyMichelle and Tara’s favorite episodes:5.36 Vivek Shanbhag: Decoding Sakina’s Kiss, Ghachar Ghochar & Kannada Literature2.9 Rheea Mukherjee: Exploring Unconventional Relationships and Lives Through Fiction4.2 Amitav Ghosh: Highlighting The Reality Of Climate Change1.12 Amrita Mahale: On Writing A Literary Love Story Set In Bombay5.22 Chitra Divakaruni: Meet Phenomenal Indian Women Through Partition, Migration, and Mythology4.17 Amitava Kumar: Decoding The Lives Of Writers5.13 Damodar Mauzo: Chronicling Goan culture for over 50 years in Konkani3.5 Sonia Faleiro: Uncovering Crime Against Women In Uttar Pradesh5.27 Srinath Rao: Inside the Life of a Crime Reporter in Mumbai3.13 Janaki Lenin: Bringing The Wildlife Into Every House Through Writing4.3 Kavitha Rao: Chronicling The Lives Of India’s First Women Doctors2.2 Ira Mukhoty: Reviving Forgotten Stories5.24 Tejaswini Apte-Rahm: Time Travel to Bombay’s Silent Film Era5.18 Bora Chung: Cursed Bunnies, Ghosts, and Dark Lore of South KoreaMovie mentioned in this episode:Don’t Worry Darling‘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:The Silence of the Lambs - Thomas HarrisAnd Then There Were None - Agatha ChristieGone Girl - Gillian FlynnGodaan - Munshi PremchandWhere the Crawdads Sing - Delia OwensMovies and TV shows mentioned in this episode:Misery - Stephen King (Director- Rob Reiner)Mahabharata - B.R. Chopra‘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 SontagShattered: 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 Story by Erich SegalTitanic (1997)Fault in Our Stars by John Green Operation Mom by Reenita HoraSundri and Mundri's Lohri Adventure by Reenita HoraToo Big to Fail by Andrew Ross SorkinJallianwala bagh, 1919 by Kishwar Desai____________________________________________________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.

A pepper spray in your bag is smart, but knowing your legal rights as a female citizen of India might be what truly saves your case. In this episode of Books & Beyond, lawyer and Pink Legal founder Manasi Chaudhari unpacks her debut book Legally Yours, a witty, no-nonsense guide that explains women’s legal rights in India through pop culture, quizzes, and relatable scenarios. From decoding consent in Kabir Singh to tips for protecting yourself in a live-in relationship, Manasi shares the why and how behind creating a book that feels like your friend with a law degree. They also get into the realities of the justice system, how knowledge can be your most powerful defence, and what makes laws work—or fail—in real life.If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a stalking-turned-love-story in a Bollywood film, felt confused about filing an FIR, or just want to know what your rights really are (without Googling legalese), this episode will leave you feeling more informed, more aware, and way more equipped to speak up._________________________________________________________________________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 specialized 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 if the key to environmental action isn’t outrage, but observation? And what if the real climate crisis is a crisis of attention?In this powerful conversation, nature writer and activist Yuvan Aves talks about his lyrical and politically urgent book Intertidal. Set along Chennai’s disappearing coasts and wetlands, the book prompts readers to notice, remember, and reconnect with the living world around them. Yuvan shares how he teaches children to fall in love with their local ecologies by example rather than instruction and how Indian nature writing cannot be separated from caste, class, and climate politics. This episode reminds us that nature is not a distant wilderness but something alive in our cities, streets, and schools, and to simply pay attention.Books, shows, and films mentioned in this episode:Is a River Alive? by Robert MacfarlaneTiger Lessons by Sannapureddy Venkatarami ReddyMarginlands by Arati Kumar-Rao_________________________________________________________________________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 happens when a celebrated film journalist turns the camera inward? In this moving episode, veteran critic and author Bhawana Somaaya unpacks her memoir Farewell Karachi. Known for her decades-long career documenting Bollywood’s biggest stars like Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan, Bhawana shares the deeply personal stories behind her family’s displacement from Karachi to Mumbai during Partition.She recounts everything from her mother’s hilarious one-liners about working as a young journalist in the 1970s to the emotional weight of her father’s solitary journey during Partition and the legacy of a lost home. The conversation flows through intimate anecdotes, candid reflections, and the subtle power of memories that shape who we become.Bhawana’s honest reflections offer a masterclass in sensitivity and storytelling. Her journey shows that emotional intelligence isn’t just a trait—it’s a lens, a compass, and sometimes, the story itself.Books, shows, and films mentioned in this episode:Because He Is by Meghna GulzarDarlingji: The True Love Story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt by Kishwar DesaiParveen Babi by Karishma UpadhyayA Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniPakeezahGarm Hava NavrangKaun Banega Crorepati‘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 one secret could shatter everything you thought you knew about your family?In this episode, Bhavika Govil dives into her haunting, lyrical novel Hot Water, a coming-of-age story about the silences that pull families apart.Bhavika talks about the novel’s striking water motif and the emotional and craft challenges of writing Ashu, a 14-year-old boy and Meera, a 9-year-old girl, and trying to make them feel both real and raw.This episode takes a deep dive into understanding family dramas better, and how writing about what’s left unsaid is often more powerful than spelling things out. It’s a sharp, intimate, and deeply thoughtful episode on the stories we carry long after they’re over.‘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.