What happens when a bunch of Kolkata based authors decide to meet at Peter Cat on a Sunday afternoon? Food, fun and adda. That’s what yesterday was about as I met up with some familiar and some new faces over chelo kebabs and cups of coffee.
Food and coffee
A quick trip to Oxford Bookstores to surprise Kolkata Bookworms where they were celebrating their third anniversary followed. This group is close to my heart for the role it played in my journey as an author until now. All my good wishes to this vibrant group of young readers.
Thank you, Arup Bose, CEO of Sristhi Publications for sharing this image of my book ‘The Sanyasi who became a King’ at Bengaluru International Airport, T2 Terminal.
You can grab a copy from the WH Smith stores in airports across metro cities in India, in bookstores and on Amazon from the link below.
A few days ago I posted on ‘The Sanyasi who became a King’ getting shortlisted in the Best Non Fiction category of the Pen N Paper Awards. It feels unreal to see my book published by Sristhi Publishers and represented by The Book Bakers in the august company of books by stalwarts like Amitav Ghosh and Dr Ramachandra Guha.
Overwhelmed and grateful for the love that’s coming my way.
And if you haven’t read the true story behind the mystery of the Bhawal Raja yet, here’s the link to do it right away.
It’s heartwarming to see the recognition my non-fiction true crime novel ‘The Sanyasi who became a King’ is getting from multiple quarters. Thrilled to announce that the book has been shortlisted for the prestigious Pen n Paper Awards 2025.
A big shoutout to my literary agency, The Book Bakers and my publisher, Srishti Publishers & Distributors for their unwavering support and faith in my craft.
5/1/25 – My non-fiction true crime story ‘The Sanyasi who became a King’, represented by Suhail Mathur of The Book Bakers, edited by Stuti Sharma Gupta was published by Arup Bose of Srishti Publishers & Distributors.
Book signing
Cut to 5/11/25 – 11 months later, I ticked an item off my wishlist as I signed copies of this best selling book at the WH Smith store in Kolkata International Airport. Words aren’t enough to thank Arup and Shouvik Bose for making the necessary arrangements to execute the same. Thanks to the cooperative staff of WH Smith for a smooth session.
With my book babies
Dreams do come true if we keep working with dedication and focus. Forever grateful to my family, friends and readers for the love and support.
As a part of the Great Indian Festival on Amazon, ‘The Sanyasi who became a King’ is now available at a discounted price for the next couple of days.
With 111 reviews and a rating of 4.8, this true story behind the mystery of the Bhawal Raja set in pre-Independent India is your perfect read for the upcoming holidays.
7 years ago, I met Suhail for the first time in Kolkata. I had just been signed up by The Book Bakers. I felt nervous excitement as I spoke about my aspirations in the new journey of writing. He was patient and understanding. It took me three more years to give him the manuscript of ‘Diary, Deceit and Death’ since I decided to go ahead with an MFA in 2019. And then he got me the deal for ‘The Sanyasi who became a King’ in 2023.
Two days ago, he came to Kolkata with Sumedha and Samaira for Prasun’s wife Brinda’s book launch. It was a delight to meet him in person and his rocking sense of humour put everyone at ease.
Over the past few years, every time I spoke to him, I never failed to mention how grateful I’m to have him in my life as my mentor, friend, and guide. He has never been just my literary agent but more like a younger brother to me. So when we met yesterday for a brainstorming session on our upcoming collaborations, I tied a rakhi on his wrist. This moment will forever be one of the most special memories for me.
He always jokes about how I don’t know what it means to send a short written or audio message and he has to read/hear my messages in installments. So how could I let go of this opportunity to write paragraphs for one of the most special persons in my life and writing journey? I’m sure he’s going to come back with another ‘puntastistic’ response to this
Here’s to many more amazing books, future collaborations and special moments. Come back sooner to Kolkata, Suhail!
soniasmusings 