In this episode of The Reading List, author Amitabha Bagchi joins Aashna Malhotra to talk about Above Average, an epistolary novel that explores memory, emotional growth, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we’ve been.As his protagonist rereads decades of emails with the significant women in his life, Bagchi shares how fiction can become a space for personal reckoning, and how learning to listen, as a writer and a person, shaped his approach to character and plot.Whether you're drawn to layered storytelling or curious about how feedback can deepen your writing, this episode is full of insight, honesty, and inspiration.

In this episode of The Reading List, author Amitabha Bagchi joins Aashna Malhotra to talk about Above Average, an epistolary novel that explores memory, emotional growth, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we’ve been.As his protagonist rereads decades of emails with the significant women in his life, Bagchi shares how fiction can become a space for personal reckoning, and how learning to listen, as a writer and a person, shaped his approach to character and plot.Whether you're drawn to layered storytelling or curious about how feedback can deepen your writing, this episode is full of insight, honesty, and inspiration.

The Reading List by Bahrisons Booksellers

Revisiting the Past: On Regret, Reflection and Writing Complex Characters with Amitabha Bagchi

In this episode of The Reading List, author and mental health advocate Amrita Tripathi joins us to discuss “The Other Sister”, a novel that gently explores the emotional weight of modern life—anxiety, identity, belonging, family dynamics, and the growing influence of social media. It’s a heartfelt, insightful conversation on how literary fiction helps us voice what’s often left unsaid, and how mental health stories are beginning to find their place in India’s cultural and literary landscape.If you’ve ever struggled to put your inner world into words, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that stories can help light the way.

In this episode of The Reading List, author and mental health advocate Amrita Tripathi joins us to discuss “The Other Sister”, a novel that gently explores the emotional weight of modern life—anxiety, identity, belonging, family dynamics, and the growing influence of social media. It’s a heartfelt, insightful conversation on how literary fiction helps us voice what’s often left unsaid, and how mental health stories are beginning to find their place in India’s cultural and literary landscape.If you’ve ever struggled to put your inner world into words, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that stories can help light the way.

Fiction That Heals: Writing, Everyday Life, and Mental Health with Amrita Tripathi

In this episode of The Reading List, author Anirudh Kanisetti takes us beyond kings and battlefields into the everyday rhythms of life under the Chola Empire. With rich research and vivid storytelling, he brings the past alive, not just through court politics and royal ambition, but through emotion, conflict, and the choices of ordinary people. From family feuds to the surprisingly savvy PR moves of nobles, this episode invites you to see Indian history in a whole new light. If you’ve ever wondered how the past still echoes in our language, buildings, identities, and daily life, this is a thoughtful and refreshing way to revisit it, and maybe even rethink your own story.

In this episode of The Reading List, author Anirudh Kanisetti takes us beyond kings and battlefields into the everyday rhythms of life under the Chola Empire. With rich research and vivid storytelling, he brings the past alive, not just through court politics and royal ambition, but through emotion, conflict, and the choices of ordinary people.From family feuds to the surprisingly savvy PR moves of nobles, this episode invites you to see Indian history in a whole new light.If you’ve ever wondered how the past still echoes in our language, buildings, identities, and daily life, this is a thoughtful and refreshing way to revisit it, and maybe even rethink your own story.

History with a Heartbeat: Reimagining the Chola Dynasty with Anirudh Kanisetti

Who decides which stories get published and which are left out? In the debut episode of The Reading List by Bahrisons Booksellers, host Aashna Malhotra speaks with Aakriti Mandhwani, author of Everyday Reading, about the rich world of Hindi periodicals in post-partition India. From feminist debates in letters to the editor to the pocketbook revolution that redefined publishing, they unpack how print culture shaped North India’s middle class and why they still matter today.

Who decides which stories get published and which are left out? In the debut episode of The Reading List by Bahrisons Booksellers, host Aashna Malhotra speaks with Aakriti Mandhwani, author of Everyday Reading, about the rich world of Hindi periodicals in post-partition India. From feminist debates in letters to the editor to the pocketbook revolution that redefined publishing, they unpack how print culture shaped North India’s middle class and why they still matter today.

Everyday Stories, Extraordinary Influence: Middlebrow Magazines with Aakriti Mandhwani

At Bahrisons Booksellers, we’ve spent decades helping readers discover stories they love. Now, we’re bringing you closer to the storytellers themselves! The Reading List is our brand-new podcast celebrating Indian authors, and the bold voices, and the big ideas that bring their stories to life. If you love thoughtful conversations and a peek into the writer’s mind, you’ll feel right at home here.Hosted by Aashna Malhotra, this is a new chapter from a name readers have trusted for generations.First episode drops soon — follow along and be part of the conversation!

At Bahrisons Booksellers, we’ve spent decades helping readers discover stories they love. Now, we’re bringing you closer to the storytellers themselves! The Reading List is our brand-new podcast celebrating Indian authors, and the bold voices, and the big ideas that bring their stories to life. If you love thoughtful conversations and a peek into the writer’s mind, you’ll feel right at home here.Hosted by Aashna Malhotra, this is a new chapter from a name readers have trusted for generations.First episode drops soon — follow along and be part of the conversation!

Where Stories Become Conversations | The Reading List

For over 70 years, Bahrisons Booksellers has been connecting readers with the stories they love. Now, we’re taking the next step with The Reading List, a new podcast celebrating Indian authors and the vibrant voices shaping today’s literary landscape. Hosted by Aashna Malhotra, each episode brings thoughtful conversations with Indian authors about creativity, storytelling, and the heart behind every great book. If you love meeting the people behind the pages, you’ll feel right at home here. Follow along; your next great conversation starts here.

For over 70 years, Bahrisons Booksellers has been connecting readers with the stories they love. Now, we’re taking the next step with The Reading List, a new podcast celebrating Indian authors and the vibrant voices shaping today’s literary landscape. Hosted by Aashna Malhotra, each episode brings thoughtful conversations with Indian authors about creativity, storytelling, and the heart behind every great book.If you love meeting the people behind the pages, you’ll feel right at home here.Follow along; your next great conversation starts here.

About

Revisiting the Past: On Regret, Reflection and Writing Complex Characters with Amitabha Bagchi

Fiction That Heals: Writing, Everyday Life, and Mental Health with Amrita Tripathi

History with a Heartbeat: Reimagining the Chola Dynasty with Anirudh Kanisetti

Everyday Stories, Extraordinary Influence: Middlebrow Magazines with Aakriti Mandhwani

Where Stories Become Conversations | The Reading List