Author Feature: Rochelle Potkar

Author Feature

Rochelle Potkar

Writer, Poet, Playwright 

About the Author:

Rochelle Potkar is a prize-winning poet, author, and screenwriter based in Mumbai. Her published works include Four Degrees of Separation, Paper Asylum (shortlisted for the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize 2020), Bombay Hangovers (also available in Hindi), and Coins in Rivers, which was shortlisted for The Wise Owl Literary Award 2025.

An alumna of the Iowa International Writing Program and Charles Wallace Fellow at the University of Stirling, she has been invited multiple times as a creative-writing mentor to the Iowa International Writing Programs. She also teaches poetry at the Himalayan Writing Retreat.

Rochelle was conferred an honorary Doctorate in Literature by Sanskriti University, Mathura, presented by former President of India, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind. Her first screenplay was selected for the NFDC India Screenwriters Lab and was a quarterfinalist at the Atlanta Film Festival. Two of her projects featured in the Top 30 Book-to-Box Office selection at NFDC Film Bazaar 2023. Her short scripts 'Catharsis,' 'Salad,' and 'Ali Guli Maane' have won accolades, with 'Salad' (Shezari) set to release in September 2025.

About the book: 

The D’Costa Family

Set in Goa, this darkly comic family drama unfolds after the death of Don Theodore. His widow, Rita, who never loved him, tries to install their son Jason, a gravedigger, as the next Don, bribing tenants and manipulating relatives. Meanwhile, daughter-in-law Annette juggles a secret lover, stolen jewels, and a shooting. Inspector Gaitonde stumbles on a bizarre secret under Jason’s graveyard.

Amid collapsing real estate dreams and a chaotic interfaith wedding, Rita slowly realizes the absurdity of the patriarchal power game she played, and instead finds unexpected solidarity. The novel is packed with wit, emotion, and wild twists, satirical yet moving, sinister yet hilarious.

Link to the Book

PS: Presently, the book is available in Paperback, Hardcover and eBooks versions via Amazon Now. the wider distributions will start only later this year. 

Author Feature:

Anusha Subramanian

About the author:

Anusha Subramanian – India’s Young Literary Prodigy

Anusha Subramanian is one of India’s youngest published authors, celebrated for her debut novel Heirs of Catriona, which she wrote and released at just 12 years old. Her journey is both inspiring and unique, showcasing how young minds, when nurtured and encouraged, can produce remarkable work.

From a young age, Anusha was drawn to books, especially in the fantasy and adventure genres. Inspired by global authors like J.K. Rowling, she began writing her own stories filled with magic, mystery, and imagination. Her debut novel, Heirs of Catriona, tells the story of four girls chosen to protect a magical world called Catriona. With elements of fantasy, friendship, and bravery, the book reflects Anusha’s strong storytelling skills and creativity far beyond her years.

Published by Red Turtle, the children's imprint of Rupa Publications, Heirs of Catriona was well-received by readers and critics alike. It stood out not just because of the young age of the author but because of its structured plot, engaging narrative, and imaginative world-building.

Anusha’s success story became an inspiration for many young readers across India. She has been featured in interviews, book events, and school discussions, where she motivates students to write, read, and explore their creative abilities. Despite her early fame, she continues to focus on learning, reading, and improving her craft.

Her story proves that passion, encouragement, and discipline can help young people achieve extraordinary goals. Anusha Subramanian remains a role model for budding writers, showing that age is no limit when it comes to imagination and hard work.

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Author feature:

About the Author:

Anishka Awasthi is a rising Indian author, poet, and digital storyteller who has made a significant impact through her heartfelt writing and emotionally rich content. Widely followed on platforms like Instagram, Anishka has carved a space for herself among contemporary writers who connect deeply with the emotions of today’s youth. Her writing explores themes of love, loss, healing, personal growth, and empowerment, making her voice particularly resonant for readers who are navigating the complexities of relationships and self-discovery.

Anishka's style is intimate, poetic, and often vulnerable. She writes in both English and Hindi, allowing her to reach a broader and more diverse audience. Her work often feels like a personal conversation — comforting, raw, and real. Many of her poems and short prose pieces delve into the pain of heartbreak, the journey toward self-love, and the bittersweet nature of memories. In doing so, she gives words to emotions that many struggle to articulate, which is a major reason for her growing popularity.

Her Instagram presence (@anishkaawasthi) serves as her main platform, where she regularly posts her writings, spoken-word videos, and motivational thoughts. With every post, she creates a safe space for her followers — a virtual diary that invites readers to reflect, feel, and heal. Her content is widely shared and often goes viral, especially among young readers who find comfort and clarity in her words.

Though she is primarily known for her digital writing, Anishka Awasthi is also gradually making her mark in the literary world. While she may not yet have a full-length published book, she has contributed to anthologies, e-zines, and various online poetry platforms. There are hints from her audience and posts that she may be working on a debut book or poetry collection in the near future — something eagerly anticipated by her fans.

More than just a writer, Anishka is often seen as a voice of emotional resilience, encouraging her readers to embrace their emotions and find strength in vulnerability. Her words have become a form of healing for many, and she continues to inspire a generation that seeks connection and meaning in a fast-paced, digital world.

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 Author Feature:

Nikita singh

About the author:

Nikita Singh is a bestselling Indian author known for her emotional and youth-centric romantic novels. Born on October 6, 1991, in Ranchi, she grew up in cities like Patna and Indore. She completed her graduation in Pharmacy and later pursued an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School in New York. Her passion for writing began early, and at the age of 19, she published her debut novel Love @ Facebook, which gained instant popularity among young readers.

Over the years, Nikita has written several successful novels that explore themes like love, heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery. Some of her most popular books include Accidentally in Love, Someone Like You, If It’s Not Forever (co-authored with Durjoy Datta), The Promise, Like a Love Song, Every Time It Rains, Letters to My Ex, and The Reason is You. Her writing style is simple, relatable, and emotionally engaging, which makes her stories appealing to a wide audience, especially the youth.

With more than a million copies of her books sold, Nikita Singh is regarded as one of the leading voices in modern Indian fiction. Through her books, she continues to inspire young readers to understand relationships and embrace emotional growth.

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