@vikasswarup
Ex-diplomat, television host, geopolitical expert and author of four bestselling novels, Q&A (adapted as Slumdog Millionaire), Six Suspects (adapted as The Great Indian Murder), The Accidental Apprentice and The Girl with the Seven Lives.
✨ Thrilled to share that my novel The Girl with the Seven Lives has been longlisted for the Crossword Book Awards 2025 (Fiction)!
Grateful to the jury for this recognition and to all my readers who have embraced Devi’s journey of reinvention and resilience.
As neighbours grapple with collapsing regimes and turmoil, India emerges as the region’s anchor — marked by democratic stability and economic resilience. Here is my article in The Daily Pioneer : The Anchor in the Storm: India’s Role Amid Regional Chaos
Big thanks to my friend Reuben Gauci, the High Commissioner of Malta, for introducing me to the famous Maltese actor Manuel Cutajar, who's visiting India. Delighted to meet a fellow storyteller — and honoured that he's a fan of Slumdog Millionaire!
As PM Modi returns to Canada after a decade, I've penned this piece for The Tribune on why the moment is ripe for a quiet reset in India-Canada ties. Strategic convergence, not tactical provocation, must guide the way forward.
📰 Hope floats for a thaw: www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment...
Climbed the sandstone steps of Pre Rup, Angkor’s beautiful cremation temple glowing in the late afternoon light. Towering spires, warm stone, and sweeping views — it feels like time stands still here. A perfect place to pause and reflect. 🛕🌅✨ #PreRup
Explored East Mebon — a majestic 10th-century temple built on what was once an island in a vast reservoir. Guardian elephants still stand watch, and the view from the top is pure timelessness. A reminder of Angkor’s engineering genius and spiritual depth. 🛕🐘✨ #EastMebon #AngkorArchitecture
Visited Neak Poan, the mystical island temple in the middle of a lotus-filled lake. Reached by a serene wooden causeway, it felt like stepping into another world — peaceful, poetic, and full of ancient symbolism. A hidden gem of Angkor. 🪷🌿🛕 #NeakPoan #IslandTemple #AngkorSerenity
Walked through the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Ta Prohm — where ancient stone meets giant tree roots in a stunning embrace. Made famous by Tomb Raider, but its real magic lies in the way nature and history intertwine. Mysterious. Majestic. Unforgettable. 🌳🛕🎬 #TaProhm #TombRaiderTemple
Visited the mesmerizing Bayon Temple — where hundreds of serene stone faces gaze out from towering spires. A surreal, spiritual experience in the heart of Angkor Thom. History, mystery, and beauty carved in every corner. 🇰🇭🗿✨ #BayonTemple #FaceOfAngkor #CambodiaChronicles #SacredStone
Finally made it to Angkor Wat — the largest Hindu temple in the world and a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Standing before its majestic towers at sunrise was both humbling and awe-inspiring. A timeless symbol of devotion and imagination. 🇰🇭🛕✨ #AngkorWat
Just back from a wonderful holiday in Koh Samui — a perfect escape of golden beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning temples. From lazy afternoons by the sea to exploring the island’s rich cultural heritage, it was an unforgettable blend of rest and discovery. 🌴🌺✨ #KohSamui
Delighted to be in vibrant Guwahati to address the Northeast India chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization, last evening. Had a stimulating exchange on my literary journey, the shifting world order, geopolitics, and the forces shaping our future. Impressed by the insight and dynamism in the room.
It was a pleasure to speak at the 10th National Leadership Conclave of the All India Management Association. The session titled "From Slumdog to Summits" delved into storytelling, soft power, and shaping global narratives.
"Movies will make you famous; Television will make you rich; But theatre will make you good." Honoured to be part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the @METAwards at Kamani Auditorium and to present the award for Best Script, celebrating the power of storytelling on stage.
Spoke at Shiv Nadar University on Geopolitics in the Age of Disruption. Discussed shifting power dynamics, the AI revolution,& the fragility of the global order. A probing Q&A followed—proof that the next generation isn’t just watching history unfold; they’re eager to shape it.
Each book is a passport to unexpected journeys—some on the page, others on the stage. Had a lovely conversation with Mainka Raikwar at IIC Delhi for the Words in the Garden festival. A full house, sharp students from IILM University,& boundless literary energy. Thank you Nidhi Razdan for the invite.
My acceptance speech at the KLF Book Awards 2025: youtu.be/D_b75IqwBgQ?...
Thrilled to announce that The Girl With The Seven Lives has received the Best English Fiction Award at the Kalinga Litfest Book Awards 2025! Grateful to the jury, readers, my publishers & organizers. A privilege to receive the award from the Hon'ble Minister for Tourism and Culture.
Where else but at Jaipur Literature Festival can you casually rub shoulders with a former UK Prime Minister, a Hollywood star, a Bollywood legend, and a World Cup-winning cricketer—all in the space of 24 hours? Forget six degrees of separation; at JLF it’s more like six feet of serendipity!
Thrilled to see The Girl with the Seven Lives shortlisted for the Kalinga Literary Festival Book Awards 2025 in the Fiction (English) category! Honored to be among such incredible storytellers.
After becoming a national bestseller in India,Devi's story is making waves internationally,longlisted for the prestigious Dublin Literary Award. Honoured to see my book amongst those chosen by 83 libraries across 34 countries.My heartfelt thanks to the librarians and readers who made this possible!
Honoured and thrilled to share that The Girl with the Seven Lives has made it to the longlist for the Kalinga Literary Festival Book Awards 2024 in the Fiction (English) category! Grateful to all the readers who’ve embraced this story. #KLFBookAwards2024
Delighted to be back in Lucknow, the City of Nawabs!
Just watched Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light. A powerful and poetic exploration of love, loneliness, and belonging. Also an evocative tribute to Mumbai in all its squalor and glory, it captures the soul of the city with rare artistry.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, a leader of great vision, integrity, and humility. His contributions to India’s economic growth and global standing are unparalleled. A true statesman who will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Delighted to dive into What the West Should Learn from India by my friend, former German Ambassador to India, Walter J Lindner. Many thanks to Chiki Sarkar and Juggernautbooks for sending me this thought-provoking read!
Had the privilege of speaking to the Officer Trainees of the 2024 Indian Foreign Service batch on the Big Picture of Public Diplomacy. As future storytellers of Brand India, they will shape how the world sees our nation. Wishing them success in this vital mission!
Had a fantastic session at the Bangalore Litfest in conversation with wonderful Sumeet Shetty on The Girl with the Seven Lives. Engaging dialogue, insightful questions, and such lovely energy from the audience—truly a memorable experience!
Delighted to be at the Bangalore Litfest! A terrific lineup of authors, an enthusiastic audience packing every session, and an energy that's uniquely Bengaluru. Truly a festival with a vibe of its own!
Excited to discuss The Girl with the Seven Lives at the Bangalore Litfest with Sumeet Shetty! Join us at Waterfront, Lalit Ashok, on Sunday, December 15, at 10:15 AM. Free entry. Let’s celebrate where words matter!