3.2 Diksha Basu: Old Families, New Money - Capturing The Growing Upper Middle Class in India

Tara and Michelle talk to Diksha Basu, critically acclaimed author of The Windfall and Destination Wedding, about how she creates memorable characters with humor and empathy. 

This episode is sponsored by Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, who roast + brew India's best Arabica coffee. Use the code mentioned in the episode to get a 10% discount on all coffee purchases over INR 400. Offer valid till 31st July, 2021.

Diksha shares how her mentor, Gary Shteyngart, gave her the confidence to create characters completely different from herself. Tara and Michelle love that her older women characters are inspired by her grandmother and the other badass women in her life. Her latest book, Destination Wedding, is being adapted to the screen! Why does she love translations? Why is Delhi such an important part of her stories? How did her book create a bidding war? Tune in to find out!

Diksha Basu is a writer and occasional actor. Originally from New Delhi, India, she holds a BA in Economics from Cornell University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and now divides her time between New York City and Mumbai. Buy her latest book here: https://www.amazon.in/Destination-Wedding-Diksha-Basu/dp/1526630494 

Book Recommendations:

• A Bad Character by Deepti Kapoor
• Luster by Raven Leilani
• Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

Authors She Loves:

• Chimamanda Adichie
• Zadie Smith 
• Arunava Sinha
• Meena Kandasamy

'Books and Beyond with Bound' is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D'costa of Bound talk to some of the best writers in India and find out what makes them tick. Read more: https://boundindia.com/books-and-beyond-podcast/ 

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If you’re looking for a mentor to guide you through your writing journey, DM us or send us an email at [email protected]. 

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‘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.