Top 30 Romantic Indian Writers in English in 2024 [Moderated]
Edited on June 27, 2024: Thank you for all the love on this post. I feel truly grateful (🙏).
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Top 30 Romantic Indian Writers in English
Updated on 11th July, 2024:
The world of Indian literature is vibrant and diverse, with stories that weave through the intricate patterns of love, longing, and the profound depths of the human heart.
Writing in English, a number of Indian authors have made significant contributions to the romantic genre, offering readers around the globe a chance to experience love through a uniquely Indian lens.
Here’s my take on the top 30 romantic Indian writers in English, whose works have captivated hearts and imaginations.
1. Chetan Bhagat
Known for his relatable characters and engaging narratives, Chetan Bhagat is a household name in India. His books, often revolving around young love, ambition, and the challenges of modern India, are immensely popular. “2 States” is a quintessential romantic novel that explores the complexities of inter-state marriages in India.
2. Durjoy Datta
With his finger on the pulse of young India, Durjoy Datta’s novels explore themes of love, desire, and relationships. His storytelling is compelling, making books like “Till The Last Breath” and “The Boy Who Loved” resonate deeply with readers looking for contemporary love stories.
3. Ravinder Singh
Ravinder Singh tugs at the heartstrings with his emotional tales of love and loss. “I Too Had A Love Story” is a poignant narrative, drawing from the author’s own life, that touches on the beauty of love and the pain of its departure.
4. Preethi Shenoy
Preethi Shenoy writes with a deep understanding of human emotions, crafting stories that are both touching and thought-provoking. “Life is What You Make It” explores love’s power to heal and transform, even in the darkest times.
5. Nikita Singh
Nikita Singh is known for her engaging romance novels that explore complex relationships and emotional growth. Her book, “The Reason is You,” is a beautiful exploration of love, life, and everything in between.
6. Sudeep Nagarkar
Sudeep Nagarkar has a knack for creating relatable characters and plots that speak directly to the reader’s heart. His novels, like “Few Things Left Unsaid,” are filled with the essence of youthful love and the trials it faces.
7. Preeti Shenoy
Preeti Shenoy’s storytelling brilliance lies in her ability to weave emotions with everyday life. Her novels, such as “The Secret Wishlist,” delve into the realms of love, longing, and finding oneself.
8. Bhavik Sarkhedi
Bhavik Sarkhedi is recognized for his distinctive voice in the realm of contemporary Indian literature, especially in weaving narratives that strike a fine balance between humor, insight, and the intricacies of human relationships.
His work, marked by a keen observation of the modern-day milieu, brings to life characters and stories that resonate with readers on a personal level.
Through titles such as “The Unproposed Guy”, “The Weak Point Dealer” and “Will You Walk A Mile?”, Sarkhedi showcases his flair for exploring the subtleties of life and love, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone that captivates and entertains.
His ability to infuse stories with a unique blend of wit, emotional depth, and a sharp commentary on societal norms distinguishes him as a notable figure in the landscape of Indian writing in English.
Sarkhedi’s contributions not only enrich the genre but also provide a fresh perspective on the everyday complexities of navigating love, aspirations, and the search for personal identity in a rapidly changing world.
9. Manju Kapur
Manju Kapur’s novels, such as “Custody,” offer a more sober and profound exploration of love, marriage, and family dynamics in the Indian context, providing a poignant look at the complexities of relationships.
10. Twinkle Khanna
Twinkle Khanna, with her book “Pyjamas Are Forgiving,” showcases her sharp wit and keen observation, making her narrative both engaging and insightful, with a subtle romantic undertone.
11. Devdutt Pattanaik
Though not a romantic writer in the traditional sense, Devdutt Pattanaik’s exploration of love in mythology, particularly in books like “Shikhandi: And Other Tales They Don’t Tell You,” offers a unique perspective on the forms and expressions of love.
12. Amish Tripathi
Amish Tripathi’s mythological narratives, while largely focused on epic tales and ancient lore, also delve into the romantic lives of gods and mortals, offering a divine take on love and passion.
13. Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things” is not a romance novel per se, but the intricate relationships and forbidden love it explores are deeply moving and beautifully written, showcasing her prowess as a storyteller.
14. Jhumpa Lahiri
Jhumpa Lahiri, in her collection of short stories “Interpreter of Maladies,” and novels like “The Namesake,” captures the nuances of love and relationships, often set against the backdrop of cultural dislocation.
15. Kiran Desai
Kiran Desai’s “The Inheritance of Loss” weaves together various stories of love and longing that cross boundaries, both geographical and emotional, in a narrative that’s as complex as it is compelling.
Absolutely, expanding the list to include more romantic Indian writers in English can provide a richer and more diverse reading experience. Here’s an extension of the list to reach a total of 30 notable authors, each with their unique contributions to the genre of romance and beyond.
16. Anuja Chauhan
Renowned for her delightful romantic comedies set against the backdrop of Indian societal norms, Anuja Chauhan captures the heart with her engaging narratives and unforgettable characters. Her work, including “Battle For Bittora,” offers a perfect blend of humor, romance, and a dash of Indian political satire.
17. Shobhaa Dé
Shobhaa Dé, through her novels, explores love, sexuality, and relationships within the complexities of Indian society. Her candid and often provocative approach in books like “Starry Nights” provides a raw look at the glamor and shadows of the entertainment industry, intertwined with the essence of romantic entanglements.
18. Sudha Murty
Sudha Murty’s works, while not always centered on romance, often touch upon love in its various forms — be it through simple narratives or profound tales that span generations. Her storytelling in “House of Cards” reflects on the strength and resilience of love amidst life’s challenges.
19. Anita Nair
Anita Nair writes with a nuanced understanding of human relationships, crafting stories where love is often a central theme, exploring its complexities and variances. “Ladies Coupe” is a testament to her ability to weave together different strands of love and life.
20. Vikram Seth
Vikram Seth’s magnum opus, “A Suitable Boy,” is a sprawling narrative that, among its many threads, explores love in its many forms and nuances, set against the post-partition era of India, making for a rich tapestry of cultural and romantic exploration.
21. Karan Bajaj
Karan Bajaj’s novels, such as “The Seeker,” though more focused on spiritual and existential journeys, encapsulate the essence of love and the quest for it amidst the larger quest for meaning in life.
22. Jaishree Misra
Jaishree Misra’s “Ancient Promises” delves into themes of love, marriage, and the quest for personal identity within the confines of societal norms, providing a deeply touching narrative that resonates with many.
23. R. K. Narayan
R. K. Narayan, one of India’s most beloved authors, in his Malgudi Days series, captures the innocence and complexity of love in small-town India, with a charm that’s both timeless and heartwarming.
24. Thrity Umrigar
Thrity Umrigar, in “The Space Between Us,” explores the unlikely bonds of love and friendship that form across societal divides, offering a poignant look at the ways in which love can transcend barriers.
25. Indu Sundaresan
Indu Sundaresan’s historical fiction, notably “The Twentieth Wife,” brings to life the opulent and intricate tales of love from India’s rich past, weaving a narrative that’s as enchanting as it is historically compelling.
26. Amulya Malladi
Amulya Malladi’s books often explore love amidst cultural and existential dilemmas. Her novel “A House for Happy Mothers” delves into the complex emotions and relationships involved in surrogacy, bringing a new dimension to the exploration of maternal love.
27. Shashi Deshpande
Shashi Deshpande’s narratives, including “That Long Silence,” often explore the inner lives of women, touching upon themes of love, marriage, and self-discovery, providing a nuanced perspective on the complexities of relationships.
28. Ashok K. Banker
Ashok K. Banker is renowned for his retelling of Indian epics, and his series on the Ramayana presents the epic love story of Rama and Sita in a way that’s both ancient and relevant to contemporary readers.
29. Bapsi Sidhwa
Bapsi Sidhwa, though Pakistani, her works are celebrated in India and globally. “Ice-Candy-Man” (also known as “Cracking India”) captures the tumultuous period of partition through the eyes of a young girl, weaving in themes of love, loss, and the search for identity amidst chaos.
30. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni masterfully blends the magical with the mundane in her storytelling. “The Palace of Illusions” retells the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective, offering a fresh look at the epic’s legendary love stories and the profound emotions at their heart.
Adding these authors not only broadens the scope of romantic literature in English by Indian authors but also highlights the varied and rich canvas they write against. From historical romances to
modern-day love stories, these authors have enriched the genre with their unique voices and unforgettable narratives.
These authors, with their unique voices and perspectives, offer readers a glimpse into the many facets of love. Their stories, rooted in the Indian experience but universal in emotion, remind us of the power of love to inspire, heal, and transform.
