Karina Pandya

  “For you, a thousand times over” When Khaled Hosseini wrote those words, he etched literary history. However, hearing them spoken aloud under stage lights at the NCPA Mumbai in a haunting silence, that’s what held one’s breath. This story was one such story that was meant not just to be read but also to be felt.   This June 2025, The Kite Runner landed on Indian soil in the form of a heart-wrenching stage adaptation, where it was not only a packed houseful that evening, but everyone waited with bated breath to watch this play. I still remember reading this novel when I had lost interest in reading altogether, but this book stood out from the rest, paving a special place in my heart.    The play, which was directed with sensitivity and restraint, drew all of Mumbai’s theatre and literary lovers together. Directed by Tahera, the founder of Arena Theatre Productions , the play has been produced by Ayisha and Tahera under Arena Theatre Productions. It has been adapted ...

    There’s something very deeply personal about launching a book from your living room. No stage, no spotlight – just heart and some friendly faces.     On the 30 th  of May, 7 of my NGO friends gathered at home for my first book launch. The setting was very humble, and the energy was very powerful. These are the people whom I regularly met in class, and where the seeds of the book took root. The menu was spread out for the evening – yellow and white dhoklas, khandvi rolls, sandwiches, jalebhi and cake. The room was brimming to the top with tea and laughter. While we clicked many pictures and had fun, we also created a fun video where everyone took my signature in their books.    There were no filters over here, just pure love and connection. That launch wasn’t just a product, but it was about purpose.   On June 7, 2025, fifteen close friends gathered, sprawled across sofas, balancing cups of chai, juice, and plates of sandwiches as we laughed, d...