Author and media personality Amish Tripathi dives into mythology, culture, society, and global challenges.

By Shivendra Parihar

In this exclusive interview, bestselling author Amish Tripathi shares his insights on Indian mythology, liberalism, freedom of expression, global challenges, and the balance between materialism and spirituality. He discusses the cultural economy, the sustainability of writing, and his perspective on society, politics, and modern complexities.

Excerpts from the interview…

What are the key influences in your early life that drew you towards writing about mythology?

I come from a traditional family; my grandfather was a priest at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and our home life was steeped in scriptures and traditions, though we studied at elite English schools. This blend of modern education and cultural roots shaped me. Despite a 14-year CXO-level career in financial services, I felt drawn to storytelling. An idea rooted in philosophy and mythology struck me in 2004, inspired by our dinner-table discussions. My first book, ‘The Immortals of Meluha’, was rejected initially but thrived after self-publishing, proving the demand for stories reconnecting Indians to their roots. It’s just that the supply wasn’t there because the people making the decisions were so Westernized. They just assumed that all that Indians are interested in is trying to find out how they can become more American. And I’m not anti-west. There are good things in the West, learn that, no doubt. But there is a hunger to be reconnected to our roots as well, which is perhaps a little more obvious. Now, maybe it wasn’t that obvious to the decision-makers at that time.

Among your 11 best-selling books over the past 14 years, do you have any personal favourites?
All of them. Asking an author, which child is your favourite, is a tough question. But personally, I prefer non-fiction. Even my fiction books begin as non-fiction theses or philosophical ideas, with the fiction serving as a more engaging wrapper. I read more non-fiction, but it’s the fiction that reaches millions.

What are your thoughts on the popularity of self-help books by Western authors among the new generation?

Self-help books offer simplistic solutions that don’t reflect the complexities of life. If they truly worked, they wouldn’t need to be constantly sold. Life is about handling challenges and consequences, not seeking perfection. Even divine figures like Lord Shiva and Lord Ram faced grief. Our scriptures emphasise that life is a balance of success and suffering, and the key is learning to navigate both. Self-help books promising a perfect life are misleading; the real task is learning to handle life’s ups and downs with resilience.

Writing about mythology can be sensitive and controversial. How have you managed these challenges to maintain a positive public image?
I believe Indians are intuitively liberal, meaning they accept different interpretations as long as they’re done with respect. Disrespect leads to controversy, which is natural. Unlike the West, India’s response is often measured, with court cases being the worst outcome. Additionally, some artistes create controversy for publicity, but it’s possible to avoid it by focusing on quality work and avoiding sensationalism. It requires more effort, but it’s worth it for genuine recognition.

What motivated you to leave a successful corporate career for writing? Was it purely passion, a desire to express yourself, or a mission to promote India’s rich cultural heritage?
My decision to leave a corporate career was driven by a combination of factors. Initially, I wrote for self-fulfillment, seeking personal satisfaction. Over time, writing became a way to contribute to society and promote India’s rich cultural heritage. I feel fortunate that through writing, I can earn, find personal fulfillment, and contribute to a global conversation on balancing tradition and liberalism — something I believe Indian culture offers as a solution to societal challenges.

You’ve branched out into various areas recently. Can you tell us about your new initiatives like the Writers Centre, movies, documentaries, YouTube, and upcoming books?
I have more story ideas than the capacity to write, so I don’t want to carry them to my cremation pyre. The idea behind the Writers Centre is to hire writers to take my 4,000-word summaries and expand them into full-length books in my writing style. This approach allows me to release more books — three of my 11 books were developed this way. I also produce and host documentaries like ‘Legends of the Ramayan’ and ‘Journey of India’, and my podcast ‘Immortal India with Amish’ explores topics like India’s pre-British identity. These efforts aim to reconnect modern audiences with India’s cultural heritage.

Is the idea behind your YouTube channel and podcast to debunk myths, or is it a continuation of your books?
It’s the same thing. At my core, I’m a storyteller providing different insights on India and our culture. I do this through books, documentaries, and podcasts. Each platform lets me reach people differently, but the essence remains the same.

You mentioned movies. Is there something specific in the pipeline, like the film project on ‘Suheldev’?
Yes, while the ‘Shiva Trilogy’ and ‘Ramchandra’ series are still waiting, there’s a movie called ‘Radha Ramanam’, based on Lord Krishna. I’m the Creative Director for this film, set to release by 2026. More details will be shared later, but it’s an exciting project.

Can you tell us about the new book you are working on?
My next book is about ‘Rajaraja Chola’, a South Indian king from a thousand years ago. His empire was larger than that of Akbar, but history books often focus too much on Delhi-centric rulers. The Cholas, Palas, and Gurjara-Pratiharas — great dynasties outside Delhi — deserve more attention, and I hope to bring that to light with this book.

With the rise of aspiring writers and content explosion on social media, do you think writing is a sustainable career choice today? What advice would you give to young writers?
Writing can be a sustainable career, but it’s unpredictable. Unlike traditional careers like banking or IT, the creative industry doesn’t guarantee a steady income. Most writers don’t make enough to cover their bills, while a small percentage achieve success. If you’re pursuing writing, focus on giving voice to your soul, not just fame or money. If you’re not financially comfortable with uncertainty, consider having a backup job. Success in writing requires passion, resilience, and the humility to accept the unpredictability of the journey.

You spent four-and-a-half years in London working on promoting Indian culture. Can you share more about that experience?
During my time in London as Director of the Nehru Center, I focused on promoting Indian culture through strategic initiatives. The Indian Government encouraged new ideas to influence global perceptions of India. I worked to create positive representations of India, acknowledging London’s role in shaping global opinions, and aimed to impact how the world views our rich cultural heritage.

You’ve spoken about the cultural economy. How does India stand to gain from its rich cultural heritage?
India’s cultural heritage offers immense potential for economic growth, particularly in film, music, tourism, and soft power. By leveraging culture, India can create jobs, boost tourism, and strengthen its global influence. The cultural economy surpasses traditional hard power in creating long term benefits, both economically and politically. It’s a tool for national progress and can enhance India’s international position.

In light of recent controversies, do you believe that freedom of expression for writers, filmmakers, and artists is at risk?

Yes, freedom of expression in India is at risk. Since the First Amendment of 1951, restrictions on speech and expression have been imposed, and censorship remains a concern. To protect freedom of expression, we must repeal these restrictions, strengthen state capacity to prevent violence in response to words, and use our own cultural texts to defend liberalism. Indian liberals must look to our ancient traditions to promote freedom of expression effectively, not rely on Western examples.

As a scholar and thinker, what is your perspective on major global challenges today like climate change, technological disruptions, geopolitical tensions, divisive politics, and rising inequality? Where do you think this world is heading?

I have a book idea that will probably take a few years to put down. All my thoughts are still not formulated as yet. We are entering a tumultuous phase, marked by geopolitical shifts, technological disruptions, and social unrest. The world is becoming multipolar, leading to increased conflict, both economic and physical. Technologies like AI are radically altering power dynamics, while climate change and rising inequality exacerbate tensions. The future is uncertain; this pivotal decade could lead to self-destruction or adaptation. Change is inevitable, and how we navigate these challenges will determine our future.

Do you believe that material prosperity leads to a greater need for spirituality? How do you see the interplay between these two aspects?

Yes, material prosperity without balance leads to a thirst for spirituality. Ancient Indian concepts like ‘Purushartha’ emphasise a balance between Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasures), and Moksha (spiritual liberation). Modern society often prioritizes wealth and pleasure, but true prosperity comes from balancing all aspects of life. Spirituality restores meaning and stability, especially when material pursuits dominate.