Indian authors 2026
As India's literary scene continues to grow, a new group of writers is stepping forward to shape the stories we read and the ideas we discuss. From engaging fiction to thoughtful non-fiction, these authors reflect the many voices and experiences found across the country. Each writer on this list shows a strong command of craft and a fresh point of view, making them names to watch in 2026. The selection includes new voices breaking away from familiar patterns as well as established authors exploring new directions. Their work has the power to start conversations, reach wider audiences, and stay with readers long after the last page.
Here are the authors who are expanding the scope of Indian writing through clarity, originality, and purpose.
Chetan Bhagat:
Chetan Prakash Bhagat is one of India's most influential contemporary authors, screenwriters, and public commentators. He is known for his ability to connect deeply with young readers through accessible storytelling and social insight. An IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, Bhagat began his career in investment banking before dedicating himself to writing full- time. His latest novel, 12 Years: My Messed-Up Love Story, marks his highly anticipated return to the romance genre after more than a decade, exploring love, identity, and modern relationships with humour and emotion. Beyond fiction, Bhagat writes columns and hosts conversations about culture, ambition, and personal growth.
Chirag Chhabra:
Chirag Chhabra is a business coach and growth strategist who works with founders and entrepreneurs to build scalable, profit-driven enterprises. He is the author of 7 Steps to 7 Figures, a practical guide that distils real-world business principles into clear, actionable systems for revenue growth and leadership clarity. Through coaching, workshops, and advisory work, he focuses on strategy, execution, and mindset required to scale sustainably. Known for his structured yet grounded approach, Chirag helps business owners move from confusion to confident decision-making in competitive markets.
Prabir Ghosh:
Prabir Ghosh is a Chartered Accountant and former senior corporate leader who brings a rare blend of professional rigour and literary passion to his writing. After an extensive global career as Head of Global Business, with travel across Europe, Southeast Asia, the United States, and Africa, he turned his lifelong love for history and literature into authorship. His debut poetry collection, A Small Bouquet of My Feelings (2023), was well received by serious readers of Bengali literature. This was followed by India - Glimpses of Her Journey (2024), which earned the Golden Book Awards 2025 and placed him among the Top 50 Most Influential Authors 2024. His latest book, Fifty Grey Shades from Indian History, reflects meticulous research and a fresh, engaging narrative style aimed at introducing Gen Z readers to India's past beyond dates and facts. He is currently working on his next book, expected in mid-2026.
Dr Alok Kumar Bhargava:
Dr Alok Kumar Bhargava is a scholar-engineer, dharmic thinker, and advocate for spiritual humanism; bridging ancient wisdom with the realities of contemporary life. With a rare cross-cultural understanding of world religions and ethical traditions, he articulates a universal vision of Dharma rooted in peace, responsibility, and conscious living. His acclaimed work TrayiVÃÂá¹Âë - Eternal Verses on Peace, Silence and Discernment (https://trayivani.in) is a contemplative philosophical guide structured around three original Sanskrit shlokas exploring à ÂÃÂnti (Peace), Mauna (Silence), and Viveka (Discernment). Originally composed in Sanskrit, TrayiVÃÂá¹Âë is available in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Sanskrit, French, Russian, and Chinese. Dr. Bhargava actively shares reflections and teachings through digital platforms, including YouTube, reaching a global audience seeking clarity, ethical depth, and inner harmony.
Major Vinod Kumar:
Major Vinod Kumar is a military veteran with over twelve years of service in the Indian Army, where discipline, duty, and national ethos shaped his leadership style. He currently serves with a Public Sector Undertaking, overseeing physical and information security, fire safety, disaster management, and protocol operations. Alongside public service, he is a published poet and author of Emotions' Rainbow and Unbridled (Vol 1). Capturing tremors of the heart and the silent courage of military life, he writes with a voice both grounded and elevated, resonating deeply with readers seeking meaning, authenticity, and poetic calm. His work reflects a rare blend of military rigor and emotional depth, offering thoughtful perspectives on leadership, human values, and reflective living.
Harveen Kaur:
Harveen Kaur Sodhi Pruthi is a motivational author known for her strong voice and clear message of self-worth. Her debut book "Her Untold Chapters" gained national recognition for its honest writing and its ability to help readers understand their own strength. Her upcoming book Jeevan Ka Naya Safar continues this vision by guiding people toward healing, confidence and steady personal growth. Harveen believes that every setback can shape a better beginning, and her work inspires readers to rise with clarity and pride. She writes for those who have faced difficult moments and still wish to move forward with purpose.
Abhishek Mittal:
Abhishek Mittal is an author, podcaster, and reflective storyteller who explores modern relationships, emotional honesty, and inner growth. He is the author of Broken Algorithm, a contemporary novel that questions logic driven love and the quiet fears that shape adult relationships. Through his YouTube channel and podcast, Wisdom Whispers, he creates thoughtful conversations around self awareness, vulnerability, and lived experience. His writing blends everyday realism with emotional depth, inviting readers to pause, introspect, and reconnect with the human side of ambition, love, and choice in an increasingly calculated world.
Prakash G. Rathore:
Prakash G. Rathore is a fin-tech entrepreneur and financial inclusion advocate, dedicated to making government-backed loans accessible to everyone. He is the founder of Loan Doctor, an initiative that simplifies subsidy-based loan schemes through digital tools and structured guidance. His book Loan Doctor: Fintech Making Government Subsidy Loans Work for You provides a clear, hands-on roadmap for navigating government financial assistance. Praising the book, bestselling author Chetan Bhagat noted, "Loan Doctor is a timely and much-needed book. It simplifies complex government subsidy loan schemes and explains how fintech can truly empower the common man. Prakash Rathore has translated financial knowledge into practical guidance that can change lives." The book was launched in the presence of the celebrated author, underscoring its focus on financial literacy and inclusion.
Sushmit Verma:
Sushmit Verma is an entrepreneur, media strategist, and publishing leader, best known as the Founder and CEO of Truth and Social Publication. He has played a pivotal role in transforming ideas into impactful books and personal brands, working closely with professionals, authors, and industry leaders across sectors. With expertise spanning writing, publishing, and media strategy, Verma has led the successful launch of over 200 book titles, supporting storytelling through books, podcasts, and digital platforms. His work has received recognition from national leaders, including the 14th President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla. Backed by experience in marketing, branding, and environmental science, Verma continues to empower voices and shape influence through purposeful thought leadership.
Dr. Kunal Banka:
Dr. Kunal Banka is a senior dental implantologist and life coach with over eighteen years of clinical experience, known for his expertise in advanced implantology and practice transformation. Based in Ranchi, Jharkhand, his practice is exclusively focused on dental implants, specializing in sinus lifts, ridge expansion, socket shield techniques, and Guided Bone Regeneration. He has pursued advanced training through national and international programs, including fellowships and certifications in implantology and healthcare administration. Beyond clinical work, Dr. Banka is a respected lecturer and mentor, having spoken for leading implant brands and professional forums in India and abroad. He is the author of 30 Days Challenge - Live the Magical Life and A Dentist's Guide to Practice Expansion, reflecting his commitment to leadership, growth, and purposeful practice.
