Anand Neelakantan

{{Infobox writer

| name = Anand Neelakantan

| image = Anand111.JPG

| caption = Anand Neelakantan

| birth_date =

| birth_place = Thrippunithura, Kerala, India

| occupation = {{hlist|Novelist|screenwriter|public speaker|columnist}}

| years active = 2012 – present

| alma_mater = Government Engineering College, Thrissur

| genre = Mythological fiction

| notableworks = Asura: Tale of the Vanquished
Ajaya: Roll of the Dice
Ajaya: Rise of Kali
The Rise of Sivagami

| spouse = Aparna Anand

| children = 2- Abhinav Anand , Ananya Anand

| website = {{URL|anandneelakantan.com}}

}}

Anand Neelakantan is an Indian novelist, columnist, screenwriter, and public speaker. One of India's best selling authors, He is known for writing mythological fiction and has authored 16 books in English and one in Malayalam. He has been writing a column in The New Indian Express since 2017.{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/author/anand-neelakantan/ | title=Author }}

He follows the style of telling stories based on the perspective of the antagonists or supporting characters. His debut work Asura: Tale of the Vanquished (2012) was based on the Indian epic Ramayana, told from the perspective of Ravana—the first book in his Ramayana series. It was followed by series of books based on characters from Mahabharata and Baahubali. His books have been translated to different languages such as Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Assamese, English, Sinhalese, Burmese, Japense and Indonesian. Anand has written screenplays for Hindi television serials, such as Siya Ke Ram on Star TV, Mahabali Hanuman on Sony TV, Chakravarthy Ashoka on Colors TV, Sarfarosh on Netflix, Swaraj on DD National, Srimad Ramayan on Sony TV, among others. He has written the story for the OTT series TAJ on Zee5. Anand has acted in three advertisement films and has also played the role of Ettappa Naicker in the TV show Swaraj on Doordarshan.{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2022/dec/11/anand-neelakantans-debut-as-the-devils-advocate-in-historical-drama-2526296.html#:~:text=The%20popular%20author%2Dscreenwriter%20ventured,Neelakantan%20says%2C%20the%20obvious%20choice. | title=Anand Neelakantan's debut as the devil's advocate in historical drama }}

His Asura was featured in the list of "100 books by Indian authors to read in a lifetime" by Amazon Books editors.{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.in/b/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_100BXTLI_1a1_w?node=14142605031&pf_rd_m=A1K21FY43GMZF8&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=ZWRHRGCZQKZJMWKPZ25B&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=9c06454a-21d1-4a61-9912-1a499fc1eeee&pf_rd_i=4348234031|title=Amazon.in: 100 books by Indian authors - 100 Books To Read in a Lifetime: Books|website=amazon.in|access-date=2019-04-02}} The book has sold more than a million copies over the years. Four of his books have been shortlisted for Crossword Book Award. He was listed as one among the "100 top celebrities in India" in 2015 and in 2017 by Forbes India. Anand also writes a column for The New Indian Express on current affairs and his fortnightly column is called Acute Angle and Travel column for [https://www.outlooktraveller.com/author/anand-neelakantan Outlook Traveller] known as compass.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/Author|title=Author|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2 April 2019}}{{dead link|date=February 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Early life

He was born in Thripoonithura, a town on the outskirts of Kochi in Kerala. Anand Neelakantan is an alumnus of Government Engineering College, Trichur in Kerala. He worked for Indian Oil Corporation from 1999 to 2022, before leaving the corporation for a full-time career in writing. He draws cartoons for Malayalam magazines.{{Cite news|title = More to myth than meets the eye|url=http://telegraphindia.com/1130310/jsp/7days/story_16654196.jsp#.UhJFon_56MF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313102724/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130310/jsp/7days/story_16654196.jsp#.UhJFon_56MF|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 March 2013|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=22 April 2016|date=24 January 2016}} He is married to Aparna Anand and they have two children, Ananya Anand and Abhinav Anand.

Career

File:Anand Neelakantan.jpg

His debut novel Asura: Tale of the Vanquished{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/interviews/how-anand-neelakantan-is-giving-a-new-spin-to-mythological-tales/articleshow/59966851.cms|title=How Anand Neelakantan is giving a new spin to mythological tales - Times of India|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-04-02}} was published by Leadstart Publishing{{cite web|title=Actor Nagarjuna and Amala unveils Ajaya 2, Rise of Kali a book by Anand Neelakantan|url=http://www.raagalahari.com/localevents/59928/rise-of-kali-book-launch.aspx|website=Ragalahari|access-date=11 August 2015}} on 14 May 2012. The book became a surprise bestseller, breaking into the top seller charts within a week of its launch.{{Cite news|title='Asura', a bestseller|url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/asura-a-bestseller/article4263852.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2 January 2013|access-date=24 January 2016}} His second book was based on Mahabharata told from the perspective of Kaurava and was part of a two-book series. Ajaya: Roll of the Dice was released in December 2013 and the sequel Ajaya: Rise of Kali was released in July 2015.{{Cite news|title=From Duryodhana's perspective|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/from-duryodhanas-perspective/article7530151.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=12 August 2015|access-date=24 January 2016}}

Anand Neelakantan wrote the official prequel series of novels for the Baahubali film series. Titled Bahubali: Before the Beginning, it is a three-book series that acts as a prequel to the films. The first book of the trilogy, The Rise of Sivagami, from the Bahubali: Before the Beginning trilogy, was released on 7 March 2017.[http://www.vowelor.com/book/rise-sivagami-bahubali-anand-neelakantan-review/ "The Rise of Sivagami (Bahubali Book #1)"] by Anand Neelakantan, Westland Books S. S. Rajamouli, the director of Baahubali series, revealed the cover of the book at the Jaipur Literature Festival in 2017. The book became a blockbuster and was shortlisted for Crossword Popular Award 2018. Netflix has announced a webseries on the book. The second book in the series, Chaturanga was released on 6 August 2020. The third book, Queen of Mahishmathi, was released on 28 December 2020.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/features/anand-neelakantan-announces-final-book-in-the-bahubali-trilogy/articleshow/79936786.cms|title = Anand Neelakantan announces final book in the Bahubali trilogy - Times of India|website = The Times of India}}

Anand's debut Children's book, The Very Extremely Most Naughty Asura tales for Kids{{Cite news|title=Anand Neelakantan's upcoming book is a tale of Asuras for children - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/features/anand-neelakantans-upcoming-book-is-a-tale-of-asuras-for-children/articleshow/77999214.cms|access-date=2020-10-11|website=The Times of India|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-09-26|title=Anand Neelakantan pens debut kids' book|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/anand-neelakantan-debut-kids-book-6617123/|access-date=2020-10-11|website=The Indian Express|language=en}} was published on 28 September 2020 by Puffin books. Anand Neelakantan's fifth book Vanara,{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/books/anand-neelakantan-takes-a-proto-history-approach-in-his-new-book-vanara/cid/1677726|title=Anand Neelakantan takes a 'proto-history' approach in his new book, Vanara|website=telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-02}} the legend of Baali, Sugreeva and Tara is published by Penguin Random House and is a best seller. Anand Neelakantan's children's book, Mahi-the elephant who flew over the blue mountains was shortlisted for 2024 Crossword popular children's book award.{{Cite web |title=Kids - Crossword Award Winner |url=https://www.crossword.in/collections/kids-crossword-award-winner?srsltid=AfmBOorArmers2DHCO-7QJuzwsDTYxTX2A8-jwhu8s95l3m8CfRtas-C |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=Crossword.in |language=en}} DAR films and KR movies have announced that they have won the film adoption rights and will be producing a multilingual film on Vanara.{{cite web | access-date=2019-04-02 | url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/anand-neelakantans-book-to-be-adapted-to-film/1431760 | title=Anand Neelakantan's book to be adapted to film | website=outlookindia.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/reel/904166/film-based-on-anand-neelakantans-ramayana-spinoff-vanara-in-the-works|title=Film based on Anand Neelakantan's Ramayana spinoff 'Vanara' in the works|author=Scroll Staff|website=Scroll.in|date=December 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2 April 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/books/anand-neelakantan-takes-a-proto-history-approach-in-his-new-book-vanara/cid/1677726|title=Anand Neelakantan takes a 'proto-history' approach in his new book, Vanara|website=telegraphindia.com|access-date=6 April 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/features/anand-neelakantans-book-to-be-adapted-to-film/articleshow/66917886.cms|title=Anand Neelakantan's book to be adapted to film - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=6 April 2019}} Anand's Malayalam work Pennramayanam has been published by Mathrubhumi Books.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/books/book-reviews/pen-ramayanam-by-anand-neelakantan-1.3569336|title=സീത, മീനാക്ഷി, ശാന്ത... രാമായണത്തിലെ പെണ്‍കഥാപാത്രങ്ങളെ പുനര്‍വായിക്കുമ്പോള്‍|last=ശിവാനന്ദ്|first=അഖില്‍|website=Mathrubhumi|language=en|access-date=2 April 2019}} Harper collins has published Many Ramayanas Many Lessons, the Ramayana study of Anand Neelakantan in 2025 and the book has garnered good critical reviews. {{Cite web |last=India |first=HarperCollins Publishers |title=HarperCollins Announces the Upcoming Release of 'Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons' by Anand Neelakantan |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/harpercollins-announces-the-upcoming-release-of-many-ramayanas-many-lessons-by-anand-neelakantan-302332473.html |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}} {{Cite web |last=Sebastian |first=Shevlin |date=2025-03-09 |title='Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons' book review |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/books/2025/Mar/09/many-ramayanas-many-lessons-book-review |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Team |first=ThePrint |date=2025-02-11 |title=New book celebrates plurality of the Ramayana, invites readers to reimagine the Epic |url=https://theprint.in/softcover/new-book-celebrates-plurality-of-the-ramayana-invites-readers-to-reimagine-the-epic/2488509/ |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}

Storytel published Anand's first Audio drama, Nala's Damayanti on 14 March 2022. The audio drama has appeared in 9 Indian languages. Nala Damayanti was published in 2023 as a Novel by Penguin Random House India Ltd. Anand's second children's book, The Tale of Naughty Flying Mountains and the third, The Tale of a Naughty Prank was published by Puffin, a Penguin children's imprint. Harper Collins Children India published Anand's first non-mythological Children's book, Mahi- the Elephant Who Flew Over the Blue Mountains, an allegorical and satirical work along the lines of Animal Farm in December 2023. Storytel published the audio drama, AMBA, based on the character of Shikandin of Mahabharata in five Indian languages in January 2023.

List of works

= Novels =

;Ramayana based

Asura: Tale of the Vanquished (2012){{cite web |title=Leadstart Publishing Book Publisher, Distributor and Literary Agent |url=https://www.leadstartcorp.com/ |access-date=6 April 2019 |website=leadstartcorp.com}}
Bhoomija: Sita (2017)
Shanta: The Story of Rama's Sister (2017)
Ravana's Sister: Meenakshi (2018)
Vanara: The Legend of Baali, Sugreeva and Tara (2018)
Pennramayanam (Malayalam) (2019)
Valmiki's Women (2021)

;Mahabharata based

Ajaya: Roll of the Dice (2013)
Ajaya: Rise of Kali (2015)
Nala Damyanti: An Eternal Tale from the Mahabharata (2023)-Penguin books.

;Bahubali series

;Children's books

The Very Extremely Most Naughty Asura tales for Kids (Puffin Books) (2020)
The Tale of the Naughty Flying Mountains (Puffin) (2023)
Mahi-The Elephant Who Flew Over the Blue Mountains (Harper Collins) (2023)
The Tale of the Naughty Prank (Puffin) (2024)

; Non-fiction book

The Asura way, The Contrarian Path to Success (Jaico Books) (2024)
Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons (Harper Collins India) (2025){{Cite web |last=harperbroadcast |date=2024-12-16 |title=Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons by bestselling author Anand Neelakantan |url=https://harpercollins.co.in/blog/announcements/press-release/many-ramayanas-many-lessons/ |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=HarperCollins Publishers India Books, Novels, Authors and Reviews}}

;Audio Books

;

Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons (Audible.com) (2021)
Nala's Damayanti (Storytel.com) (2021)
Amba (Storytel.com) (2024)

=Television=

Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat (Colors TV)
Siya Ke Ram (Star Plus)
Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman (Sony TV)
Adaalat–2 (Sony TV)
Sarfarosh - Battle of Saragarhi (Netflix)
"Swaraaj" (DD National)
"Taj: Divided by Blood" (Zee 5)
"Shrimad Ramayan"-(Sony TV)- January 2024

Accolades

Best Historical Series- Indian Television Awards 2023- 'Swaraj' in DD National written by Anand Neelakantan
Best original Story- Indian Television Awards 2023- Nominated- Taj, divided by Blood- Anand Neelakantan'
Kalinga International Literary Award, 2017, Kalinga Literary Festival{{cite web|url=https://indiaeducationdiary.in/kalinga-international-award-anand-nilakantan-kalinga-literary-award-haraprasad-das-klf2017-start-june-10/|title=Kalinga International Literary Award to Anand Neelakantan, Kalinga Literary Award to Haraprasad Das, KLF2017 to start from June 10|first=India Education Diary Bureau|last=Admin|date=4 June 2017|website=IndiaEducationDiary.in|access-date=6 April 2019}}
Anand Neelakantan was rated as one of the most promising writers by Indian Express, amongst the six most remarkable writers of 2012 by Daily News and Analysis and rated as the second most read writer of 2012 by Financial Express.{{cite news|title=The most remarkable Indian writers of 2012|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/slideshow-the-most-remarkable-indian-writers-of-2012-1784009|newspaper=DNA India|access-date=24 January 2016}}
His first book Asura: Tale of the Vanquished was shortlisted for Crossword popular award in 2013 and his second book, Ajaya: Roll of the dice was shortlisted for Crossword popular award in 2014.{{Cite news|title=Anand's 'Asura' in the race for Crossword prize|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/anands-asura-in-the-race-for-crossword-prize/article5346016.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 November 2013|access-date=14 January 2016}} His book The Rise of Sivagami (Baahubali #1) was short listed for Crossword popular award in 2018
His book The Rise of Sivagami (Baahubali #1) received accolades from top Indian book reviewers.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bookgeeks.in/the-rise-of-sivagami-anand-neelakantan/|title=The Rise of Sivagami {{!}} Anand Neelakantan {{!}} Book Review|website=bookgeeks.in|date=12 April 2017|language=en-GB|access-date=24 April 2017}} [https://www.mid-day.com/amp/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-diary-sunday-dossier-23218166 Nala's Damayanti]
Anand Neelakantan was shortlisted for Crossword awards in four years, for his four different works in 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2024