From the small town of Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh to the literary world of mythological fiction, Akshat Gupta’s life reads like one of his novels. Best known for *The Hidden Hindu* trilogy and *Naga Warriors*, Akshat’s journey is steeped in personal stories, cultural heritage, and a unique mix of old and new.
Raised by parents who defied societal norms with love marriage, Akshat grew up in a household of contrasting ideologies – his emotionally grounded mother insisted on being called “ma,” while his pragmatic, westernised father was “dad.” This balance between tradition and modernity shaped his worldview and influenced his writing style.
Although he found early success in the restaurant business, Akshat’s true calling was always writing. Observing a worrying disconnect among younger generations with their own cultural roots, he felt compelled to bridge that gap through storytelling. “Indian history isn’t just ancient tales; it’s full of intricate characters and timeless lessons,” Akshat shares. “Our epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana offer so much more than just stories. They’re filled with complex heroes and universal themes that resonate even today.”
Akshat’s mission is clear – he wants to reignite pride in India’s rich heritage through his books. His early exposure to Hindu scriptures, thanks to his mother, paired with his son Aradhya’s fascination with Marvel films, shaped his unique approach to writing. “I’ve learned a lot from younger audiences,” Akshat admits. “They crave fantastical worlds, but those same worlds exist in our history.”
In fact, Akshat draws comparisons between Indian history and today’s global pop culture. “Writers like Ved Vyas and Valmiki were ahead of their time. They wrote about multiverses, and
time travel – concepts we now consider modern. Even films like Wakanda Forever draw inspiration from Indian history,” he notes.
His advice for aspiring writers? “Don’t write for approval; write for yourself.” It’s a philosophy that guides Akshat’s life and work—whether running a restaurant or crafting mythological epics. You can watch the full episode streaming on YouTube on Small Towns Big Stories – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXjH3ekxjcI
