Books, Entertainment

An Interview with poet Raywa Ravipati

Raywa Ravipati, author of the anthology of poems, Mirages of the Past, speaks with Mallik Thatipalli about her debut book and her inspiration for her work which deal with the themes of Life, Self-Reflection and Love and Friendship.

How did Mirages of the Past come about?

I have written these poems over five years but was able to take the step to submit them for publishing a poetry book during the lockdown time.

What prompted you to write about poetry? Were you always interested in it?

Yes, I have been writing poetry since I was a child. Fortunately, it evolved from childhood poems of dragons and crayons to life experiences and emotions with age. Poetry is my way of expression and will always be. It is the form of writing for me when something, bad or good, is too hard for me to say

What is the inspiration for your poems?

My inspiration comes from everything around. From things to people. Nothing in specific. My environment by itself.

What are the challenges faced by you in writing the book and how did you overcome them?

The editing part was quite challenging as we need to keep the essence and pattern of the poem even while making changes. Another main challenge was accepting that people would be reading it because I’m an extremely private person.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m writing poetry as my life moves forward about new experiences. But it’ll be quite some time before the second book is considered.

January 17, 2022

Turning Pages, Building Communities: Nidhi Gupta on the Evolving World of Reading

In a time when attention spans are shrinking and digital content dominates, the enduring power of books continues to find new ways to resonate. At the helm of Crossword Bookstores, Nidhi Gupta has spent over 15 years shaping not just a retail brand, but a thriving reading culture. In this conversation, she reflects on her personal relationship with books, the shifting habits of modern readers, and why bookstores today are as much about community as they are about commerce. You’ve spent over 15 years shaping Crossword’s journey. What role have books played in your own life, and which titles or authors have deeply influenced you personally and professionally? I’ve always shared a deep connection with books. They hold many roles in our lives, serving as companions, guiding us as teachers, and opening windows to perspectives we might never otherwise experience. Growing up, reading helped shape my curiosity and empathy, and over the years, it’s become integral to how I think and make decisions. I’ve been deeply influenced by authors who combine storytelling with insight, whether it’s literary fiction that explores human complexity or business writing that sharpens perspective. Professionally, books have taught me the importance of staying adaptable and constantly learning, which is essential in an ever-evolving industry like ours. In an age of short-form digital content and shrinking attention spans, how do you see the culture of reading evolving, especially among younger audiences in India? While it’s true that attention spans are being challenged, I don’t believe the desire to read has diminished. Younger audiences today are discovering stories in new ways, whether through curated recommendations, social media, or genre-driven communities. What’s encouraging is that when the right book reaches the right reader, the engagement is still deeply immersive. We’re also seeing a shift toward more accessible formats, relatable

Books

New on the Shelf: Fresh Reads to Pick Up Now

Intro: From introspective reflections on joy to gripping investigative journalism and atmospheric historical mysteries, this month’s bookshelf is as diverse as it is compelling. Whether you’re looking to pause and reflect, better understand your relationships, or lose yourself in a richly layered narrative, these new releases offer something for every kind of reader, thoughtful, engaging, and impossible to ignore. The Book of Joy Manoj V Jain The Book of Joy by Manoj V Jain is a thoughtful and visually engaging exploration of happiness, inner peace, and mindful living. Rather than following a conventional self-help format, the book unfolds through a series of reflective quotes, each page offering a pause for thought rather than prescriptive advice. Designed for today’s fast-paced world, it gently encourages readers to reconnect with themselves, shift perspective, and find clarity in everyday moments. The simplicity of its ideas makes it accessible, yet deeply resonant. What sets the book apart is its artistic dimension; each quote is interwoven with evocative artwork by Pradeep Mishra, creating a harmonious blend of words and visuals. Subtle yet impactful, The Book of Joy is not about telling you how to live, but inspiring you to reflect, reset, and rediscover joy in your own way. The Balancing Act Nedra Glover Tawwab From the bestselling author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace, The Balancing Act is a timely and insightful exploration of relationships, emotional boundaries, and self-awareness. The book centres on a simple yet powerful idea: every relationship requires balance. Too much dependence can make us lose ourselves, while too much independence can leave us isolated. Blending psychological insight with practical guidance, Tawwab breaks down concepts like codependency, attachment styles, and emotional needs in an accessible, relatable way. She offers tools to help readers recognise unhealthy patterns, communicate better, and build meaningful connections without compromising

Entertainment

Movies to Watch This Summer May 2026

From high-fashion drama to gritty psychological thrillers and action-driven regional cinema, this summer’s big-screen lineup offers something for every kind of moviegoer. Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic sequel, an intense character study, or a gripping continuation of a beloved franchise, these upcoming releases promise compelling stories, standout performances, and plenty of cinematic spectacle. The Devil Wears Prada 2 Language: English Drama, Comedy The Devil Wears Prada 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to the iconic 2006 fashion drama, set to release on May 1, 2026. Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the film revisits the high-stakes world of fashion journalism in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The original star-studded cast returns, including Meryl Streep as the formidable Miranda Priestly, Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci as Nigel. New additions like Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh bring fresh dynamics to the story. The sequel follows Andy’s return to Runway magazine as Miranda struggles to keep the publication relevant. With Emily now leading a luxury brand holding the key to Runway’s future, the film promises drama, power shifts, and a stylish look at modern media. BandarLanguage: HindiPsychological thriller Bandar is a crime thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap, known for his raw, unfiltered storytelling. The film follows Samar, an ageing television star whose life spirals after a scandal lands him in prison, forcing him to confront both external brutality and internal demons.Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, the film has already generated buzz for its dark, character-driven narrative and intense performances, particularly Bobby Deol’s transformative role. Sanya Malhotra is expected to bring emotional depth, adding another layer to the story. True to Kashyap’s style, the film explores themes of power, downfall, and survival within a harsh, claustrophobic

Books

Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

Every successful entrepreneur shares one habit: they read constantly. Books allow founders to learn from decades of experience, failures, and breakthroughs in just a few hours. From Silicon Valley strategies to inspiring Indian startup stories, these titles have shaped how modern entrepreneurs think and build companies. Hashtag Magazines shortlists a few top recommendations. Global Bestsellers Every Founder Should Know The Lean Startup by Eric Ries This book introduces the famous “Build–Measure–Learn” cycle used by startups worldwide. Instead of building a perfect product first, entrepreneurs create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), test it quickly, and improve based on feedback.How to read it: Treat it like a playbook, pause after each chapter and think about how to test your own idea. Zero to One by Peter Thiel & Blake Masters A powerful guide on building truly innovative businesses instead of copying existing ones. Thiel explains why successful startups create unique markets rather than competing in crowded ones.How to read it: Focus on the concepts about monopolies, innovation, and long-term thinking. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Unlike typical motivational books, this one talks about the real struggles of running a company, including layoffs, crises, and tough leadership decisions.How to read it: Read it as a leadership manual for difficult situations in business. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki A classic that changed how millions think about money. It explains why building assets and financial intelligence is essential for entrepreneurs.How to read it: Focus on the lessons about assets vs. liabilities and financial mindset. Inspiring Indian Bestseller Books for Entrepreneurs Stay Hungry Stay Foolish by Rashmi Bansal One of India’s most influential entrepreneurship books, telling the stories of 25 graduates from IIM Ahmedabad who left high-paying jobs to start businesses. The book sold hundreds of thousands of copies and