Selected interviews, newspaper features, and literary appearances featuring Darshan Desale.
A collection of interviews and newspaper features, preserved through original clippings and concise summaries of the conversations behind them. Open each page to explore the original coverage.
MR → EN Marathi original · English summary
"My writing process is simple. I write in flow. Whenever I had a dream while writing Manu, I wrote it directly into the book."
The Sunday Pioneer featured the launch of Manu, tracing the novel's eight-year journey from an eighth-grade notebook to publication. The feature also explored Darshan's instinctive writing process and the role that dreams and spontaneous ideas played in shaping the story.
"Though I studied Commerce and Animation, my mind was always brimming with dark thrillers and horror. When audio platforms embraced my work, the path became clear."
Dainik Sakal profiled Darshan's journey from studying Commerce and Animation to writing horror and thriller stories for audio platforms. The feature discussed his approach to developing stories, the growing reach of his Marathi audiobooks, and the transition from ideas written privately to stories finding a wider audience.
"A senior citizen once called me after reading my book and said, 'I want to read your next one soon. I don't know how many years I have left.' What more could an author want?"
Across two pages, De Mode Magazine explored the beginnings of Manu, from conversations with college friends to the years of rewriting that shaped the novel. Darshan also discussed his approach to storytelling, his interest in challenging familiar genre conventions, and the importance of emotional impact over predictable endings.
"A swarm of unanswered questions buzzed in my mind since childhood. I turned to my school library, and that search eventually gave birth to Manu."
Written by a deputy editor of Dainik Sakal, the feature looked back at the questions and reading habits that influenced Manu. Darshan spoke about his school and hostel years, his fascination with unanswered questions, and the role of library books in turning that curiosity into a novel.
"A boy from an ordinary family crosses paths with the immortal Ashwatthama, who leads him into an uncharted, mythological city."
Dainik Sakal's Nagar edition covered Manu receiving The Literary Mirror's Best Book of the Year recognition, including the accompanying ₹30,000 prize. The report also introduced readers to the novel's central premise and Darshan's blend of mythology, mystery, and speculative ideas.
"Knowing that readers have embraced this writing is what makes me happiest."
Divya Marathi's Nashik edition spoke with Darshan following Manu's recognition at the national level. The conversation returned to the childhood curiosity and independent research that eventually shaped the novel, while also looking ahead to its sequel, Karma.
"VFX and writing are the same thing for me. Both bring the imaginary into reality."
In this interview, The Literary Mirror spoke with Darshan about his approach to horror, mythology, and visual storytelling. He discussed his preference for unpredictable endings, his interest in moving beyond familiar horror conventions, and the challenge of translating large mythological ideas into accessible stories.
Sakal Times described Darshan as "the youngest author of world-class horror stories."
"Manu grips your mind and holds its suspense to the very last page."
In his review of Manu, Shubham Malode examined the novel's blend of mythology, history, mystery, and scientific curiosity. The review also traced the book's earlier form as Shambhal and considered the questions surrounding figures such as Ashwatthama, Emperor Ashoka, and the Kalki prophecy.
"I was always engrossed with questions about the universe. To find the truth, I began associating spiritual concepts with science. That's the exact concept I took forward with Manu."
In "Up and Close," Intriguing Imagination Magazine traced Darshan's early interest in storytelling to an eighth-grade classroom and a handwritten mystery story called Rahasya. The conversation explored the curiosity, research, and questions about science and spirituality that later influenced Manu.
"Mythology isn't just religion. It's a blueprint left behind by highly advanced, ancient minds."
In this web-exclusive interview, The Literary Mirror explored Darshan's approach to mythology and the ideas that shaped Manu and Karma. The conversation also touched on his work in Marathi audiobooks, the importance of research, and his preference for developing stories on their own terms rather than following market trends.
Today Magazine described Darshan as "a rising star in the literary world, renowned for compelling stories in mythology, fantasy, and the supernatural."
Today Magazine's 50 Under 50 profile featured Darshan among its selection of emerging voices in literature. The profile looked at his work across mythology, fantasy, supernatural fiction, audiobooks, and children's stories, highlighting the range of genres within his growing body of work.
"An idea only pops up when you deserve it. The rest of the story is suspense for the author too. That's the real fun of writing."
The CEO Magazine explored Darshan's approach to finding and developing story ideas, from his early interest in parapsychology to his work across novels and audiobooks. The profile also discussed his Marathi fiction and the process of adapting stories for readers and listeners in other languages.
"At the age of 22, Darshan already has a mythological tale named 'Manu' credited to his name."
The Literary Mirror announced Darshan's three nominations at LIT Fest 2021: Best Author, Best Fiction Book, and Best Novel of the Year. The announcement also introduced readers to Manu and his work in Marathi audiobooks.
"When an author writes a book, he writes in a particular flow."
Storiyaan's interview introduced readers to Darshan while Manu was still taking shape. The conversation explored his writing process, his experience balancing university studies with fiction, and the early development of the stories that would become part of his growing body of work.
Not media features. Appearances. Real rooms, real readers, real conversations.
Darshan joined fellow authors for a Writers' Meet at IIT Jammu's Open Air Theatre, organized by Literia Insight with The Dramatizers. The event included a panel discussion, the launch of his second novel, Karma, and a book-signing session with students. Coverage of the event later appeared in Jammu Express and The Literary Mirror.
Invited as a guest speaker at Sharda University in Greater Noida, Darshan led an open conversation with students on suspense, storytelling, and the craft behind Manu and Karma. The session also introduced his thriller in progress, Yesterday Night I Killed My Husband, and concluded with a felicitation by the university's faculty.
Darshan conducted a masterclass at Hope Foundation's International Institute of Information Technology, focused on reading, writing, suspense, and storytelling across print and audio. The session included an open Q&A with students and concluded with a presentation of Yesterday Night I Killed My Husband to the institute's faculty.
The school where Darshan studied through his early years later invited him back as the chief guest for its Independence Day programme on August 15. Years earlier, he had left the school for a hostel-based school, where he began writing. Returning this time as a guest speaker, he spoke with students about reading, writing, and finding their own creative path, and delivered a short lecture during the programme.
A small selection of recognitions received along the way.
Writing about Darshan or inviting him to speak? The press kit includes selected author photographs, biography, book covers, and essential media information.
Download Media Kit Download Media AssetsFor interviews, speaking invitations, review copies, or media enquiries, contact Darshan.