The Resurgence of Indian Mythology in Fiction
Few authors have captured the imagination of Indian readers quite like Akshat Gupta in recent times. A storyteller with a flair for blending mythology with science fiction and contemporary elements, Gupta skyrocketed to fame with his bestselling trilogy, The Hidden Hindu. His books have ignited a new wave of interest in Indian mythology, presenting ancient tales in a gripping, contemporary format. With the recent release of The Naga Warriors 2, Gupta further cements his place as a leading voice in mythological fiction.
But who is Akshat Gupta, and what makes The Hidden Hindu so compelling? Let’s dive into his journey, his books, and why mythology lovers can’t get enough of his writing.
Akshat Gupta: From Restaurateur to Renowned Writer
Akshat Gupta’s path to literary success was far from conventional. Before becoming a full-time writer, he ran his family’s restaurant business in Indore. However, his life took a drastic turn in 2014 when personal hardships left him searching for meaning. Writing became his refuge. He started researching Hindu mythology, particularly the legends of the seven immortals. These deep explorations laid the foundation for The Hidden Hindu.
The book was initially conceived as a bedtime story for his son. But as Gupta delved deeper into mythology, his narrative expanded into an epic saga—one that seamlessly merges ancient wisdom with futuristic storytelling. The debut novel’s instant success led to a trilogy deal, and soon after, the story was acquired for a screen adaptation by Dhoni Entertainment.
What is 'The Hidden Hindu' About?
Set in the year 2041, The Hidden Hindu follows Prithvi, a 21-year-old on a mission to uncover the truth about a mysterious Aghori named Om Shastri. Captured and taken to a high-tech facility on a secluded Indian island, Om reveals shocking secrets while under interrogation. He claims to have lived through all four yugas (epochs in Hinduism), met legendary figures from Ramayana and Mahabharata, and is on a quest to find other immortals.
The foundation of The Hidden Hindu is built upon the legends of the seven immortals from Hindu mythology, known as the Chiranjivis. These figures are believed to have been granted immortality to serve different divine purposes across the ages. They are:
- Ashwatthama, the cursed warrior from the Mahabharata
- Parashurama, the eternal sage and avatar of Vishnu
- Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Lord Rama
- Vibhishana, the righteous brother of Ravana
- Kripacharya, the wise teacher
- Markandeya, the sage who defied death
- Bali, the benevolent Asura king promised a return in a future era
Gupta’s story revolves around these legendary beings, exploring their whereabouts in the modern world and the secret knowledge they carry that could alter humanity’s fate.
Akshat Gupta’s Influence
Akshat Gupta has a unique ability to weave complex mythological concepts into an engaging narrative that feels both modern and timeless. His books resonate with fans of authors like Amish Tripathi and Devdutt Pattanaik, who have similarly explored Indian mythology in contemporary literature.
Gupta’s works are immersive, cinematic, and designed to be binge-read. His storytelling prowess has not only drawn praise from readers but also caught the attention of the Indian film industry. With The Hidden Hindu already set for an adaptation, his work is on track to become a cross-medium phenomenon.
Must-Read Akshat Gupta Books
If you’re new to Akshat Gupta’s writing, here are his most popular books:
The book that started it all! This mythological sci-fi thriller follows Om Shastri, an enigmatic Aghori who claims to be immortal. As a team of specialists interrogates him, they uncover secrets that could alter the course of history. Packed with twists, action, and deep philosophical insights, this novel is a must-read for mythology fans.
It explores the fascinating connection between ancient Hindu texts and modern scientific discoveries. The book also delves into the age-old concept of immortality and its repercussions on the present world.
The battle for immortality intensifies in this gripping sequel. The legendary Book of Mritsanjeevani falls into the wrong hands, and Om Shastri is still piecing together his past. With new allies and formidable enemies, this installment expands on the lore and ups the stakes.
The book further explores the dynamic between mortals and immortals, presenting readers with unexpected twists and complex moral dilemmas. It also introduces new characters who play crucial roles in Om Shastri’s journey.
The explosive conclusion to the trilogy! Secrets unravel, betrayals are exposed, and the fate of immortals hangs in the balance. Will Om Shastri uncover the ultimate truth, or will history be rewritten forever?
This final installment ties up loose ends while setting the stage for a broader mythological universe. It is a thrilling conclusion that keeps readers hooked until the very last page.
Stepping into historical fiction, this book chronicles the Naga sadhus, fierce warrior monks who protected Hindu temples against invaders. Set in 1757, it narrates the legendary Battle of Gokul, where 111 Naga warriors faced an army of thousands.
It highlights the intense training and sacrifices made by the Naga warriors. The book is an action-packed retelling of the story of resilience, faith, and undying devotion to Dharma.
The latest release dives deeper into the mysterious world of the ancient Naga tribe. Who is the nameless Naga? What became of the warriors who fought against Emperor Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces? A thrilling continuation of the saga.
This book unravels the untold stories of the surviving warriors and the hidden truths behind their battle strategies. It also raises compelling questions about history, legend, and the blurred line between them.
If you love mythology, history, and thrillers, Akshat Gupta’s books are an absolute treat. His stories are meticulously researched, blending ancient lore with modern storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of Hindu mythology, suspenseful narratives, or epic adventures, these books promise a ride like no other.
With the upcoming screen adaptation and a growing global fanbase, now is the perfect time to dive into The Hidden Hindu trilogy and explore the legends of the Naga warriors.
