Mumbai, India – May 2025 —In a literary landscape often crowded with fleeting narratives, Karina Pandya’s new novel, Inside Mumbai: Stories from the Heart of a Vibrant City, stands out as an authentic and intricately crafted tribute to one of the world’s most enigmatic cities. Published in 2025, the novel is both a love letter to Mumbai’s cultural fabric and a striking examination of modern journalism in India.
A Fictional Chronicle Rooted in Reality
Set against the dynamic backdrop of The Indian Express newsroom at Nariman Point, the novel follows the journey of seven journalism interns as they navigate the challenges of a high-stakes internship. Each intern is assigned to write a defining feature article on Mumbai, gradually revealing the city’s visible layers and hidden soul.
The characters—Mahi, Ritvik, Mariya, Kiara, Aditya, Shiva, and Vihaan—each explore a distinct facet of Mumbai’s identity, delving into themes such as infrastructure, financial systems, spiritual spaces, linguistic diversity, and cultural traditions. The result is a textured, multidimensional narrative that blends factual observation with literary depth.
The Seven Islands as Literary Metaphor
Pandya cleverly mirrors the original seven islands of Bombay—Colaba, Mazgaon, Mahim, Parel, Worli, the Isle of Bombay, and Little Colaba—with her seven protagonists. Each character becomes a literary lens through which the city’s complex personality is explored:
- Mahi Chatterjee (Colaba): Reflects on Mumbai’s cultural evolution amidst globalisation, tracing Bollywood homes and the legacy of Bal Thackeray.
- Ritvik Jain (Worli): Investigates the ethical complexities of Dalal Street and the financial markets.
- Kiara Ahuja (Isle of Bombay): Captures the dualities of the city’s nightlife and festive spirit.
- Aditya Ahluwalia (Mazgaon): Uncovers the spiritual architecture of temples, mosques, and churches.
- Mariya Mirza (Mahim): Celebrates Mumbai’s pluralism—its linguistic, religious, and artistic traditions.
- Vihaan Bakshi (Parel): Documents the pulse of the city’s transport systems—from bustling locals to grand roadways like the Coastal Road and the Atal Setu.
- Shiva Prasad (Little Colaba): Brings a narrative of storytelling and political inquiry, connecting the reader to movements that shaped Mumbai’s civic soul.
Where Literature Meets Investigative Journalism
A journalist and cultural essayist herself, Pandya offers a sharp yet sensitive portrayal of modern journalism. Through the eyes of her interns, she explores ideological tensions between ethics and ambition, truth and clickbait, passion and burnout.
The novel reclaims journalism as a noble endeavour—one that demands intellect, empathy, and integrity. Pandya’s prose is deliberate, precise, and refreshingly devoid of melodrama. Her style evokes the urgency of a newsroom while holding space for literary introspection.
Karina Pandya also presented a copy of the book to prominent cinematographer of Golmaal & Sacred Games -Aseem Bajaj, author -Nandita Puri, national award winning filmmaker -OP Srivastava, Artist, Sangeeta Babani.
This needs to be mentioned- “Karina Pandya also presented a copy of the book to prominent cinematographer of Golmaal & Sacred Games Aseem Bajaj, author Nandita Puri, national award winning filmmaker OP Srivastava, Artist, Sangeeta Babani”
Mumbai as a Living Character
What truly sets Inside Mumbai: Stories from the Heart of a Vibrant City apart is its treatment of Mumbai not just as a setting but as a central character. Whether it’s the quiet energy of Siddhivinayak Temple, the jazzy corners of Bandra, or the relentless tempo of the Central Line, the city is rendered with journalistic precision and poetic flair.
Pandya neither romanticises poverty nor vilifies privilege. Instead, she embraces the city’s contradictions, portraying Mumbai in all its grit, glamour, and grace.
Early Praise & Critical Acclaim
“Inside Mumbai: Stories from the Heart of a Vibrant City is a beautifully guided tour of the city through the spirited eyes of young cub reporters. Read on.”
— Nandita Puri, Author & Journalist
“With a seamless blend of fact and imagination, the book reveals a city where every story—true or imagined—holds the power to make you visit and re-visit Mumbai.”
— Vinay Somani, Angel Investor
“A masterful ode to the city that never sleeps.”
— Vishal Gupta, Literary Critic
“A must-read for those seeking to explore the drama and depth of real-life storytelling.”
— Vivek Singhania, Film Producer
Early reviews praise the book for its compelling structure, cultural insight, and evocative writing. At a time when both journalism and literature are at a crossroads, Inside Mumbai: Stories from the Heart of a Vibrant City reminds us of the enduring power of research-driven, meaningful storytelling.
About the Author
Karina Pandya is a journalist, fiction writer, poet, and cultural commentator known for her nuanced explorations of urban life and identity. She has completed her post-graduation in Communication from Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai. With Inside Mumbai, she blends her background in investigative reporting and creative writing to present a novel that is as intellectually rigorous as it is emotionally resonant.
She has authored three previous books, is the founder of the poetry platform Limits Make Things Too Small, and is a sought-after speaker at business schools across Mumbai. She also runs a prolific blog that features interviews with personalities from literature, cinema, and design.
Availability
Inside Mumbai: Stories from the Heart of a Vibrant City is available in the following formats:
- Hardcover (ISBN: 979-8-89673-819-0)
- Paperback (ISBN: 979-8-89519-829-2)
Available on:
Notion Press, Flipkart, Amazon India, Amazon.com, Amazon UK, Kobo, Google Play Books, and Amazon Kindle.
Media Contact
Publisher: Notion Press
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @karinapandya
