Amish Tripathi’s journey from a banker to one of India’s most successful and beloved authors is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. His success is not just about sales figures or book deals; it’s about how he redefined the landscape of Indian literature, making mythology and history accessible and engaging for millions of readers worldwide.
Early Life: A Dreamer with a Unique Vision
Born on October 18, 1974, in Mumbai, Amish Tripathi grew up in a family that valued education and culture. Raised in the steel city of Rourkela, Odisha, Amish was an inquisitive child with a deep love for books, history, and mythology. His schooling in institutions like The Lawrence School, Lovedale, and St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, laid the foundation for a well-rounded academic life. He later pursued management studies at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta, a decision that shaped his career in the early years.
After completing his MBA, Amish ventured into the corporate world, working in banking for 14 years. He held positions at Standard Chartered Bank, IDBI Bank, and Development Bank of Singapore. Yet, despite his corporate success, Amish always felt a calling towards something deeper—a desire to tell stories that bridged India’s past with its present.
A Leap of Faith: The Birth of the Shiva Trilogy
In 2008, Amish made a bold decision: he left his lucrative banking career to pursue writing. Inspired by his fascination with India’s rich myths and legends, Amish began to write a novel that would forever change the Indian publishing industry. The Immortals of Meluha, published in 2010, was his debut novel and the first book in what would become the Shiva Trilogy.
The novel was a reimagining of the myth of Lord Shiva, one of India’s most revered deities, as a human hero with flaws and virtues. The book explored complex themes like governance, power, faith, and identity, all wrapped in a fast-paced, action-packed narrative. Amish’s unique blend of mythology with contemporary storytelling struck a chord with readers across India. The novel became a massive hit, and what followed was a phenomenon.
The second book, The Secret of the Nagas, released in 2011, expanded the story further and introduced a world of new characters, mysteries, and deeper philosophical questions. The final book, The Oath of the Vayuputras (2013), concluded the trilogy with a grand, epic finale.
By the time the trilogy was completed, Amish Tripathi had become a household name, with The Shiva Trilogy being one of the fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history, selling over 7 million copies across 20 languages. Amish’s books captured the imagination of readers not just in India, but across the world, especially in regions with a significant Indian diaspora.
The Ram Chandra Series: A New Chapter in Storytelling
Riding high on the success of the Shiva Trilogy, Amish embarked on a new journey in 2015 with the Ram Chandra Series. This series, which began with The Scion of Ikshvaku, was another retelling of an iconic Indian epic, this time focusing on the story of Lord Ram, another central figure in Hindu mythology.
The Ram Chandra Series received just as much love and attention as his earlier work. Amish gave new depth to the characters of Ram, Sita, and Raavan, exploring their struggles, motivations, and challenges in a way that resonated with readers. Sita: Warrior of Mithila (2017), the second book in the series, became the highest-selling book of the year, while Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta (2019) and War of Lanka (2022) added layers to the narrative, giving a multi-dimensional view of the epic characters.
Expanding His Horizon: Non-Fiction, Film, and Broadcasting
While Amish had already established himself as a force in fiction, he wasn’t content to rest on his laurels. He expanded his horizons into non-fiction with Immortal India (2017), a collection of essays on Indian culture, values, and the challenges facing the country. His second non-fiction book, Dharma: Decoding the Epics for a Meaningful Life (2020), co-authored with his sister Bhavna Roy, became another bestseller.
In addition to his literary career, Amish ventured into television, hosting documentaries that showcased India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. His show, Legends of the Ramayana (2022), earned critical acclaim, as did his co-hosted project The Journey of India with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. His work in this field led to multiple awards and recognition, further cementing his status as a public intellectual.
Amish also explored the world of film and gaming, where he announced his production company Immortal Studios. He produced the adaptation of his book, Legend of Suheldev, into a film, and later took on the role of Creative Director for a global film project on Lord Krishna, Shri Radha Ramanam. Additionally, he ventured into the gaming industry, working on a fantasy video game Bharatvarsha / The Age of Bharat, set in ancient India.
A Cultural Ambassador: Diplomacy and Public Engagement
In 2019, Amish’s career took a fascinating turn when he was appointed as the Director of the Nehru Centre in London and later as the Minister for Culture & Education at the High Commission of India in the UK. As the youngest person ever to hold this prestigious post, Amish used his position to promote Indian culture and foster cross-cultural dialogue. During his tenure, he organized virtual events, online exhibitions, and numerous cultural activities, ensuring that the Indian cultural footprint expanded globally.
His diplomatic work, like his literary work, aimed to make India’s rich heritage accessible to a global audience. His programs, such as Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun, which aired in 2024, explored important cultural and historical themes related to India’s past and present.
Awards and Recognition
Amish’s contributions to literature, culture, and diplomacy have been recognized with numerous awards. He was named among the Top 50 Most Powerful People by India Today in 2019, and he received prestigious accolades such as the Golden Book Award and the Ustad Bismillah Khan Award. Amish also received an honorary doctorate from Jharkhand Rai University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian literature.
The Power of Storytelling
Amish Tripathi’s success story is not just about writing bestselling books; it is a reflection of the power of storytelling. Through his work, Amish has shown how mythology, history, and culture can be brought to life in a modern context, making them relevant for today’s audience. He has made ancient Indian tales accessible to a new generation, inspiring millions to look back at their roots while shaping the future with lessons from the past.
Today, Amish Tripathi stands as one of India’s most influential authors, cultural ambassadors, and public intellectuals. His journey from a banker to a literary icon, his contributions to literature, culture, film, and gaming, and his deep passion for Indian heritage have left an indelible mark on both the Indian and global cultural landscape.
Amish’s story is proof that when passion meets purpose, extraordinary things can happen. Through his writing and work, he has not only built a legacy of storytelling but also become an enduring symbol of India’s vibrant culture and history.
