Bridgewater Author's Book "Dwapar Katha" Released in North America

Harper Collins is proud to announce the US release of "Dwapar Katha" based on playwright and dramatist Sudipta Bhawmik’s immensely popular podcast with over 55 million downloads!

The Mahabharata, one of India’s most cherished epics, has fascinated generations. The age-old
saga of warring cousins—the valiant Pandavas and the formidable Kauravas—has left an indelible
mark on our collective imagination. Yet, beneath the stories of valor and villainy lie complex
human emotions that challenge our ideas about ‘good’ and ‘evil’. Can the virtuous always conquer
the malevolent? Are the Kauravas truly the embodiment of darkness, while the Pandavas exude
righteousness? Does Dharma triumph in the end?

In Dwapar Katha: The Stories of the Mahabharata, Sudipta Bhawmik delves deep into the
intricacies of human nature as he explores the psyches of an eclectic cast of characters, unearthing their motivations and desires. He immerses us in their ceaseless inner struggles on a battlefield more profound than Kurukshetra. Feel the seething anger of Bheem as he rages against the silent

Yudhishtir during Draupadi’s disrobing and grieve with Duroyadhan when he loses his dear friend
Karna in the war. Explore the concepts of Dharma and Karma along with the Pandavas, as Sudipta
unearths age-old tales of the Vana Parva, where rishis share life lessons with the exiled Pandavas.

Rooted in Sudipta’s immensely popular podcast, which has recorded over 20 million downloads,
Dwapar Katha is a delight to read. The captivating prose and stunning illustrations breathe new
life into this timeless tale where darkness and light intertwine and heroes are often
indistinguishable from villains. The Mahabharata has never been more enchanting, thought-
provoking and alive.

Sudipta Bhawmik, author and a resident of Bridgewater, says ‘For thousands of years, the Mahabharata has inspired people in South and Southeast Asia. However, the younger generation, especially Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, is not familiar with it because it has never been presented to them in an accessible format. The Stories of the Mahabharata podcast has bridged this gap by presenting the epic in a format they are accustomed to and a language they are familiar with. Although the book, Dwapar Katha, takes on a more traditional print form, it retains the dramatic nature and simplicity of the podcast. I believe the book not only serves as an ideal companion to the podcast but also offers an easily comprehensible text for readers of all ages. The Mahabharata teaches us that the fundamental problems of life are eternal, and so are their solutions. This is why the Mahabharata remains so contemporary and modern and makes its appeal to people around the world.’

Ridhima Kumar, Commissioning Editor, HarperCollins India, adds ‘Mahabharata is a timeless
epic that never grows old, always offering something new with every read. Sudipta Bhawmik's
Dwapar Katha is a captivating tale that delves into character psyches, fostering empathy for the
often-misunderstood Kauravas and prompting reflection on the actions of the beloved Pandavas.
This narrative not only feasts the mind but also enchants the eyes with stunning illustrations that bring it to life.’

Anand Neelakantan, the bestselling author says, ‘Sudipta Bhawmik breathes life into every character of the epic Mahabharata with deep insights into their mind. A must read.’

Bibek Debroy, a sanskrit scholar and economist says, ‘Sudipta Bhawmik is a master story-teller.’

‘A grand story told without grandiosity. Epic Indian storytelling meets Aristotelian

sequencing of events.’ adds Mahesh Dattani, playwright and writer

For reviews, excerpts, author interviews and more information, please contact Nandini Tripathi
at nandini.tripathi@harpercollins.co.in