About Archan Thakar
Archan Thakar is a storyteller by soul and a communicator by profession. He completed his PGDM in Communication and currently works at the National Dairy Development Board. He has also worked with Amul and is a member of the Indian Dairy Association. Apart from writing, he enjoys traveling, watching movies, and spending time with his family and friends.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it, and its content.
Archan Thakar: This book is my love letter to Ahmedabad, a city that has given me so much. I often call it my Karma Bhoomi. Even today, whenever I visit, it brings back countless memories.
During my time there, especially in the hostel, I met people very different from me. Many had travelled extensively and experienced much more of the world than I had. I was fascinated by the way they carried themselves—their confidence, their outlook on life, and the stories they brought with them.
They taught me that travel is not just about photographs or social media. It is about connecting with people, nature, and yourself. Some had travelled solo, gone on treks, and explored places on their own. What stood out most was their sense of independence and detachment. They were comfortable being alone, yet equally comfortable being with others. They knew how to enjoy life in every situation.
Those experiences stayed with me and slowly shaped the character of Swara. Through her, I wanted to capture that free-spirited mindset that I admired so much.
Aalekh, on the other hand, is much closer to who I am. In many ways, he carries my thoughts, my doubts, and my way of seeing the world.
And that is where this journey begins.
LiFT: Why did you choose this title?
Archan Thakar: Some people come into your life to teach you lessons.
Sometimes, you love someone deeply. You give your time, your effort, and your heart, but they do not value it the way you hoped they would. For a long time, you may blame them for your pain, your disappointment, and your broken expectations.
But with time, you realise something important: it was never really their fault. They never asked you to love them the way you did. They never demanded those efforts. You chose to give them, and when those feelings were not returned, it felt unfair.
At that moment, they become the villain of your story. Not because they are bad people, but because they unintentionally hurt you. They become the reason behind your sadness, your doubts, and your heartbreak.
Years later, however, your perspective changes.
You realise that the pain made you stronger. The disappointment taught you acceptance. The heartbreak helped you grow. You learn that life is not always about getting what you want; it is about accepting what happens and moving forward.
And then, the person you once called a villain becomes something else entirely.
They become your favourite villain.
Because without them, you would never have become the person you are today.
LiFT: When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer, and what was your inspiration behind it?
Archan Thakar: My journey with writing began long before I knew what writing really was.
I still remember being in the fourth standard when so many amazing films were released. I was completely fascinated by them. Instead of just watching them, I started rewriting them in my own way. Films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Welcome, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Jab We Met, and Tashan became my playground. The characters remained the same, but I would create different scenes and different situations for them.
The same happened with television shows. I was a huge fan of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and almost every show written by Aatish Kapadia. I would imagine new episodes, new dialogues, and new stories. Looking back, that was probably where my writing journey truly began.
At first, I was simply rewriting stories that already existed. But slowly, I realised that writing itself made me happy. It became a place where I could think, imagine, and express myself freely.
Reading came much later.
When I discovered Amrita Pritam, I fell in love with the beauty of words. Her writing showed me how deeply emotions could be felt through a page. Later, when I read books by Chetan Bhagat, I learnt something equally important—that you do not always need complicated words to express powerful feelings.
Sometimes the simplest words carry the deepest emotions.
That lesson stayed with me. Even today, I believe that good writing is not about using big vocabulary. It is about making someone feel something. And if simple words can do that, then they are more than enough.
LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?
Archan Thakar: Ten years from now, I’ll be 36.
People often ask where I see myself in the future. The truth is, I don’t have a grand answer. I just know that I will keep writing because I enjoy it. Not for fame, not for numbers, and not because I have to.
Writing makes me happy.
If there is one thing I want for myself ten years from now, it is happiness. I hope I still find joy in creating stories, imagining characters, and putting my thoughts on paper. I hope I still feel excited when a new idea comes to me.
Success means different things to different people. For me, success is simple. If I wake up at 36 and still enjoy writing as much as I do today, I will consider myself lucky.
So ten years from now, I don’t want to be a different person.
I just want to be a happy one.
LiFT: How important do you think marketing and the quality of a book are in promoting it and increasing its readership?
Archan Thakar: Marketing is important, but it should never feel forced.
I do not believe in constantly pushing people to read your work or pretending to be something you are not. Readers can usually tell when something is genuine and when it is not.
My approach is simple: be yourself and find readers who enjoy the kind of stories you write. Every genre has its audience. Focus on reaching those people first. If they connect with your work, they will naturally talk about it, recommend it, and help it reach others.
I also believe in creating interesting content around your book—small series, character posts, behind-the-scenes moments, or thoughts related to the story. These things help people connect with the book before they even read it.
Most importantly, keep it organic. Build a community rather than chasing numbers. The right readers will come, not because they were forced to, but because they genuinely found something that interested them.
Good stories deserve readers, but good readers also deserve honesty.
LiFT: What message do you want to convey to people through your writing?
Archan Thakar: Everyone is different, and that is perfectly okay.
My advice is simple: try things for yourself and then decide what you actually like. Do not live someone else’s version of happiness. If people enjoy roller coasters, go try one. Maybe you will love it, maybe you will hate it. If you do not enjoy it, that’s fine—there is no rule that says you have to ride it again.
Just because someone is having fun, posting great photos, or sharing amazing reels does not mean you have to do the same things. What makes them happy may not make you happy.
One thing I have learnt is that social media is rarely the complete truth. It is a fun place, and it should be treated as one. Enjoy it, laugh at it, get inspired by it if you want—but do not let it become a source of negativity or self-doubt.
Never feel sorry for yourself because your journey looks different from someone else’s. Everyone has their own timeline. You are not late. You are not behind. You are simply on your own path.
And whenever life gets difficult, I return to a belief that has always helped me:
“Main kar lunga. Aur maine akele hi kiya hai.”
Not because I want to prove something to the world, but because it reminds me that I am capable. I can figure things out. I can move forward. And I can trust myself to handle whatever comes next.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Archan Thakar: Apart from writing, I work as a Management Trainee at NDDB in the PRC&H Group.
Outside of work, I am a huge fan of old Bollywood films, especially those from the 2000s. There is something about that era of storytelling, music, and characters that I still enjoy revisiting.
I also love travelling and exploring new places. For me, travel is not just about seeing destinations; it is about collecting experiences, meeting people, and creating memories. One of my favourite travel habits is collecting fridge magnets from every place I visit. Each magnet reminds me of a different journey and a different story.
Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my family and doing absolutely crazy things with my best friends. Some of my happiest memories have nothing to do with books or writing—they come from random trips, endless conversations, and moments that were never planned.
At the end of the day, I am just someone who enjoys stories—whether they come from books, films, travels, or the people around me.
LiFT: What activities do you resort to when you face writer’s block?
Archan Thakar: When I face writer’s block, I do not force myself to write.
I simply stop for a while. Over the years, I have realised that forcing words onto a page rarely helps me. Instead, I take a small break, go for a drive, eat a pizza, listen to music, or just spend some time away from the manuscript.
For me, writer’s block is usually a sign that my mind needs a little space. Once I stop stressing about it and allow myself to relax, the ideas eventually find their way back.
The funny thing is that whenever I take a break, I almost always return to writing naturally. Sometimes all a story needs is a little breathing room.
So my solution to writer’s block is quite simple: pause, enjoy life for a bit, and trust that the words will come back when they are ready.
LiFT: What if your story were to be adapted into a movie? Who would you want to work as the director or actors in it?
Archan Thakar: I’ll choose Homi Adajania as the director because I absolutely love his storytelling and the way he brings characters to life. The producer would definitely be Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films. For Aalekh, I think Lakshya would be a perfect fit, and for Swara, I would love to see Aneet Padda. And of course, my favourite Anaita Shroff Adajania as the stylist and costume designer, I have always admired her work.
And if anyone from Maddock is reading this, I’m ready to give you the rights for free… just promise me a premiere ticket, unlimited popcorn, and a photo with the cast!
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If so, could you tell us something about it?
Archan Thakar: I have wanted to write a comedy novel for a long time. I’m currently working on one and hope to complete it by next year. Comedy is a genre I truly enjoy, and I would love to make readers laugh through my stories. Hopefully, this dream project will become a reality soon.
LiFT: What are your suggestions for budding writers and poets to help them improve their writing skills?
Archan Thakar: Chill. Have fun. The happier you are, the better your writing becomes. Write to satisfy your soul, not society. The moment you stop chasing approval and start enjoying the process, your words become more honest and more beautiful.
Click here to order Archan Thakar’s Book – My Favourite Villain
