I’m an architect by training, a homemaker by choice, a food enthusiast and reader by hobby, and a

Children’s Author By Passion.

When I’m not reading or writing picture books, I enjoy reading adult fiction, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and experimenting with food photography. I love wearing saris, and listening, singing, and dancing to Bollywood music. I also find great joy in movie marathoning with my husband and three children.

Born and raised in the historic city of Ahmedabad, India, I lived in a multigenerational household and grew up surrounded by lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. While growing up, I didn’t know someday I would become a writer, but

This is What led me to write.

When I think of stories, my first memory is of our Ba telling me and my brother one story every night. Our grandmother didn't know how to read or write, but she spoke of her experiences and beliefs, and narrated many myths, legends, fables, and folktales. Although my parents are not highly educated, they gave us access to books at an early age and encouraged us to read. They also loved to travel and took us on adventures every holiday season. By the end of my 20’s, I had visited America, Kenya, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.

While in school, I learned to paint and draw. I also completed seven years of training in Indian Classical dance and Indian Classical music. I didn’t realize then, but many stories are told through both these art forms.

In college, I graduated with a Bachelors in Architecture. That’s where I met my husband and after getting married, we immigrated to the United States. I worked as an Urban Design Consultant for a few years before deciding to stay home for our three children.

While raising my children across two cultures, I searched for books that would help them understand their heritage. Unfortunately, there was a lack of representation in children’s literature, and so, books traveled with us from India—once every year, in large quantities, packed in suitcases along with pickles and spices. With every trip, our collection of heroes and legends, kings and demons, gods and goddesses, and myths and fables from India grew larger and larger. As I raised my children to become ravenous readers, I also told them stories that were passed on to me by parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. Surprisingly, they had stayed with me through all these years. That’s when I realized the power of storytelling. This realization, the lack of representation on the bookshelves, and my understanding of living in the East and West inspired me to write for children.