Author with Chennai roots talks about her win

Her new novel, described by judge RO Kwon as “a gripping, intensely moving portrayal of a woman whose ferocious love for her children clashes with how others expect her to behave,” explores motherhood, fear, gendered expectations, and the silences that shape Indian families. The book, scheduled for release in 2026, is already being hailed for its emotional force and its unflinching look at how women negotiate identity within — and often against — social boundaries.

In this exclusive conversation, she speaks candidly about the years-long writing process, the characters who haunted her until she gave them voice, and how winning the McPherson Prize has reshaped her understanding of belonging — both personally and artistically.

What follows is a conversation with a writer who has carved her own path with determination, introspection, and a steadfast belief that “stories find us when we’re ready.”

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