Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd. Launched Their 2nd Novel ‘A Kingdom For His Love’, By ACK Stories Alive

Right in time for Valentine’s Day, Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd. launched their 2nd novel, A Kingdom for his Love by ‘ACK Stories Alive’, the Novel imprint from the house of legendary Amar Chitra Katha. A timeless romantic set in an ancient era with effervescent timelessness, authored by Vani Mahesh and Shinie Antony, “A Kingdom for his Love” brings a powerful love story of two people coming together against all odds for the sake of their love. “A Kingdom for his Love” will be available in book stores @Rs. 225/-

“A Kingdom for his love” boasts of authentic writing and mesmerizing narrative style. Based on Swapnavasavadattam, a Sanskrit play written by Bhasa, one of the earliest and most celebrated Indian playwrights, the story revolves around King Udayana and Princess Vasavadatta. King Udayana, the ruler of Kausambi is renowned for his magical Veena, Ghoshavati, which when played by him can subdue even the wildest creature. Udayana is tricked and brutally captured by members of the rival kingdom of Ujjaini during his forest sojourn of taming a wild elephant. Udayana falls in love at first sight with beautiful princess Vasavadatta of Ujjaini. Being from opposite kingdom, they have to overcome the enmity between two kingdoms to be together. What fate do they choose for their love story, makes this book an interesting read. Further the fact that this story is placed in an era where such things were forbidden makes it even more riveting.

Ms. Shriya Ghate, Editor of ACK Books said, “With the launch of A Kingdom for his Love, a new chapter in Indian storytelling begins. This is the kind of story that makes you want to fall in love again. Romance cutting across languages and geographical barriers is a known fact. But, romance is endowed with a quality to cut across eras as well. This story is a perfect testimony to that” She further added “While we might follow the West and the love stories they write, readers should know that the best of love stories come from our own country”.

Commenting on the future plans of ACK Stories Alive, Shriya Ghate said, “With a series of novels coming out every year, ACK Stories Alive will fill bookshelves with an endless torrent of entertaining stories. We are collaborating with India’s best writers to produce a diverse and rich tapestry of books, each unique and connected to the Indic story telling narrative. Stories with both modern and ancient inspirations can be enjoyed by young and old alike”.

Ms. Vani Mahesh, Co-author of “A Kingdom for his Love” said, “The story of Udayana and Vasavadatta has been one of my favourites since I first read it in an ACK comic as a child. Udayana, the chivalrous king of Koushambi has a strong allegiance to his land and Vasavadatta, the gritty princess of Magadha, to her family. The drama begins when he is held captive by her family. This unlikely love story provided ample scope for adding intrigue and suspense alongside romance. I had a great time making a novel out of this short play”.

Commenting on the same, Co-author of “A Kingdom for his Love” Ms. Shinie Antony said, “I really enjoyed writing the first love story I’ve ever written. A Kingdom For His Love is all about love’s sudden appearance, its ups and downs, its sheer force. The path of true love for this king, for this princess, never runs smooth. Right from the moment their eyes meet for the first time till they live happily ever after, it is all about love”.