Akshay Shroff is an Indian author whose work blends philosophical reflection with engaging storytelling. With a strong background in advertising and marketing consultancy, he spent many years working with several domestic and international media organizations before transitioning into full-time writing in 2018. His professional journey in media and communication has deeply influenced his narrative style, allowing him to combine sharp observation with thoughtful themes about life, spirituality, and human nature.
Shroff made his literary debut with the novel The Monk, published in June 2016. The book introduced readers to a contemplative narrative that explores personal transformation and deeper questions of existence. The novel received appreciation from readers for its reflective tone and compelling storytelling. Its popularity also led to international recognition when it was translated into the Croatian language under the title Redovnik, bringing his work to a wider global audience.
Building on the success of his debut, Shroff released its sequel, The Monk Returns, in March 2021. The sequel continued the philosophical journey of the story, further developing the characters and themes that resonated with readers in the first book.
His latest novel, The Game-changer Monk, marks the third installment in the series and reflects his continued exploration of introspection, change, and the power of ideas to transform lives. Through this work, Shroff expands the narrative arc of the “Monk” series, offering readers deeper insights into personal evolution and the impact of wisdom in modern life.
Apart from writing, Akshay Shroff has a deep love for reading, travelling, and wildlife. These interests often influence his perspective and creative process, helping him craft stories that connect philosophy with real-world experiences.
Currently, he is also working on another upcoming book titled The Exasperated Monk, which promises to further expand the world and themes he has created through his writing.
Today, Akshay Shroff stands as a thoughtful voice in contemporary fiction, known for weaving spirituality, introspection, and storytelling into narratives that inspire readers to reflect on life and change.
1. Your writing journey began with The Monk in 2016. What inspired you to write this story and create the character of the Monk?
Answer: Actually my writing journey commenced much earlier in life. I was 13 when I lost my grandpa in October 1966. I wrote an obituary ‘The Star Has Gone’. A couple of my dad’s acquaintances visited us to offer their condolences. They read the piece and said “very well written, keep writing”. The following year my Class Teacher assigned us to write an Essay on ‘India: 20 years after Independence’. My Essay appeared in the Annual Year Book of the school in December 1967. When Neil Armstrong landed on the Moon on July 25 1969, I wrote a 2-page article ‘Man Conquers Moon’. I was studying in First Year Science in Wilson College, Bombay. The article was displayed on the Notice Board for over 2 months. One day, I was standing in front of the Board admiring my own work, Parul Shah studying in the second year of Arts faculty and whom I knew being my daily companion on the Bus, came along with another half a dozen girls of her Class and gheroed me. I thought, ‘Akshay, be prepared for ragging’. On the contrary, they produced their notebooks and requested me for my autograph. My wife, Jayna whom I lost in September 2023 to Cancer, was aware of this and kept prodding me to start writing. But, family, business and social commitments prevented me from pursuing my passion.
During the 1st decade of the 21st Century, I returned home one evening after a hectic day, had my cup of Coffee, showered and sat down to note the day’s accounts in my Diary. Unknown to me Jayna had fixed a large one of Old Monk, added the exact quantity of ice and water as I required and placed the glass in front of me along with a bowl of Peanuts and also a sheaf of blank papers and a pen. Then she had said “Enjoy your drink, but also start writing because you can”. That love, that faith and confidence in my ability and capacity to spin a yarn not only made me an award winning author of my debut novel, but has also made it possible for me to respond to your interview today.
2. Your latest book The Game-changer Monk is the third novel in the series. How does this book evolve from the themes explored in the previous two novels?
Answer: It has no bearing whatsoever on the first two. This one is inspired by the pandemic we all faced in 2020 and 2021, COVID-19. However, the protagonist is the same one in all the 3 books. And the theme also is the same, Terrorism.
3. Your debut novel The Monk was translated into Croatian as Redovnik. How did it feel to see your work reach an international audience?
Answer: Highly gratifying, of course.
4. You had a long career as an advertising and marketing consultant before becoming a full-time writer in 2018. How did that professional experience influence your storytelling?
Answer: The outlook, the perspective of the global affairs and the geopolitical realities.
5. What challenges did you face while transitioning from the corporate and media world into full-time writing?
Answer: None at all. Because, writing had been inborne. It only needed an impetus to manifest.
6. You are currently working on another book titled The Exasperated Monk. Could you share a glimpse of what readers can expect from this upcoming work?
Answer: Similar thrill!
7. Reading, travel, and wildlife are among your passions. How do these interests shape your creative ideas and writing process?
Answer: I have been a voracious reader since quite early in life. At the age of 13, I have read The ABC of Relativity by Albert Einstein. Have read many non-fiction books on various subjects and also Fiction. Reading, travel and wildlife provide immense opportunities to think and conceptualise.
8. What message or takeaway would you like readers to carry with them after reading The Game-changer Monk?
Answer: Don’t get carried away by any false propaganda, ask questions within ‘Why it happens, what it Means’ and respect Nature.
