In the kaleidoscope of modern storytelling, few names shine as luminously as Priyanka Pradhan. A dynamic and versatile journalist with over 13 years of experience in television, print, and digital media, she has gracefully transitioned into the world of children’s literature, winning accolades and hearts along the way. Her story is not just one of talent, but of tenacity, transformation, and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling that transcends generations.
Priyanka Pradhan: From Newsrooms to Narrative Worlds – The Evolution of Priyanka Pradhan
Born and raised in Mumbai, Priyanka Pradhan began her journey amidst the buzzing world of Indian business journalism. Armed with sharp intellect and an innate flair for storytelling, she carved her path through India’s most prestigious media houses — CNBC Network 18 and ET Now, reporting and producing for shows like Storyboard and Brand Equity. Her specialisation in business and lifestyle reporting made her a respected voice in Mumbai’s high-pressure media landscape.
When life took her to Dubai in 2011, Priyanka didn’t pause. Instead, she reinvented herself. From Assistant Editor roles at The New York Times Style Magazine (UAE and Qatar editions) and Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East to Features Editor at Sorbet Magazine, she expanded her horizons across fashion, travel, and culture. Her voice became a constant across global luxury and travel publications like Conde Nast Traveller, Harper’s Bazaar Middle East, DestinAsian, Al Nawras, and Villa 88.
But behind the glitz of glossy covers and high-profile bylines, a quieter, deeper story was waiting to be told — one that had lived in the folds of childhood memories, echoing the voice of her grandmother’s folktales from the Himalayas.
Tales from the Himalayas: A Legacy Reimagined
In 2020, Priyanka Pradhan published her debut book, Tales from the Himalayas, a collection of 17 enchanting short stories inspired by the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Drawing from the oral traditions passed down by her grandmother, this illustrated anthology weaves together folklore, culture, and values with vivid imagination and heartwarming detail.
The manuscript struck a powerful chord, even before it was printed. It won the prestigious Ruskin Bond Promising Writer Award at the 2019 Dehradun Literature Festival, handpicked by the legendary author himself. “Enchanting tales, straight from the heart of the mountains,” said Bond. “Vivid storytelling and striking themes make it a delightful read.”
Later, Tales from the Himalayas was also recognized as runner-up for the Montegrappa Writing Prize 2020 at the Emirates Literature Festival for her short story Postcard. The book didn’t just win critical acclaim — it found love from both children and adults alike.
Priyanka Pradhan: A Voice That Speaks to All Ages
While Priyanka Pradhan originally envisioned Tales from the Himalayas as a bedtime storybook for young readers, its appeal proved universal. “C.S. Lewis said, ‘A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.’ That stayed with me,” she shares. True to this, her stories resonate deeply with parents, educators, and adult readers, many of whom rediscover a piece of their childhoods within her pages.
Priyanka’s writing style is anything but formulaic. Her process is driven by emotional honesty and vivid planning. “I write in bursts – long sleepless nights filled with coffee and creative mania, then nothing for weeks. But every word has to mean something,” she says. Her authenticity shines through, rejecting literary trends and publishing pressures in favor of soul-stirring storytelling.
Roadtrip: Her Next Chapter
Currently, Priyanka Pradhan is working on her second book, Roadtrip, a young adult novel described as a “coming-of-age drama-meets-adventure” story. It follows an estranged mother-daughter duo traveling along India’s coast, making emotional and literal pit stops at places like Goa, Kochi, Pondicherry, and the Andaman Islands. With each location serving as a character in itself, the novel promises to be as rich in geography as it is in psychology.
But writing Roadtrip has not been easy. “It’s painful to write about trauma — especially your own. But I’ve committed to telling this story, no matter how difficult,” she says candidly. Even with therapy, the writing process has been emotionally taxing. Yet, she remains unflinching, knowing that through this vulnerability, others may find strength.
Wife, Mother, Musician, Gamer — And Always a Storyteller
Beyond the pages and pen, Priyanka Pradhan leads a richly textured life. A proud mother to a toddler and a teenage dog, she juggles parenting with night-time writing marathons. She’s an amateur guitarist, an unapologetic solo backpacker, and a die-hard Mortal Kombat fan — embracing her quirks and contradictions as part of her creative identity.
Her path to authorship was paved not just with talent but support. “My husband made it possible. He took over everything so I could write after our daughter turned one,” she says with gratitude. Writing at odd hours, living off little sleep, she pursued her dream with the kind of fire that few dare to muster.
Advice from the Heart: For Aspiring Writers
For those aspiring to follow her path, Priyanka Pradhan offers grounded, golden wisdom:
“Forget what’s trending, forget the business of publishing. Just focus on the story you’re aching to tell. Write only because you simply cannot live without telling your story.”
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