When I set out to tell the untold story of a prince and a songstress, I was hoping for simple answers. I know now that I am a Bhil and a Rajput. That I carry the blood of a devadasi and that of a commoner. I am the king and the servant, and everything in between. But this isn’t the story of two people, or three – of two star-crossed lovers and their illegitimate son. No. This is the story of India. My parents lived in interesting times, when a nation struggled to find its way in a world that had gone mad. And the reason I can now tell this story is because the times have changed. India has changed. The new India can accept this story for what it is, I hope. My parents tried their best to keep me a secret, sacrificing their own lives together to shield me from a life of ignominy, and here I am spilling their secrets. For I am not ashamed of my existence, or their’s. I know now that there is a place for me as well in this imperfect but truly great nation.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

Thank you:

Cyril Sebastian for the countless hours of east coast-west coast camaraderie, ensuring that this book kept breathing 24/7.

Atul Jolly, David Austin, Debajyoti Bose, Jyoti Singh, Kent Kee, for being kind and brave enough to read my initial scribbles.

Salik Shah for making me first believe that someone just might be interested in reading what comes out of my warped mind.

My uncle, Lokesh Dwivedi, for the beautiful poetry. Some are in these pages. The world needs more of you.

Anushree Majumdar for giving the story a beating heart.

Anish Chandy, my agent, for believing. Your expertise allows me to put my head down and do the work.

The wonderful HarperCollins India team: Swati Daftuar for having faith in a new voice and making it better. It takes courage. Sagiri Dixit and others who make sure the work reaches people. A story is but a figment of one’s imagination, you all make it real.

My work and life friends in India, Singapore, London, and the US. Your support and encouragement make this worthwhile.

My huge extended family. We’re scattered across the globe, but your stories bind us together. Thank you, Mom, for being the rock. I ride your luck. Avani and Sumit, for the exciting conversations – my fuel. Chandrahas, Meena, Vilsu and Siddharth for being the best cheerleaders.

Dad, ‘find your heroes,’ you had said. I looked but couldn’t find a better one than you.

To Mansi – thank you for putting up with my madness, for being my first reader, promoter, and critic. for creating a bubble in which I thrive. Above all, thanks for boarding the crazy ride.

About the Book

About the Book

SHE WAS THE MELODY QUEEN
HE RULED THE PITCH
WOULD THEY GIVE UP THEIR PASSIONS
FOR THE SAKE OF LOVE?