In this episode, I sit down with author Ananya Devarajan to unpack her novel Sanskarí Sweetheart and the much bigger conversations it opens up around culture, romance, and representation. We talk about what “sanskarí” actually means today, how tradition and desire can coexist, and why South Asian love stories deserve more nuance than they’re often given.

Our conversation dives into Desi representation in mainstream media, including what shows like Never Have I Ever get wrong about South Asian families and identity, as well as how modern romance is evolving both on the page and on screen. We also touch on Bollywood influences, thoughts on Ranveer Singh’s latest film, iconic romantic storytelling, and how cultural expectations shape the way we understand love.

This episode is about being seen, challenging stereotypes, and writing (and living) love stories that feel honest, layered, and deeply human, especially for those who grew up rarely seeing themselves reflected accurately in media.

Perfect for readers, writers, and anyone interested in culture, romance, and the power of storytelling.