PVLF 2026

Interview with Vish Dhamija, Author of “Haadsaa”

Author Vish on Haadsaa: a gripping psychological mystery exploring memory, control, privilege, and the dark truths hidden behind power.
on Aug 27, 2025

Frontlist: “Haadsaa” delves into memory loss, suspicion, and betrayal. What inspired you to explore a psychological mystery through such an emotionally charged lens?

Vish: I have always been a fan of psychology, although I have no formal education in the subject (but then I have no formal degree in law either). But when I meet new people, I often try to analyse them—what motivates them, what interests them, what drives them, and why? I have frequently noticed that people’s emotions and behaviour are shaped in a particular manner because of what has formed their personalities. And that usually lies in their past, circumstances, upbringing, etc., and you need to scratch the surface to explore all those factors to get an accurate picture of them.

Frontlist: Anushka Khan is both a victim and a key to the mystery. How did you develop her character to maintain that delicate balance of vulnerability and ambiguity?

Vish: I have always advocated that characterization is as crucial as the narrative. You cannot expect half-baked characters to tell a good story. Building Anushka’s character (in Haadsaa) was an extraordinarily complex and emotional process for me. I had to rewrite her background several times to portray her as the person she eventually becomes. Her background, past, and parents' lives had to be believable to the reader to appreciate why she was always controlled by everyone around her, including her husband. If not for that apt background, her fear and vulnerability would have sounded hollow, and her ambiguity would have come across as fictitious.

Frontlist: ACP Kamala Jha stands out as a sharp, determined investigator. What was your thought process behind creating a female police officer at the centre of this high-profile case?

Vish: I’ve been asked this before. Honestly, the police officer’s gender was selected because I firmly believe that women are far better at deduction, which is different to detection. Women have a sharp intuition, which is the truth, and I know this because my mother has it. ACP Jha, once she gets involved, deduces what must have occurred far more clearly than any man in that position. Now, my opinion could be a result of my (own) upbringing, conditioning and beliefs, since I don’t have any scientific evidence for it. Honestly, I think she suits the role.

Frontlist: The setting of South Delhi’s elite Sainik Farms adds an eerie contrast of luxury and crime. How did this setting shape the mood and tension in the narrative?

Vish: The idea that wealth insulates people from crime is a fallacy. O.J. Simpson wasn’t financially struggling, and neither were Charles Manson, Harshad Mehta, Bernie Madoff—the list is endless. Talking specifically about Haadsaa, domestic violence is not about money; it is about control. More often than not, it goes unreported, particularly in affluent families, where it carries an unnecessary social stigma. Akbar’s character comes from a privileged background, and he is considerably older than Anushka. His consistent attempts to control his wife fracture their marriage, leading to the tensions that are evident in the narrative.

Frontlist: Your books are known for being tightly plotted and visually rich. Did you envision Haadsaa with screen adaptation in mind from the start?

Vish: I always visualize my stories as I write them—the characters, the scenes, the locations, etc., and it was no different in this case. I take a lot of time in developing characters because I believe that it is the characters that tell the story, not me. I also think that when a reader reads a book, they should be able to imagine the story unfolding before their eyes. Haadsaa is a brilliant script to be adapted, even if I may say so.

Frontlist: As the winner of the Prix Cognac 2024 and a writer celebrated internationally, how do you balance global storytelling expectations with authentically Indian plots and characters?

Vish: I don't write what several publishers desire: Indian publishers expect me to write mythology to boost sales, and UK publishers want stories set in colonial times or featuring Indians as snake charmers. However, that is not who we are, are we? I decided at the start that I would only write what I enjoy and what I am comfortable with. I am not here to write stories that suit a mould, and I will stay true to my craft. I firmly believe that if one remains loyal to oneself, one writes honest and authentic stories.

Frontlist: Many of your novels explore the darkness behind privilege and power. What continues to draw you toward these themes, especially in Haadsaa?

Vish: Privilege and power are synonyms—not in a dictionary, but in the real world—aren’t they? And if any relationship is built on anything except love, it is about power; it doesn’t matter if it is family, friendship or corporate. With power comes a particular shade of darkness, a controlling factor. Haadsaa is all about one person taking control of another human being, which is unhealthy. Haadsaa is about an older and wealthy husband trying to control his wife, which I find unacceptable.

Frontlist: With several of your books being adapted for screen, including Bhendi Bazaar, do you think Haadsaa is your most adaptable work yet—and if so, why?

Vish: Yes, Daldal (starring Bhumi Pednekar, based on Bhendi Bazaar) should be out before the end of the year (so I am told), but that does not take away from my other books and stories. Haadsaa has already found a producer—I cannot name the production house for now, due to NDA—but I’ve seen their previous works, and I know I’m in safe hands. Haadsaa is not my most adaptable work, simply because all of them are.