PVLF 2026

Interview: Shraddha Sahi, Author of Never Make a Bucket List

A heartfelt interview with Shraddha on Never Make a Bucket List, reflecting on self-discovery, relationships, compassion, and the quiet miracles of hope and second chances.
on Dec 15, 2025

Frontlist: “Never Make a Bucket List” explores love, longing, and rediscovering oneself. How do you think Pooja’s journey reflects the Christmas spirit of hope, healing, and second chances?

Shraddha: Pooja has always been other-centric, someone who puts her family’s needs above her own. When her daughter mocks her for her low ambitions, she’s hurt at first. Then she begins to wonder who Pooja really is, stripped of the billionaire Patel and then the Sharma tag. Is this the reason for her restlessness, for feeling something is missing? Is it possible that the completeness she’s been looking for outside may actually lie within? Is the reason Ravi no longer looks at her like he used to, because she’s lost herself in being a great wife and mother? Pooja sets out to find and heal herself on the trip to Italy.

Frontlist: Christmas is a season of togetherness. Your book reveals the complex dynamics within Pooja and Ravi’s marriage. What does their relationship teach us about nurturing bonds even when life looks perfect from the outside?

Shraddha: In most relationships, one person is more ‘in it’ than the other. Pooja always knew Ravi was her soulmate, whereas he grew to love her gradually. She always gave more of herself, nearly emptying her emotional reserves for him. As that relationship matured, and her daughters grew up, it hit her that even what she believed to be a perfect marriage lacked something. Her family was her whole world, but she had given too much to be whole herself. A bond is healthier if both individuals respect their sense of selves as much as their partners.

Frontlist: Your story is set in the magical beauty of Capri. Which moment or scene from the book best captures the warmth, joy, or kindness associated with the Christmas season?

Shraddha: It’s an emotional and sad scene, but one of the ending scenes in the book between Pooja and her father shines with love and magic for me. The sense that our loved ones are always with us, in some form or another fills me with a reassuring, peaceful joy—a kind of Christmas miracle!

Frontlist: The novel uncovers hidden truths behind relationships. How do themes of vulnerability and honesty in the story connect with the Christmas spirit of reconnecting with one’s true self?

Shraddha: Shakespeare’s words, ‘To thine own self be true,’ somehow echo throughout the story. If only Pooja felt complete, if only Chandni admitted her marriage had issues…things may have been different. Being honest, to the other person in the relationship, and to ourselves can save us much grief down the line. We all avoid discussing the bigger issues, and don’t want to be vulnerable and ask for what we need from the relationship. A little honesty with ourselves and our loved ones can go a long way in ensuring the bond is deep and real, not simply a ten second Insta reel we show the world.

Frontlist: As a doctor and writer juggling many roles, how have your personal experiences shaped the emotional authenticity of a character like Pooja, who is rediscovering her identity?

Shraddha: Pooja took a backseat in her own life so that her loved ones could shine. Many brilliant women in my family have dimmed their light too—for family, for financial issues, fear of judgement. We tend to postpone our joys and desires and prioritise others’. I’ve struggled with balancing my responsibilities, but managed to ensure that I make time for other parts of me too. I keep examining my motives, making sure not to simply chase external validation. Fortunately I have a great role-model in my mother, a strongperson who kept her creativity and identity alive while managing her job, mundane chores, and multiple roles.

Frontlist: Among all the twists and revelations, is there an act of compassion or kindness in the story that you believe readers will carry into this festive season?

Shraddha: Letting go of anger and forgiving those responsible for our pain is a tough thing to do. Rupesh Patel and Ravi share a complicated relationship. The senior Patel resents Ravi for first stealing his daughter away, and then letting her die on his watch. He also blames himself for letting Pooja marry Ravi. He keeps Ravi apart from his own daughters as he constantly searches for evidence of wrongdoing. Ravi wonders if he is somehow unlucky for the women in his life. Over the course of the next few days, his father helps him overcome his grief, and to see that Mr Patel is merely reacting as a suffering father. The two men, united in their love for Pooja, eventually work together to bring her home and set her free.

Frontlist: Christmas often symbolizes rediscovery—of love, faith, and belonging. What message of rediscovery does “Never Make a Bucket List” offer readers?

Shraddha: I wish for every woman reading the book to realise this is her journey, her path, and that people are important, but not more important than her sense of worth. Self-love is a sort of preventive medicine. Your loved ones may crib at having a little less time with you, and having to do some things for themselves, but they’ll realise it makes you a better person and respect you more. Re-connect with who you are, invest in yourself. It’ll make you shine, and everyone around you too!

Frontlist: You’re known for creating strong, funny, kick-ass women. How does Pooja embody this spirit, and what can readers learn from her about finding joy even in moments of chaos?

Shraddha: Pooja is incredibly strong, with an emotional maturity that comes from being the eldest child. She’s actually a go-getter who broke with traditions and even challenged her family for her soulmate. She remains polite and respectful, but keeps doing her own thing to convince her family Ravi is the man for her. She’s the one who approaches him multiple times—a daring thing to do for the ‘meek’ persona she projects. I love how she finds happiness in simple things like sitting down with a cup of lemon tea and enjoying the Mumbai sunrise, or relishing dal-rice and pickle over all the five star meals her billionaire family has eaten.