PVLF 2025

Young Author Chinmay Moghe Revives Marathi Lit with Passion

At 24, Chinmay Moghe has authored 10 books, launched a publishing house, and captivated young Marathi readers with mythological and historical fiction.
on May 30, 2025

One of the important landmarks in his writing career was his second book, the 600-page epic poem about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj titled Mahakavya Shivpratap. The preface was done by 99-year-old historian Babasaheb Purandare

At an age when the majority of college students are still deliberating about their choice of profession, 24-year-old Chinmay Moghe, better known to literary circles as 'Samar', has not only authored and published ten novels so far. Apart from being a prolific writer, he is also now the proprietor of his own publishing house, Samar Publication, which has earned recognition in Marathi literary circles.

Moghe started early on his writing path. While his peers were making the most of their summer breaks relaxing, he was writing his first historical novel, Maharajadhiraj, on emperor Samudragupta.

"I wrote when I was 16 years old. I knew that I wanted to write," affirms Moghe.

But his love for literature had taken hold much earlier than that. During class 6, when he was staying in Ratnagiri, his father got him a district library membership as a birthday present — an act that instilled an enduring love for books. He remembers reading voraciously, unbothered by smartphones or social media. "Reading became a habit, then an addiction," he says. His early literary heroes included Fakira by Anna Bhau Sathe and Garambicha Bapu by Na Pendse.

One of the highlights of his writing career was with his second book, Mahakavya Shivpratap, a 600-page epic in praise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The foreword was penned by historian Babasaheb Purandare, who was 99 years old at the time. "Babasaheb did not just write the foreword but also presented very rare stories — including one involving copper plate inscriptions from Karnataka that speak of Shivaji Maharaj's childhood," says Moghe.

Having gained experience, Moghe started his own publishing company in 2021. Tathagat, a first-person narrative of Gautam Buddha's life, based on references from the Tripitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Sutta Pitaka, was the first novel self-published by him.

His second novel, Urmila, which explores the hitherto unknown life of Laxman's wife from the Ramayana, gained appreciable commercial success. With time, he has also experimented with the genre of fantasy.

In Samudra Manthan, Moghe delves into parallel worlds and weaves mythology together with speculative fiction — a novel genre in modern Marathi literature.

One of his more well-received titles among young readers is Radha, which involves a girl named Shravani who goes alone to Vrindavan and encounters Radha. The novel covers themes of love, self-discovery, and intra-personal conflict. "Shravani asks Radha what love is. Radha tells her, 'During my time, I found my path to love. Now it's your turn, find your own path" he clarifies.

Radha sold more than 12,000 copies during its first year, making it his second bestseller. Its popularity among young readers indicated a market for fresh, introspective storytelling in Marathi.

Moghe maintains he handles historical and mythological themes with caution. "I maintain a balance between creative liberty and factual authenticity. One must not offend anyone's beliefs in a country as diverse as ours," he explains. He also admits that writers have limitations.

"There's pressure. Unlike in writing English, there's less latitude here," he says.

Questioned on what makes a publishing project take off, he responds, "You must know the mind of the reader. In India, Indians are attracted to mythology and spirituality. If I suddenly change to science fiction, it won't work. So, you must keep an ear to the ground to hear what readers are seeking."

With more than 16,000 combined sales for Radha and Urmila, Samar challenges the common claim that Marathi literature lacks readers. “Young people are reading — they just want stories they can relate to,” he says.

His upcoming novel, Parvati, is already available for pre-booking. He is also working on Radha – Part 2, which explores Shravani’s life after marriage. “Readers keep asking what happens next,” he says.

Whenever a new book is printed, Moghe visits the press on horseback to collect the first copy himself. "I smell the pages. For me, it's like holding a newborn baby," he says.