Author Arti Chavan officially launched her debut historical novel, Shadow of the Serpent Fort, at Title Waves, Bandra West, on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Acclaimed actor and classical dancer Shanthi Priya, serving as Chief Guest, officially unveiled the book Shadow of the Serpent Fort and her presence lent a distinguished touch to an evening celebrating storytelling, history, and India’s rich cultural heritage.
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Acclaimed actor and classical dancer Shanthi Priya officially unveiled the book Shadow of the Serpent Fort by Arti Chavan, with Sandip Soparrkar, internationally renowned dancer, and choreographer
The event included the ceremonial unveiling of the book by Chief Guest Shanthi Priya, remarks by the distinguished guests, a reading from the novel, an interactive conversation with the author, and a book-signing session attended by readers, members of the literary community, and invited media.
Speaking at the launch, Shanthi Priya said, “Stories have the remarkable ability to transport us across time and connect us with our shared heritage. I am delighted to unveil Shadow of the Serpent Fort, which brings a fascinating chapter of Indian history to life through imagination and adventure. I congratulate Arti on this wonderful achievement and wish the book every success.”
Joining the celebrations as Guest of Honour was internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, actor, cultural ambassador, and Chairman of the India Fine Arts Council, Sandip Soparrkar. A holder of a PhD in World Mythology, Soparrkar reflected on the enduring relationship between literature, performance, and cultural preservation. Speaking on the occasion, Sandip Soparrkar added, “Whether expressed through dance, cinema, or literature, storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to preserve culture and inspire future generations. I am delighted to be part of the launch of a novel that celebrates India’s rich heritage while making history engaging and accessible for modern readers.”
The evening also featured noted history professor, Dr. Sonali Pednekar, who highlighted the contribution of historical fiction in fostering curiosity about India’s lesser-known historical periods.
At the heart of the event was Shadow of the Serpent Fort, the culmination of six years of research and writing by Arti Chavan, a former Meta and Microsoft strategy leader, who grew up in India and now lives in the United States. Set in 324 BCE, during the fascinating Indo-Greek period following Alexander’s departure from India, the novel combines political intrigue, adventure, loyalty, mystery, and supernatural suspense to bring a forgotten chapter of Indian history vividly to life.
Author Arti Chavan said, “This book has been a six-year labor of love. Inspired by my children’s fascination with Greek mythology, I wanted to tell an equally entertaining story rooted in India’s own extraordinary past. By setting the novel in the little-known Indo-Greek period after Alexander’s departure, I hope readers will not only enjoy the adventure but also be inspired to explore the remarkable history behind it.”
About the Book
Shadow of the Serpent Fort is the first novel in the Forgotten Kingdoms of India series. Set against the backdrop of a transforming Indian subcontinent in 324 BCE, it follows a young warrior caught in a struggle for power as rival kingdoms, Greek influences, and hidden loyalties collide. Combining history, adventure, and suspense, the novel shines a light on an era that has long remained in the shadows of history.
About the Author
Arti Chavan was born and raised in India. She began writing Shadow of the Serpent Fort during the pandemic; after watching her children fall in love with Greek mythology and realizing she wanted them to know the Indian stories she’d grown up with, told the way modern adventure novels are told. The book took six years to finish, written between work and family life.
Before turning to writing, she spent nearly two decades as a strategy leader at Microsoft and Meta. The work taught her something she carried into the novel: that the hardest decisions, in a boardroom or a king’s court, usually come down to what a person is willing to lose for what they believe in. She lives in California with her husband and two children. This is her debut novel.
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Media Contact
Vipul Bondal, Veriitte Consulting M: +91 9920384555; E: vb@veriitte.in
