6.20 Aparna Sanyal: A Descent Into the Mind's Torture Chambers

Content Warning: Discussions about torture, violence, and mental health issues.The most agonizing and horrifying torture devices from the medieval era - but with a twist!In this episode, Tara and Michelle speak to Aparna Sanyal, author of 'Instruments of Torture' - a book that explores modern society through metaphorical depictions of 8 torture devices. From ‘The Spanish Boot’ that covers impossible beauty standards to ‘The Judas Cradle’ that covers a forbidden love affair, each story reveals the dark, unexplored corners of the human psyche. Aparna reminisces about her journey being an alumna of the first Bound Writer's Retreat in 2018!  She also talks about the torture instruments she chose for her book, seeing them in real life, why her writings always have dark themes, and her Bollywood-esque story of meeting her editor from Harpercollins! Applications for The Bound Publishing Course 2026 are now open.The Bound Publishing Course is a 3-month intensive course on book, magazine, and digital publishing. Through live sessions, workshops, and industry-facing projects, participants gain practical publishing skills and exposure to careers across the industry.Cohort size: 50 seatsFirst round of acceptances: 15th June 2026Applications are reviewed on a rolling bas‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.