7.12 Ram and Ammar: Exploring Identity, Migration, and Mystery in Fiction

Curious about how fiction unravels the complexities of identity and migration?In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara sit down with Ammar Kalia, author of A Person is a Prayer, and Ram Murali, author of Death in the Air, to discuss their remarkable debut novels.Ammar Kalia explores the ripple effects of migration on family dynamics through the lens of Bedi’s journey from Kenya to India. Ram Murali’s Death in the Air takes readers to an Indian Himalayan spa, combining Agatha Christie-style intrigue with contemporary questions about justice and identity.Both authors share how their diverse personal backgrounds shaped their storytelling, offering a window into the immigrant experience, family relationships, and the spiritual undertones of their narratives.In this exclusive series in partnership with Penguin Random House India, we highlight two emerging voices in fiction, delving into their creative processes, the role of memory in shaping stories, and the layered themes that make their novels so compelling.Tune in as Ammar and Ram share their thoughts on navigating the intersection of migration and identity, the challenges of balancing mystery with meaning, and the stories that inspired their unforgettable characters.Books Mentioned in this episode: The Namesake - Jhumpa LahiriThe Believers - Zoë HellerOn Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous - Ocean Vuong Whose Body? - Dorothy L. Sayers 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.