7.6 Abhishek Anicca: Disability, Desire, and Dating

Ever wondered what it’s like to live with a disability? Or how writing can help navigate the toughest of life’s challenges? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara chat with Abhishek Anicca, author of Grammar of My Body, a creative memoir about his life with VATERS syndrome, a condition affecting multiple parts of his body. Abhishek dives into his experience of living with chronic illness and disability in India, sharing his journey of vulnerability, humor, and breaking stereotypes.Abhishek also talks about the therapeutic power of art, especially poetry and performance, in dealing with mental health challenges and reclaiming his narrative. From the poetic nature of illness to the importance of clear, non-metaphorical communication, he gives us a deep insight into the world of writing about personal experiences. If you’ve ever been curious about the intersection of personal storytelling, disability, and creativity, this conversation is for you! Listen in for an inspiring, thought-provoking episode.Trigger warning: This episode discusses chronic illness, disability, and mental health struggles. Listeners are advised to exercise caution.Books mentioned in this episode: Illness as Metaphor - Susan SontagShattered: A Memoir - Hanif Kureishi 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.