AASHU PATEL

Author · Journalist · Creative Producer

Aashu Patel

"Stories live in the streets, in the shadows, in the hearts of the forgotten — I simply give them a voice."

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Aashu Patel
About

The Man Behind
The Stories

"A self-made man who started his journey equipped only with dreams, fueled by raw ambition and an unshakable love for the written word."

Aashu Patel is a celebrated Gujarati author, journalist, and creative producer who has authored over 57 books spanning crime thrillers, documentary novels, biographies, and inspirational literature. Born as Ashwinkumar Khant on July 18, 1968, in the small village of Jam Sakhpur in Gujarat's Jamnagar district, he adopted the pen name Aashu Patel upon arriving in Mumbai.

He is the founder and editor of Cocktail Zindagi — Gujarat's only premium lifestyle monthly magazine. His columns appear in major publications including Divya Bhaskar, Mumbai Samachar, and Mid-Day. He was the first Gujarati journalist to write extensively about the Mumbai underworld, earning him a reputation as a fearless chronicler of the city's darkest corners.

Born
July 18, 1968 — Jamnagar, Gujarat
Residence
Mumbai, India
Best Known For
Madam X, Pin Code 101, Vishchakra
Current Role
Editor — Cocktail Zindagi Magazine
The Journey

From Village Fields
To Mumbai's Newsrooms

1968
Born as Ashwinkumar Khant in Jam Sakhpur, a small village in Jamnagar district, Gujarat. Grew up working in the family's agricultural fields.
1986
At age 18, with just ₹350 in his pocket, left for Mumbai after veteran journalist Kanti Bhatt encouraged him through letters. Began his career as a trainee at Abhiyaan magazine, often sleeping on railway station benches.
1995
Joined Gujarat Samachar as a Special Correspondent. Became known as the first Gujarati journalist to write extensively on the Mumbai underworld.
1998
Became Resident Editor of Sandesh Newspaper and held the post until 2003. Published Vishchakra — a landmark documentary novel covering Mumbai's underworld.
2004
Invited by the United States government as a special guest. Attended the Third International Kashmir Peace Conference in Washington.
2011
Published Madam X — a riveting crime thriller that became a bestseller. Bollywood director Tigmanshu Dhulia acquired the film rights.
2014
His book "Narendra Modi: A Visionary Prime Minister" was launched by Smriti Irani in what became one of the largest book launch events in Indian publishing history.
2019–Present
Expanded into cinema as Creative Producer and Writer — working on films like Gujarat 11 and Halkie Fulkee. Continues as Editor of Cocktail Zindagi and writes daily columns for multiple publications.
Bibliography

Selected Works

01
Crime · Thriller
Madam X
A gripping crime thriller based on the life of a female don in Mumbai's underworld. Film rights acquired by Tigmanshu Dhulia.
02
Documentary · Novel
Vishchakra
A landmark documentary novel covering the events of Mumbai's underworld through 1998 — raw, unflinching investigative storytelling.
03
Suspense · Thriller
Pin Code 101
A suspense thriller that captivated over 1.5 million readers online with its edge-of-the-seat narrative set in the heart of Mumbai.
04
Crime · Non-Fiction
The Don (Dha Dona)
An in-depth exploration of Mumbai's powerful crime syndicates and the men who ran them from the shadows.
05
Crime · Non-Fiction
Mrs. Mafia
Thrilling and suspenseful accounts of the wives and lovers of underworld dons — untold stories from the other side of power.
06
Biography
Narendra Modi: A Visionary Prime Minister
A coffee table book launched by Smriti Irani in one of the largest book launch events in Indian publishing history.
07
Inspirational
Sukh No Password
A guide to finding happiness and meaning in the modern world, blending personal anecdotes with profound life philosophy.
08
Biography · Novel
Reshu
His 50th book — an inspiring novel based on the life of NRI philanthropist and business magnate Rizwan Adatia.
Filmography

On Screen

Gujarat 11
2019 · Gujarati
Gujarat 11
Role: Writer
Halki Fulkee
2021 · Gujarati
Halkie Fulkee
Role: Creative Producer · Screenplay Writer · Actor

Upcoming: Film adaptation of "Madam X" directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia & "Baat Ek Raat Ki" by Jayant Gilatar

In The Press

Media Coverage

IANS / Daijiworld
Author Aashu Patel on his acting debut in Gujarati film 'Halkie Fulkee'
Times of India
Tigmanshu Dhulia to direct a film based on Aashu Patel's bestselling novel 'Madam X'
Deccan Chronicle
Smriti Irani launches coffee table book on Narendra Modi authored by Aashu Patel
Matrubharti
From Pen To Pictures: An in-depth interview with popular writer-journalist Aashu Patel
Matrubharti
50th book of well-known author Aashu Patel launched by celebrities at Mumbai event
BBC Gujarati
Interview feature discussing his journey from Jamnagar village to becoming one of Gujarat's most-read authors
Published In

Across Every Major
Gujarati Publication

Gujarat Samachar Mumbai Samachar Sandesh Divya Bhaskar Mid-Day Gujarat Mitra Abhiyaan Femina (Gujarati) Indian Express Group Hi India (USA) Cocktail Zindagi Gujarat Samachar Mumbai Samachar Sandesh Divya Bhaskar Mid-Day Gujarat Mitra Abhiyaan Femina (Gujarati) Indian Express Group Hi India (USA) Cocktail Zindagi
Get In Touch

For Collaborations, Speaking
Engagements & Literary Inquiries