Picture an Indian storyteller who juggles a corporate suit by day and a writer’s pen by night, spinning tales of zombies and dystopian worlds—meet Mainak Dhar! This bestselling author has carved a niche in horror and post-apocalyptic fiction, captivating readers with his vivid imagination and gripping narratives, like the iconic Alice in Deadland series.
Born in India, Mainak’s unique blend of corporate leadership and creative storytelling has made him a standout voice in contemporary genre fiction. With over twenty books to his name, his work resonates globally, translated into languages like Turkish, Japanese, and French. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this multifaceted author!
The Making of Mainak Dhar
Mainak Dhar’s journey began in India, where a nomadic childhood shaped his storytelling passion. Moving between nine schools due to his father’s government job, he leaned on his imagination, crafting stories with an imaginary friend by his side. Educated at Modern School, Hindu College, and the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Mainak entered the corporate world with Procter & Gamble, later becoming a CEO for a multinational firm. Yet, his heart remained with writing, a love sparked by his father, Maloy Krishna Dhar, a bestselling author and former Intelligence Bureau officer.
At age seven, Mainak sold a stapled collection of poems and math solutions to classmates, spending the earnings on comics and ice cream. This early hustle foreshadowed his dual life: a ‘cubicle dweller by day, writer by night.’ After his mother’s death in 2001, he faced personal struggles but recommitted to writing, resolving to publish a book each year, starting with his debut novel, Flashpoint, in 2002.
Mainak Dhar’s Unforgettable Stories
Mainak’s bibliography is a thrilling mix of horror, dystopian, and leadership books, with the Alice in Deadland series as his crown jewel. Launched in 2011, this post-apocalyptic saga follows Alice, a fifteen-year-old navigating a wasteland teeming with undead ‘Biters.’ Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic, the series blends action, conspiracy, and a fierce female protagonist, earning global acclaim and translations into multiple languages.
Other notable works include 03:02, a fast-paced dystopian tale of an EMP attack plunging Mumbai into chaos, praised for its fresh non-Western setting. Sniper’s Eye and The 1st Assassin showcase Mainak’s knack for high-stakes thrillers, while Chronicler of the Undead delivers chilling zombie fiction set in Assam. His writing style—crisp, immersive, and action-driven—hooks readers, with themes of survival, freedom, and human resilience woven throughout.
Beyond fiction, Mainak channels his corporate expertise into leadership books like Leadership in 100 Words and Brand New Start, which won awards for their practical, mentorship-driven insights. His #leadershipin100words LinkedIn posts, amassing over two million views, reflect his commitment to guiding others, earning him recognition from India Today in 2022 for mentoring young professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why Mainak Dhar Matters
Mainak Dhar’s impact lies in his ability to bridge worlds—corporate and creative, Indian and global, fiction and mentorship. His horror and dystopian tales offer fresh perspectives, setting stories in Indian locales like Mumbai and Guwahati, challenging Western-dominated genre norms. With over 100,000 e-books sold in his first year as an indie author, Mainak proved Indian authors could thrive internationally, inspiring aspiring writers to embrace their unique voices.
His mentorship, both through books and personal outreach, has touched countless lives, fostering resilience and purpose. Mainak’s stories, infused with hope and grit, remind readers that even in apocalyptic worlds, humanity endures. As a black belt in Karate and devoted family man, he embodies discipline and heart, making his legacy one of inspiration and storytelling prowess.
- Birthplace: India
- Key Works: Alice in Deadland, 03:02, Sniper’s Eye, Leadership in 100 Words
- Awards: Gold at Non-Fiction Awards and Bronze at Reader’s Favorite Awards for Brand New Start
- Hobbies: Karate (Black Belt), spending time with family
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Alice in Deadland and dive into Mainak Dhar’s gripping world of zombies and survival!