Tarun J Tejpal Biography and latest books by Tarun J Tejpal

Tarun J Tejpal is a journalist, publisher, and novelist, who has written two critically acclaimed novels - The Alchemy of Desire and The Story of My Assassins. In his 26-year long journalistic career, he has worked as an editor of very reputed magazines and newspapers, like India Today and the Indian Express groups. He then moved on to be the managing editor of Outlook, India’s premier newsmagazine. In March 2000, he started the newspaper Tehelka, a news organization that has been known worldwide for its aggressive style of journalism and reporting, especially its sting operations.


Tarun J Tejpal’s novels are known for their strong female characters. In an interview Tejpal had said, “It has to do with their immense layering. In comparison, men are almost two dimensional, emotionally and sexually lesser beings. Yes, most of the important people in my life are female — mother, sister, wife, daughters, colleagues, and friends. Yes, they are changing — no options: The future belongs to women, but they are changing at too slow a pace.”


In 2001, Tejpal was listed as one of Asia’s 50 most powerful communicators, and Business Week declared him one among 50 leaders at the forefront of change in Asia. In 2007 The Guardian named Tejpal among the 20 who comprise of India\'s new elite.


Tarun\'s first novel, The Alchemy of Desire (2005) is undoubtedly a modern classic. The book tells the story of a young couple, poor but too much in love. The couple is obsessed with each other and moves to a home in lower Himalayas. The house changes the dynamics of their relationship as the man finds himself attracted towards the dark secrets that were shut in that cottage.


Tarun\'s second novel, The Story of My Assassins has been published in 2009. Author Pankaj Mishra has even said, "It (the book) sets new and dauntingly high standards for Indian writing in English".