Meet the SHEROES - Aastha Atray Banan

She's often known as India's second Mills and Boon writer thanks to her novel - His Monsoon Bride. Aastha Atray Banan is a professional journalist with a keen love for the written word. She's been writing since her early years and calls herself a die hard romantic who enjoys her freedom of expression. Let's talk to Aastha and get an inside peak into this writer's mind. 

What do you presently work as and how did the inspiration to enter this field of work come about?
I work as an assistant editor, at Brunch, where I write stories about people, culture and society. But I'm also a published author and have written India's second mills and boon novel, His Monsoon Bride. My second book was published by Rupa and is called Games Girls Play. I've always written, even as a child. I used to write books about me and my friends going on daring adventures, a la Enid Blyton style. And then i realised I am a romance author! I have also worked with organisations such as Elle, Asian Age, Open, Tehelka, Mid-day and DNA in the past. 

Can you share some light on the latest book you've authored?
My latest book Games Girls Play is about two completely opposite girls living in Mumbai. One is a prude, one is  promiscuous. It's about them finding love, but it's also about women getting over their judgments against each other. And at the end of the day, it's about women having the choice to be whoever they want -- prude or promiscuous. 

What do your future aspirations include, professionally?
I want to write more books, in the chick lit and romance category. I am also working on a sitcom. My next book will be out in a few months.

In the field of journalism, what do you think are the biggest challenges a woman faces?
I haven't faced any such challenges. The only thing would be that there are some places that would be unsafe for women to go, or some men who are uncomfortable to talk to independent, modern women.

What words of advice or inspiration would you share with us today?
Believe in the good things in life. Don't be jaded and cynical. You need to be a little naive to be able to write.