From Orenda to Tadow : Shalaka's Unfolding Saga of Stories and Synchronicity

There are some conversations that linger with you long after they're over - like echoes of a story that continues to unfold. My conversation with Shalaka was one of them. I had the privilege of speaking to her when she had just stepped into the literary world with her debut book, Orenda - a collection that went on to win "Book of the Year - Reader’s Choice" at the Kavishala Book Awards 2021 and topped Kindle’s short stories chart. Even then, there was something about her - a quiet storm of words and ideas - that told me her journey was just beginning.

Today, as I reconnect with Shalaka, her story has grown into something even more inspiring - a beautiful tapestry of creativity, resilience, and a relentless drive to build narratives that move people and brands alike.

Born in India’s orange city, Nagpur, and now finding inspiration under Bangalore’s purple skyline, Shalaka describes herself as "a whirlwind of crazy chaos, a dialogue in the digital world, and the first ray of the sun." And indeed, her journey reflects just that — an ever-evolving dialogue between her many roles: award-winning flash fiction author, TEDx speaker, global brand marketer, and now, Founder & Chief Wordsmith of her own creative consultancy, Write Click.

Armed with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering, a master’s in marketing, and an advanced specialization in Neuromarketing, Shalaka has worked with an enviable list of global brands including McDonald’s, Salesforce, HPE, Hindustan Unilever, VMWare, Kantar, Brillio, Microland, and Angel One, where she last led Employer Branding and Communications before choosing to embark on her independent journey.

Her contributions have earned her several prestigious recognitions, including Women Disruptors 2021, Corporate Comms & PR 30 under 30 (2022), and the Alumni Pride Award from Welingkar Institute of Management. She was also invited by Sahitya Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, last year to speak on the evolving landscape of flash fiction in India.But beyond awards and accolades, what makes Shalaka’s story remarkable is her deep-rooted belief in the power of storytelling and giving back. Whether it's working with underserved communities, cancer patients, and acid attack survivors, or speaking at leading platforms like Jaipur Literature Festival, Bangalore Lit Fest, Kalinga Lit Fest, and universities like Christ University and Symbiosis, she continues to inspire and be inspired by stories around her.

But beyond her corporate achievements, what stands out is her deep connection with writing - a craft she nurtured since she was eight. Her book Orenda found not only commercial and critical success but was also chosen as a subject of academic study for a final year MA dissertation in English Literature - a rare feat for a debut author.

Now, Shalaka is all set to add another exciting chapter to her literary journey with her forthcoming book, "Tadow." While details remain under wraps, knowing Shalaka’s ability to blend emotion, insight, and sharp observation, Tadow promises to be another stirring exploration of the human experience.

As we reconnect, I’m excited to delve deeper into what drives her creative process, what readers can expect from Tadow, and how she continues to balance the many facets of her life — as an author, entrepreneur, marketer, and, above all, a storyteller.

Excerpts from the Interview:

Q1) Tadow is inspired by the song by FKJ and Masego, which captures the inexplicable synchronicity of human experiences. How does this concept translate into your storytelling?

Shalaka: Tadow is a feeling, a rhythm, an exhale. Life is rarely linear. We stumble into moments, people, and emotions that feel like they were meant to happen, even if they weren’t planned. That inexplicable synchronicity is what Tadow captures.

Each story in the collection is born from a random set of five words given to me by friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. There was no way to predict what would come my way, yet somehow, each prompt unravelled a narrative that felt like it was waiting to be told.

The last story of the book is titled Tadow, it is about how I came across that song, and why it means so much to me. I have a Tadow tattoo on my right wrist too.

Q2) Each story in Tadow is shaped by five random words provided by contributors. How did this creative constraint influence your writing process, and were there any words that particularly challenged you?

Shalaka: Well, both a playground and a puzzle. It took 3.5 years to write the book. I took a leap from what I used to do during my MBA days. Had over 160 entries. Instead of starting with a pre-planned arc or a character in mind, I had to let these words lead me, often into unexpected emotional terrains.

Some of the words led me to observe things around me, that usually go unnoticed. And maybe hence, I could peel the layers of the society.

Q3) Your stories tackle deeply personal and societal issues—autism, dyslexia, LGBT rights, child abuse, and more. Was there a particular story that was hardest to write?

Shalaka: Brahmanda. It is about autism. One of the first few stories I have written. I went with my vivid imagination, and it was emotionally challenging. I did weep while writing it.

Q4) The book celebrates collaboration and collective imagination. Did any of the prompts lead you to an unexpected or surprising narrative direction?

Shalaka: Oh, all the prompts led me somewhere unexpected! That’s the beauty of surrendering to restrictions is that you never know what’s coming, but you trust that something brilliant will unfold.

The prompts were catalysts, forced me to step outside my natural storytelling instincts and into narratives I didn’t even know I had in me. That’s what made Tadow so exhilarating to write.

Q5) Tadow explores modern India’s cultural and emotional landscape. Were there any specific lived experiences or observations that inspired the book’s themes?

Shalaka: Art is always inspired, so yes, a bunch of stories are ink-spired from everyday observations.

Q6) The book ends with a personal story entitled Tadow. Without giving too much away, can you share why you chose to conclude the collection with that story?

Shalaka: Tadow is the only story in the collection where I knew the ending before I began writing it. It’s about two farewells. One I had time to prepare for, the other left me reeling. And amid that emotional whirlwind, I decided that my next book (this book) would be called Tadow.

It felt right to end the collection with that story because Tadow itself is about fleeting moments, about the way life syncs up in ways we can’t always explain. This story is the heart of that realisation. It’s personal, raw, and a reminder that some goodbyes shape us in ways we never see coming.

Q7) You have a background in marketing and neuromarketing. Did your expertise in consumer psychology influence the way you structured or crafted these narratives?

Shalaka: It is usually the case that my writing and perspectives help me market brands better. I observe and think a lot, I guess. Writing is thinking, and I love to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Understanding human emotions, behavioural triggers, and the power of storytelling has been invaluable, whether in fiction or in shaping a brand’s voice.

Q8) Flash fiction demands brevity and impact. What drew you to this format, and how do you ensure emotional depth in such short pieces?

Shalaka: I’ve been writing flash fiction longer than I even realized. Brevity has always been second nature to me. I’ve been breathing the "brevity is the soul of wit" philosophy for the past 13-15 years. It all started with platforms like One Frame Stories and TTT, where I explored micro and flash storytelling.

One thing that has always guided my writing is this: I always write the ending first. Something that stirs me, something I believe will stir others. Once I have that emotional anchor, I structure the rest of the story around it, adding layers that make those few words carry the weight of something much larger.

Q9) Your professional journey spans branding, storytelling, and digital content. How has working with brands and leaders shaped your voice as a fiction writer?

Shalaka: As a storyteller, I’m a hoarder of perspectives: every brand, every leader, and every campaign has added a new lens to how I see the world. Writing, much like branding, is an ever-evolving process of learning, unlearning, and relearning.

One of my most cherished projects was working on a branding campaign around dyslexia, which deepened my understanding of neurodivergence in ways I hadn’t expected. It gave me the insight and empathy to write Selcouth in Tadow; a story about dyslexia that remains my absolute favourite. <3

Q10) Given your extensive writing career, what was different about writing Tadow compared to your previous projects?

Shalaka: The power of collaborative imagination! It pushed me to explore new perspectives, stretch my creative muscles, and write stories I may have never otherwise written.

Also, Tadow has seen a lot of life, you know!

Q11) Your MBA days inspired this creative exercise of using random words for storytelling. Do you still practice this technique, and has it influenced other aspects of your work?

Shalaka: I do. Brain exercises are a must. Including word games. I also write for NaPoWriMo and Inktober religiously every year. I have designed interesting brainstorming exercises for my workshops too – to help participants widen their perspective.

Q12) You describe yourself as a "Creative Capitalist" who builds brands. Do you see storytelling as an essential skill in business, and how does fiction writing intersect with brand building?

Shalaka: Undoubtedly. The world thrives on experiences, both vicarious and real. And storytelling is at the heart of it all. Brands curate emotions, aspirations, and identities. Fiction writing and brand building intersect in the way they both craft narratives that resonate, evoke feelings, and leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s a book or a brand, the goal is the same: to create something people connect with, remember, and keep coming back to.

Q13) Your favourite muse is Bangalore’s purple skyline, and you cherish window seats. Do places and movement play a role in your creative process?

Shalaka: Very much so. The way we think shifts with the spaces we inhabit. New places spark new perspectives. Travel is a reset button for creativity. And movement fuels my stories.

Q14) If Tadow were to be adapted into another medium—film, theatre, or an audio experience—how would you envision it?

Shalaka: Some stories are to be seen; some are to be read and felt. Some are to be re-read. Tadow is an immersive experience in itself, so if it were adapted, I’d want it to feel just as raw, evocative, and unflinching as the book. Maybe a few short films would be amazing for Orenda and Tadow both! )

Q15) What’s next for you? Are there more storytelling experiments or books in the pipeline?

Shalaka: A poetry collection next year hopefully. Followed by a non-fiction book. Let’s see. There’s so much to look forward to! Mujhe toh humesha aasaman likhna hai, aap sab ko ussey ishq samjhna hai!

Thank you all for reading and a big thanks to Shalaka Kulkarni for collaborating in today’s post!

It’s a pleasure!

As Tadow prepares to make its way into readers' hands, one thing is certain - Shalaka's words will continue to mirror the quiet synchronicities of life, urging us to pause, reflect, and feel. After all, as she believes, "People are inspired by stories, and stories are inspired by people." And it is in that beautiful cycle that her writing finds its home.