Rochelle Potkar's Blog

Dear Friends,

You are invited this September weekend – Saturday and Sunday to the book launches of The D’Costa Family.

“Wickedly funny, Rochelle’s prose glimmers even in its darkest turns where graveyards come alive, curry pots stir secrets, and nightmares are never kept — they’re returned with interest. From Bombay to Callian (Kalyan), Calcutta to Goa, the story moves through inheritance, real estate, faith, and betrayal, giving us characters as unforgettable as their one-liners. Set in Burgundy House, the D’Costa ancestral home, we are ushered into a world where matriarchs like Rita D’Costa cling to grouses, grudges and jewels; sons stake their claims; and daughters their dreams.”

Join us for an engaging evening as I discuss my latest book.
In conversation with Heta Pandit
on 20th September 2025, 4:30 pm, 
The Dogears Bookshop, Margao.

&

In conversation with Michelle Bambawale
on 21st September 2025, 4 pm, 
The Flying Goa Cafe, Anjuna.

A review of the book by Maulee Senapati appeared in the Joao-Roque Literary Journal here. (Thank you, Selma Carvalho!)
A review by Heta Pandit in The Saligão Balcão, Edition 39.

And an interview by Christine Machado in The Navhind Times here.

I will also be interacting with the brilliant students of creative-writing at Carmel College, Nuvem sharing my practices and perspectives on Novel Writing on 19th September, thanks to Dr. Brian Mendonca.

RSVP for both bookstore events at:  me@rochellepotkar.com.
See you there! (Please share with friends you think might be interested.)

Regards,
~Rochelle

The panel discussion on Mumbai’s Topography with Naresh Fernandes and Ekta Bhandari of was enriching for me too, as we saw our city in perspective.

You can listen to the entire conversation on the podcast: Rochelle’s Verandah. 

Thank you @3arthouse @fictionarybooks for this space at The Neighborhood Festival 2025.

Now find The D’Costa Family aboard the Delhi Metro.
Thank you, Books On The Delhi Metro.

[I love these trains of thoughts.]

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My interview features in AYOMOY’s Sharadiya Issue alongside short stories translated into English from Odia, Assamese, Bengali, Telugu by Sahitya Akademi award-winning authors across themes: global warming, Durga Puja, Kandageet.

Check the issue out on Amazon here.

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#writer #author #books #fiction #poetry

It’s amusing when characters from your novel – ‘The D’Costas’ are found in Heta Pandit’s hilarious poem of her accounts and experience of being in Goa for 30 years.

What a fun poem!

Enjoyed this Sunday read!

Thank you, Madhu Raghavendra, the Ajanta Ellora Arts Residency and Beowulf Sheehan – what a warm, intimate, earthy walk through Bandra this noon was.
A humbling, memorable quick exchange of our lives it was! TOI article.

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Photograph © Beowulf Sheehan. 

Is Peace a possibility in such volatility?

‘Women and the India-Pakistan Conflict’ a session of reflection on the recent and past cross-border conflicts between India and Pakistan, including the internal conflicts of the countries, and how they impact women and marginalized groups disproportionately.

The speakers, joining from both India and Pakistan, are women of diverse fields working for peace. Join us for an insightful discussion as a part of the India Pakistan Youth Peace Projects, moderated by Noor e Emaan.

Shirkat Gah, Garden Town, Lahore. 20th of August, 4 PM – 5:30 PM (Pakistan Time). Session followed by tea time.

The latest conversation around The D’Costa Family between Smita Sahay, Editor-in-Chief of Usawa Literary Review and I is out!
At the NCPA Mumbai Page to Stage Book Launch of The D’Costa Family.

Listen in at Rochelle’s Verandah.

Remembering Eunice De Souza.
Thank you, Shriram Iyengar for your questions.

Link to the Mid-day article.

Welcoming you the book launch of The D’Costa Family by Rochelle Potkar on 6 August 2025, 6 pm, at NCPA’s Little Theatre, Fort Mumbai. Usawa Literary Review celebrates this launch as part of its 7th anniversary with NCPA’s Page to Stage Literary Initiative. Set in the vibrant Goan-Indian milieu, the book introduces us to the riotous D’Costas – a family as outrageous as they are unforgettable.At the center is matriarch Rita D’Costa, navigating betrayal, secrets, and reconciliation with wicked humour and unflinching honesty.

Thank you Smita Sahay, Editor-in-Chief & Non Fiction Editor, USAWA and Dr. Sujata Jadhav, Head – Libraries and Documentation Centre, NCPA. The evening will begin with a dramatic reading from the book by artists and storytellers: Neeta Doshi and Digant Sharma followed by a conversation with Smita Sahay.

There will be author-signed copies for you.

Bookmyshow link – https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/page-to-stage-book-launch-dramatised-reading/ET00452872. Free for All. Book your tickets now!