Title: The Adventures of Laksh, Arjun and Karthik
Author: Adhrith Reddy Shekhar Deo
ISBN: 9789373353883
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
About the Author
He’s nine years old, already a published author, a YouTuber, and a budding actor. But more than any of that, Adhrith Reddy Shekhar Deo is a storyteller at heart – one who believes that the best adventures begin with a best friend and a really good idea.
About the Book
His debut children’s novel, The Adventures of Laksh, Arjun and Karthik, published by Evincepub Publishing in December 2025, follows three boys through a whirlwind of stolen roses, secret rivers, haunted banyan trees, village races featuring actual cheetahs, forbidden waterfalls, and a terrifying ghost named Banyandha. It reads like the kind of story that could only come from someone who still knows exactly what childhood feels like – because he’s living it.
We sat down (virtually, of course) with this young literary star to find out what goes on inside the mind behind the story.
Sameer Gudhate: Adhrith, you wrote and published a full book at just 9 years old. Where did the idea for Laksh, Arjun, and Karthik come from?
Adhrith: The idea for The Adventures of Laksh, Arjun and Karthik came from my love for adventure stories and friendship. I always enjoyed imagining exciting journeys, mystery places, and brave characters. I wanted to create three friends who were different from each other but always stayed together through every challenge.
Sameer Gudhate: Banyandha the ghost is one of the most memorable parts of the book. How did you come up with such a creepy character?
Adhrith: I created Banyandha the ghost because I love mystery and slightly spooky stories that make readers curious and excited. I also like watching horror movies, and that gave me a lot of inspiration for creating a creepy character. I thought about old village stories people tell about haunted banyan trees and ghosts that children whisper about at night, and that gave me the idea.
Sameer Gudhate: The chapter where Laksh brings a cheetah to the village race is hilarious. Is any part of this book inspired by real life?
Adhrith: No, that part is not inspired by real life. It came completely from my imagination. I wanted to create something funny, unexpected, and unforgettable, and the idea of Laksh bringing a cheetah to a village race felt perfect for that.
Sameer Gudhate: Karthik is introduced as “the Crazy Boy” and turns out to be one of the most emotional characters. What did you want readers to feel about him?
Adhrith: With Karthik, I wanted readers to first feel curious and maybe a little confused, because everyone sees him as “the Crazy Boy.” But as the story continues, I wanted them to understand that he is actually kind, emotional, and very strong inside. Sometimes people judge others too quickly without knowing their real story. Karthik teaches that lesson. He lost his parents, faced loneliness, and still stayed brave and caring. I wanted readers to feel sympathy for him and also respect him, because true friendship means looking beyond first impressions and understanding the person’s heart.
Sameer Gudhate: The book has some very emotional moments – especially the farewell chapters and the letter at the end. Did any of those scenes make you emotional while writing?
Adhrith: Yes, especially the farewell chapters and the final letter made me emotional while writing. I imagined how difficult it would feel for best friends to separate after sharing so many adventures together. That feeling of saying goodbye to people who are like family is very powerful. While writing the letter, I wanted it to feel real and heartfelt, like true friends speaking from their hearts. It made me think about friendship, memories, and how people can stay connected even when they are far away. That part was one of the most emotional parts of the book for me too.
Sameer Gudhate: You’re also a YouTuber and a child actor. How do those creative outlets influence your writing?
Adhrith: Being a YouTuber and a child actor helps my writing a lot because both teach me how to express emotions, tell stories, and connect with people. As a YouTuber, I learn how to make things interesting and engaging so people enjoy watching and listening. As a child actor, I understand characters better – their feelings, expressions, and how they react in different situations. This helps me make my book characters feel more real and alive. I can imagine scenes like a movie in my mind, which makes writing more exciting. All these creative activities work together and help me become a better storyteller.
Sameer Gudhate: The book touches on some serious themes – loss, grief, courage, and friendship across distances. Were you thinking about those themes, or did they appear naturally?
Adhrith: Those themes appeared naturally while I was writing the story. I started with the idea of adventure and friendship, but as the characters grew, emotions like loss, grief, courage, and staying connected became an important part of their journey. I wanted the story to feel real, not just fun and exciting. In real life, friendships also go through challenges, goodbyes, and emotional moments. So these themes came naturally because they made the characters stronger and the story more meaningful. I think they help readers connect more deeply with the book.
Sameer Gudhate: The story ends with “Part 2 to be continued.” What can readers expect in the next adventure?
Adhrith: In Part 2, readers can expect even bigger adventures, stronger friendships, and new mysteries to solve. Even though Laksh moves to America, the bond between Laksh, Arjun, and Karthik stays strong, and their story is far from over. There will be new places, unexpected challenges, and maybe even the return of some old mysteries like Banyandha. I want Part 2 to be more exciting, with more suspense, fun, and emotional moments. The boys will face new adventures, but this time they will be even braver and stronger together.
Sameer Gudhate: What do you want young readers to take away from this book?
Adhrith: I want young readers to take away the importance of friendship, courage, and believing in themselves. True friends stand by each other during happy times and difficult times, and that is one of the biggest lessons in the book.
I also want children to understand that imagination is powerful. Even small ideas can turn into big adventures and great stories. I hope readers feel inspired to be brave, kind, and never stop exploring, dreaming, and creating their own adventures.
Sameer Gudhate: What advice would you give to other kids who want to write their own stories?
Adhrith: My advice to other kids who want to write their own stories is to never be afraid of your imagination. Every great story starts with a simple idea, so trust your thoughts and let your creativity grow.
You don’t need to be perfect – just start writing. Read more books, observe the world around you, and think about “what if” moments. Most importantly, be patient and keep going. If you believe in your story, others will believe in it too.
