Teen Author Nikasha Luthra unveils Kashmir-inspired Novel ‘Lost and Found in Kashmir’
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 8, 2026: Nineteen-year-old actor, filmmaker and author Nikasha Luthra has announced the release of her latest novel, Lost and Found in Kashmir, a work inspired by the emotional impact of the Pahalgam terror attack and its aftermath.
Speaking at a media interaction at the Chandigarh Press Club, Nikasha said the 270-page novel took nearly two years to complete and explores themes of grief, resilience, love and healing against the backdrop of Kashmir. The book has been published by Ananta Press Publishing.
Already an accomplished young creative, Nikasha has previously authored the poetry collection Dark Tulips and the short-play anthology Flowers in Her Room. She has also written and directed the films Ankahe Khwaab (Unspoken Dreams) and Sehar Ki Talaash Mein (In Search of Dawn).
Explaining the inspiration behind the novel, Nikasha said the Pahalgam attack deeply affected her emotionally and prompted her to reflect on the human stories often left untold after acts of violence.
“While the story is fictional, the emotions within it are very real. I wanted to explore the lives interrupted by tragedy and the emotional aftermath that often remains unspoken,” she said.
Set in Kashmir, the novel follows the journey of Heer and Kabir as they navigate loss, heartbreak and uncertainty in the wake of violence. Through intimate conversations and memories, the story examines how ordinary lives are transformed by extraordinary circumstances.
Nikasha described Kashmir as an essential character in the narrative, saying the Valley’s blend of beauty, history and pain provided the most authentic setting for the story.
“It was important to focus on the emotional humanity of the characters rather than sensationalising violence. The challenge was to write with sensitivity while remaining true to the realities of grief and survival,” she added.
As part of the project, Nikasha has also created a cinematic adaptation of selected chapters from the novel. A preview of the short film was screened during the media interaction.
The book will be formally launched on June 9 at Mini Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh. The event will be attended by chief guest Dr Sumita Misra, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Haryana, along with Lt Gen K.J.S. Dhillon (Retd) and Dr Manmohan Singh, IPS (Retd), Chairman of Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi.
The launch, being organised by The Narrators Performing Arts Society (India), will feature both the unveiling of the novel and a special screening of the film adaptation based on select chapters from the book.