Rajshri group launches its first book ‘Lost In The Woods’, written by 9-year-old Kashvee R. Barjatya
• At 9 years of age, Kashvee becomes one of the youngest published authors in the world
• The book was launched by Sudha Murty and Sooraj R. Barjatya at a fun-filled event at Hamleys, Lower Parel
• Rajshri Books, the newly incubated publishing arm of the group, will promote new literary talent and creative storytelling
27th January 2014, Mumbai: The 67 year old Rajshri group, one of India’s oldest, largest and most successful entertainment studios, today announced the launch of its first book, ‘Lost In The Woods’, written by 9 year old Kashvee R. Barjatya. This also marks the launch of Rajshri Books, a division of Rajshri Entertainment Private Limited, which aims to promote new literary talent and creative storytelling.
Written by debut child author Kashvee R. Barjatya, who at 9 years of age has become one of the youngest published authors in the world, ‘Lost In The Woods’ was launched at a fun-filled event at Hamleys, Lower Parel, by renowned author and social activist Sudha Murty and acclaimed film director Sooraj R. Barjatya. Also present at the event were Rajjat A. Barjatya, Managing Director & CEO of Rajshri Entertainment Private Limited and the publisher of the book, the Barjatya family, celebrities from Bollywood and the literary world, Kashvee’s classmates and friends along with book lovers and the media.
Speaking on her journey and her debut book, author Kashvee said: “Today is a really big day for me. It’s a dream come true. I narrated some poems to my father and he told me to weave them into a story. I’m very happy that my book is being published. I hope children and their parents across the world enjoy reading Lost In The Woods as much as I have enjoyed writing it.”
Rajjat A. Barjatya, Managing Director and CEO of Rajshri Entertainment Private Limited said “This is a very proud moment for me, as a publisher and as a father. Kashvee has been writing lovely poems and stories from a very young age. When I read the first draft of Lost In The Woods, I was struck by her imagination and by how well it lends itself to adaptations across films, TV, merchandizing and games. I have tried my best to give her a platform so that her talent can reach young readers across the world. I hope Kashvee inspires other kids to pursue their passion and live their dreams. At Rajshri Books, our endeavor will be to encourage new literary talent and creative storytelling since at the end of the day, irrespective of whether it’s a film, TV show, digital content or book, it’s all about telling a story!”
Sudhir Pai, Business Head, Hamleys said “Hamleys, the Finest Toy Shop in the world is indeed pleased to provide the launching pad for a very talented young Kashvee, in her maiden book venture. All of nine years old, Kashvee epitomises the true modern day child who has her traditional Indian values firmly in place, very creatively inclined, and comes across as an excellent example of what every parent would like to see their child to be. Hamleys has firmly believed in the learning and overall development of their little customers and has always promoted all such initiatives.“
‘Lost In The Woods’ is now available at all leading bookstores and on leading web stores. An e-book version of the book is available online at all leading e-book stores. Readers across the world can also log onto the official website www.lostinthewoods.in and also get regular updates on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, YouTube and Dailymotion.
In order to support a good cause, for every copy sold of ‘Lost In The Woods’, Rs. 10/- will be donated to Rajshri Foundation, the non-profit social enterprise of the Rajshri group.
Praise For The Book
Ruskin Bond – A very promising debut. Another young literary genius can be seen on the horizon.
Madhuri Dixit Nene – Delightful and engaging read. A great inspiration for thousands of young minds!
Anupama Chopra – Lost In The Woods is a unique combination of intelligence and imagination. I can’t wait to see what the 9-year-old author creates in the future!
Nandita Das – Astonishing how imaginative, lucid, adventurous and witty a 9 year old can be! Kashvee gives all her friends a fair share of the limelight. I am sure she will inspire many a writers and poets her age.
Amish – Kashvee’s vivid imagination brought a smile to my face. Her writing holds great promise.
Sooraj R. Barjatya – I read each poem twice. There is some magic in them. It’s almost cinematic! Thank you for taking us into this wonderful adventure!
Notes to the Editor:
Kashvee R. Barjatya
Born on 30th November 2004, Kashvee is a student of Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai. She hails from a family that’s been at the forefront of providing wholesome family entertainment to Indians worldwide since 1947.
Kashvee is a voracious reader and began writing stories and poems from a very young age. She began work on ‘Lost In The Woods’ when she was 7 years old.
Kashvee is very creatively inclined and is also pursuing Indian classical dance and music. She lives in Mumbai in a joint family and aspires to be a writer of books and film scripts.
About Rajshri
Rajshri Entertainment Private Limited is the digital entertainment arm of the 67-year-old Rajshri group. Rajshri Entertainment produces and distributes entertainment content across multiple languages and verticals to digitally connected audiences worldwide, making entertainment available anywhere, anytime and on any device.
Established on 15th August 1947, the Rajshri group is one of India’s oldest, largest and most successful entertainment studios. The Rajshri name is synonymous with family entertainment. Having begun as a film production and distribution studio, the group now has a significant presence in TV content production, music and digital entertainment, reaching viewers across the five screens of their life – cinema, TV, PC, mobile phones and tablet computers.
About Hamleys
Hamleys, the world’s most famous toy retailer, was established by Cornishman William Hamley in London in 1760. Today it remains the world’s most wonderful toy shop, synonymous with theatre, magic and entertainment.
Hamleys entered the Indian market, through an exclusive pan India Franchise arrangement with Reliance Retail in 2010. In India, the magic spreads across eleven different stores: Four in Mumbai two in Delhi and one each in Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Pune. These stores and www.hamleys.com enable the Hamleys’ magic to be delivered throughout the world. Hamleys has ambitious plans to grow the brand even further internationally through franchise stores in other territories.
Lost In The Wood Gallery
