Vikas Khanna launches Urdu version of The Hidden Hindu, which MS Dhoni's banner will turn into web-series

Former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and wife Sakshi Dhoni will be adapting author Akshat Gupta’s English novel The Hidden Hindu as a web-series under their banner Dhoni Entertainment.

The book, which was released in 2020, has now been translated into Urdu. The Urdu edition was launched yesterday by celebrated chef and filmmaker Vikas Khanna.

Speaking about the book at the launch, Khanna said, “Akshat is a fantastic writer. The Hidden Hindu gives a great overview of mythology with a blend of science fiction sprinkled on top. Despite his success as the owner of a restaurant business, his passion for writing can be seen in this book. Like all renowned authors, he has seen rejection, but his determination to bring the story to the world is remarkable.”

He added, “The Hidden Hindu is gripping, which I feel has also piqued Bollywood’s [commercial Hindi cinema's] interest and I am totally convinced that the visual depiction would do credit to his written words, and that the visual representation will be a delight for all. I am looking forward to the other two books.”

Gupta was delighted to have Khanna launch his book. “Vikas sir has been an inspiration for budding writers like us,” he said. “He is a brilliant cook, an amazing storyteller and a great human being. He has written 37 books till now. His book, The Last Color, on the widows of Vrindavan was so beautifully written and the movie was a visual treat for cinema lovers, making it to Cannes and other festivals. The subject he chose is so relevant in today’s time, also globally. I am honoured that he agreed to launch the book and support me in this journey as an author. His positive feedback means a lot.”

The Hidden Hindu is about a mysterious Aghori sadhu who is captured by Indian authorities who consider him a threat to the country. During his interrogation by various experts, he claims to have been living for thousands of years.