Avik Sarkar
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Avik Sarkar | |
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| Born | Avik Sarkar June 1, 1979 Howrah, West Bengal, India. |
| Occupation | Novelist |
| Alma mater | Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (PGDM) |
| Genre | Horror, Thriller, Adventure, Mystery, Mythology |
| Notable works | Patamanjari Inquisition Bhog Mahadebi Ray Baghini Kauri Burir Mandir Kakchokkhu Purba Paschim Dakshin |
| Notable awards | Anish Deb Smriti Puraskar (2025) |
| Spouse | Sanghamitra Sarkar (m. 2005) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | |
| aviksarkar | |
Avik Sarkar (Bengali: অভীক সরকার; born June 1, 1979) is an Indian novelist who writes in the Bengali language. He is known for his versatile body of work spanning horror, thriller, historical fiction, detective fiction, and satire. Sarkar’s novels often blend themes of the supernatural, Bengali folklore, and historical events, and several of his books have become regional bestsellers.[1]
His 2018 book Ebong Inquisition (“And Inquisition”) – a collection of paranormal tales – gained critical acclaim and was later adapted into a Bengali thriller film in 2019. In 2025, his short story Bhog was adapted into a web series directed by Parambrata Chattopadhyay, further cementing Sarkar’s prominence in contemporary Bengali literature.
Early life
Avik Sarkar was born in Kolkata, India, on June 1, 1979, and grew up in various parts of West Bengal. His father, Amal Kumar Sarkar, was a small business owner, and his mother, Tapati Sarkar, worked as a school teacher. Growing up in an environment that valued education, discipline, and creativity, Sarkar developed an early interest in literature and analytical thinking.[2]
He earned an engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and later completed a Master of Business Administration at the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. These academic foundations in science and management shaped the multidisciplinary approach evident in his fiction, which often blends logic, philosophy, and narrative suspense.[3]
Following his studies, Sarkar pursued a corporate career, holding senior positions in multinational companies. By the mid-2010s, he was serving as General Manager at Gulf Oil India.[4] Alongside his professional responsibilities, he continued to write fiction, using his corporate discipline and strategic thinking to craft stories that bridge the gap between the supernatural and the rational.
Career as a novelist
Sarkar began writing fiction around 2015, contributing short stories, satirical essays, and literary commentary to Bengali blogs and magazines. His debut book, Ebong Market Visit, was a collection of witty and humorous essays about everyday life, social dynamics, and relationships. The book established his sharp voice and talent for humor.[5]
Horror and occult thrillers
Sarkar soon moved into genre fiction, becoming best known for his horror and occult thrillers. His breakthrough came with Ebong Inquisition (Deep Prakashan, 2018), a collection of interconnected supernatural stories centered on Krishnananda Agamavagisha, a fictionalized version of a 16th-century tantric scholar. Sarkar reimagined him as a time-traveling "paranormal sleuth" investigating curses, black magic, and reincarnation. The book explored philosophical and metaphysical conflicts between light and darkness and was praised for blending history with myth and mystery.[6]
In 2019, it was adapted into the Bengali anthology film Purba Paschim Dakshin by director Raajhorshee De.[7]
He continued the theme with Khora Bhairabir Maath (Patra Bharati, 2019), an anthology of two novellas—Kaliya Masan and Khōṛā Bhairabīr Māṭh—exploring rural occult legends and folk horror.[8] In Petbotthu (Patra Bharati, 2020), he fused tantric mysticism with quantum physics and espionage, presenting a plot involving Tibetan lore and time manipulation.[9]
Historical fiction
Sarkar has also authored acclaimed historical novels. Raybaghini (Patra Bharati, 2023) recounts the story of medieval queen Bhavashankari, highlighting themes of power, resistance, and gender.[10] Mahadebi (Patra Bharati, 2022) is set in the Gupta Empire, combining romance and political drama.[11]
He also wrote Chakrasambarer Punthi, based on the life of Atisha Dipankara, and Patamanjari, an epic saga set in early medieval Bengal about rebellion and societal upheaval.[12]
Detective and mystery fiction
In the detective genre, Sarkar introduced Professor Chintaharan Mukherjee, a witty marketing professor-turned-investigator. This character stars in Panchti Rahasya Upanyas (Patra Bharati, 2021), a collection of five detective novellas such as Baren Mazumder Hatya Rahasya.[13] Professor Mukherjee uses deductive reasoning and psychological insight rather than brute force, offering a fresh take on the Bengali sleuth archetype.
Other genres and adaptations
Sarkar has also written for younger readers. His novella Princess (Briti, 2022), about a quirky father-daughter relationship, showcases his range and ability to shift from dark thrillers to lighthearted narratives.[14]
By 2025, Sarkar had authored 18 books across multiple genres. His ability to shift between horror, history, satire, and detective fiction has made him a versatile and unique figure in Bengali contemporary literature.[15]
Notably, his short story Bhog (originally published in the collection Ebong Inquisition) was adapted into a web series titled Bhog in 2025, directed by Parambrata Chattopadhyay and released on Hoichoi.[16] The series starred Anirban Bhattacharya and Parno Mittra, and was noted for its haunting narrative exploring Tantra, spiritual fervor, and psychological horror.
In 2025, Sarkar received the Anish Deb Memorial Award from Kishore Bharati magazine for his contribution to modern Bengali horror writing.[17]
Writing style and themes
Sarkar’s fiction often blends Bengali folklore, occult traditions, and speculative elements across multiple genres. In his horror and thriller works, he merges religious mysticism—particularly Tantra—with psychological and scientific concepts. Recurring motifs include curses, spirits, esoteric rituals, and reincarnation. His novella Petbotthu integrates Tibetan tantric ideas with physics and espionage, while Bhog examines religious fervor, spiritual possession, and psychological instability.[18]
Critics have observed that Sarkar favours atmospheric storytelling and slow-building tension, often avoiding conventional horror devices such as jump scares.[19] Many of his narratives are set in rural or historical Bengal, drawing heavily on local belief systems, folklore, and cultural practices.
In his historical fiction, Sarkar focuses on lesser-known figures and events, often portraying protagonists engaged in acts of resistance, reform, or survival. Novels such as Raybaghini and Mahadebi combine fictionalized biography with detailed historical research, and occasionally incorporate real-life personalities such as Krishnananda Agamavagisha.
His detective fiction, particularly the series featuring Professor Chintaharan Mukherjee, prioritizes deduction, observation, and intellectual problem-solving over action-oriented set pieces. These stories often weave in satire and social commentary, reflecting on contemporary society through the lens of mystery.
Across genres, Sarkar’s prose is concise and plot-driven, frequently using framing devices such as recurring narrator characters to unify stories. In interviews, he has cited influences including Bengali folk literature, classical horror fiction, and authors like Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay. In a 2023 interview, he remarked on the discipline of reading as essential to writing: “One must read 100 pages before writing even a single page.”[20]
Awards and recognition
Avik Sarkar has received recognition for his work in Bengali genre fiction. In 2025, he was awarded the Anish Deb Smriti Puraskar by Kishore Bharati for contributions to horror and speculative writing.
Other acknowledgments include the Kachi Pata Sahitya Samman (2022) and a felicitation at the Apeejay Bangla Sahitya Utsav (2019).[21]
In 2018, Ebong Inquisition reportedly received a "Best Novel" award at the Kolkata Book Fair.[22]
Bibliography
Character-based series
Krishnananda Agamavagisha series
A tantric scholar from 16th-century Bengal, reimagined as a time-traveling paranormal investigator dealing with black magic, curses, and dark forces.
- Ebong Inquisition – Introduces Agambagish; includes stories like Roktofolok and Bhog
- Petbotthu – Connects tantric practices with modern espionage and quantum physics
- Khōra Bhairabir Maath – Rural horror novellas (Kaliya Masan and Khōṛā Bhairabīr Māṭh)
- Pretjokkho O Onnanyo – Ghostly stories of afterlife and possession
- Dainiburi O Anyanya – Contains Agambagish-themed stories involving rural magic and Shakta rituals
Professor Chintaharan Mukherjee mysteries
A witty professor of marketing who solves crimes using logic and deduction, often laced with gentle satire.
- Panchti Rahasya Upanyas – Collection of five novellas (including Baren Mazumder Hatya Rahasya)
Nibaran Chakraborty arc
An amateur chronicler of mysticism, folklore, and hidden histories. Appears across formats:
- Chakrasambarer Punthi – Historical novella featuring Atisha Dipankara; narrated by Nibaran
- KakChokku – Audio horror-mystery involving Nibaran and a secretive monastery (YouTube release)
Genre-based listing
Tantric & Dark Fiction
- Ebong Inquisition – Occult-themed paranormal thriller
- Petbotthu – Thriller involving Tibetan Tantra, physics, and espionage
- Khōra Bhairabir Maath – Rural horror novellas (Kaliya Masan and Khōṛā Bhairabīr Māṭh)
- Pretjokkho O Onnanyo – Ghostly stories of afterlife and possession
- Dainiburi O Anyanya – Folk horror and Shakta witchcraft
- Andhakarer Galpa – Gothic horror short stories
- Kauriburer Mandir – Temple-centric supernatural thriller set in Assam
- The Shrine of Raven – English-language translated novel of Kauriburer Mandir
Historical Fiction
- Raybaghini – Based on Maharani Bhavashankari of Bengal
- Mahadebi – Set in Gupta Empire, involving queenship and intrigue
- Patamanjari – Early medieval Bengal, rebellion-themed
- Chakrasambarer Punthi – Buddhist mystery of Atisha and Kalachakra Tantra
Detective / Mystery Fiction
- Panchti Rahasya Upanyas – Professor Chintaharan series
- Mittir Barir Guptodhan – Paranormal treasure hunt
- Kauriburer Mandir – Also fits in this category
- KakChokku – Audio story; horror-investigation hybrid
Humour & Satire
- Ebong Market Visit – Social satire and everyday absurdities
- Ramyatroyodoshi – Thirteen humor stories revolving around superstition and irony
Teen / Contemporary Fiction
- Princess – Novella about a father's love for his daughter
Non-Fiction
- Asta Mangal
Adaptations
Purba Paschim Dakshin (2019)
Sarkar’s work was first adapted to film in 2019 with the release of the Bengali anthology Purba Paschim Dakshin, directed by Raajhorshee De. The film drew from his book *Ebong Inquisition* and incorporated themes of tantric mysticism and psychological tension.[23] The production received notable attention during its release for being one of the first paranormal thrillers in Bengali cinema.[24]
Music for the film included performances by Rupankar Bagchi, while the teaser and soundtrack were covered in regional media outlets.[25][26] According to interviews, the film was conceptually dedicated to Krishnananda Agamavagisha, a historical tantric scholar also featured in Sarkar’s fiction.
Bhog (2025)
In 2025, the short story Bhog was adapted into a Bengali-language web series for the streaming platform Hoichoi. Directed by Parambrata Chattopadhyay, the show focused on spiritual obsession, ritual sacrifice, and psychological breakdowns rooted in Tantric tradition. The series was noted in reviews for its atmospheric visuals and restrained horror approach, diverging from typical genre conventions.
Audio adaptations
Several of Sarkar’s stories, including Kakchokku, have been released as dramatized audio narratives via his official website.[27]Template:Primary source These versions have been used to preview forthcoming film and series adaptations and are often produced with voice-acting and music to replicate cinematic storytelling in audio form.
Ongoing projects
As of 2025, multiple works by Sarkar are in various stages of adaptation across digital and visual media. His growing presence in Bengali speculative fiction has contributed to the genre’s increasing visibility in multimedia formats.
References
- ↑ "Avik Sarkar's stories redefine Bengali horror". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Avik Sarkar: From oil executive to bestselling author". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "The science behind the stories: Avik Sarkar on his IIT-IIM journey". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Corporate leader Avik Sarkar balances boardroom and books". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Avik Sarkar's witty debut strikes chord with Bengali readers". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "The occult meets history in Avik Sarkar's 'Ebong Inquisition'". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Purba Pashchim Dakshin Uttor Asbei: Film Preview". The Times of India. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Rural occult in Avik Sarkar's new collection". Sangbad Pratidin (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Blending science and tantra: Avik Sarkar's Petbotthu". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "History and power in Avik Sarkar's Raybaghini". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Mahadebi: Love and politics in the Gupta era". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Medieval Bengal comes alive in Avik Sarkar's Patamanjari". Sangbad Pratidin (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Avik Sarkar's sleuth Professor Chintaharan Mukherjee makes debut". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Princess: Avik Sarkar's tender story of a father and daughter". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Avik Sarkar: The genre-hopping storyteller". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Bhog web series review: Tantra and psychological horror on Hoichoi". The Times of India. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Avik Sarkar honoured with Anish Deb Memorial Award". Sangbad Pratidin (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Bhog review: Faith, fear, and Tantric horror". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Avik Sarkar's horror isn't about ghosts, it's about what we believe". Ei Samay (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Author Interview: Avik Sarkar". Ei Samay (in Bengali). February 13, 2023. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Avik Sarkar on literature, fear, and the occult". February 13, 2023. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Author Page: অভীক সরকার". Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Paranormal thriller 'Purba Paschim Dakshin' shooting – Indian Express Bangla". Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "First-ever paranormal thriller in Bengali – Indian Express Bangla". Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Rupankar lends voice for 'Purbo Poschim Dokkhin' – Times of India". The Times of India. August 12, 2019. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Teaser of 'Purbo Poschim Dokkhin Uttor Ashbei' – POPxo Bangla". September 5, 2019. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ↑ "Audio Section – Avik Sarkar". Retrieved 2025-06-11.
External links
This article "Avik Sarkar" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles taken from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be accessed on Wikipedia's Draft Namespace.