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Aashu Patel
Aashu Patel (born Ashwinkumar Khant on 18th July 1968) is a highly regarded Gujarati author, journalist, and creative producer. Over the course of his career, he has made significant contributions to literature, journalism, and the creative industry. Known for his in-depth knowledge and exceptional writing skills, Patel has authored 63 books spanning various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and documentaries. His works have garnered attention both in Gujarat and beyond, earning him recognition as a prominent voice in contemporary Gujarati literature.
| Ashu Patel | |
| Aashu Patel | |
| Born | July 18, 1968, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Graduate, Journalism, Gujarat University |
| Occupation | Author, Journalist, Creative Producer, CEO of MADique Technologies |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Known for | Innovations in food processing, Writing for Gujarati dailies, Creative producing in films |
| Recognition | Kalam’s Book of World Records, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award, Edison Award |
| Residence | Salem, Tamil Nadu, India |
Early Life & Background
Aashu Patel was born in a small village near Jamnagar, Gujarat, on 18th July 1968. His official name is Ashwinkumar Khant. He adopted the pen name Aashu Patel when he moved to Mumbai. His father, Ravjibhai Khant, was a farmer, and his mother, Savitaben Khant, is a homemaker. Growing up with four siblings, he left home at the age of 18 in 1988 to pursue his dreams of becoming a journalist in Mumbai. After moving to Mumbai, he quickly rose in his career, building a vast network and being praised for his skills, dedication, and presence of mind by veteran journalists.
Career
In 1988, Aashu Patel started his career as a Reporter at the Gujarati magazine Abhiyaan. In 1989, he became the Chief Reporter at Yuvadarshan magazine. His career growth was vertical, and he worked in various roles, from special correspondent to resident editor, in leading newspapers and magazines including Gujarat Samachar, Mumbai Samachar, and Sandesh. Currently, he writes columns in leading Gujarati dailies such as Divya Bhaskar and Mumbai Samachar. His Hindi novel Baat Ek Raat Ki was published in Dainik Bhaskar, a leading Hindi newspaper in India.
Throughout his career, he has interviewed several notable personalities, including Amirah Bachchan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray, Phoolan Devi, Santokben Jadeja aka "The Godmother", former Defence Minister of India Mulayam Singh Yadav, and P.N. Bhagwati (17th Chief Justice of India).
He has traveled to several countries across the globe. In September 2004, he visited the United States as a guest of the U.S. government on the invitation of the Department of State. There, he discussed issues like the Indo-Pak relationship, globalization, etc., with the Department of State officers, Congressmen, and other prominent personalities. He attended the Third International Kashmir Peace Conference in Washington and delivered a speech on the impact of globalization on Indian media at Medill School of Journalism, Chicago.
Creative Producer
Aashu Patel has also made significant contributions as a creative producer. He has conceptualized, written, and directed under-production space fiction animation movies like “Regga Rezza” and “Ria- The Supergirl.” He has co-produced two Hindi plays, “Aakhir Kyon?” in 2002 and “K…K…Kiran” in 2006. He was the Creative Producer for India’s first Gujarati sports film, Gujarat 11 (starring well-known actress Daisy Shah and Gujarati superstar Pratik Gandhi) directed by Jayant Gilatar. Additionally, he was a creative producer and screenplay writer along with Jayant Gilatar and Divyakant Pandya in the Gujarati film, Halkie Fulkee.
His English novel, Madam X, is being adapted into a film by prominent Bollywood director Tigmanshu Dhulia.
Association with Literary World He served as a member of the Sahitya Academy of Maharashtra Government for 5 years.
Personal Interests
A self-made man, Aashu Patel developed a habit of reading books from a very young age and often spent nights reading stories from around the world from the limited books available in his village. He continues to read voraciously today and has a personal library of more than 4,000 books and periodicals in different languages at his home.
He is active on Facebook and likes to connect with his readers. His profile has 16,000 followers, and his page has over 50,000 followers and friends. He also runs a group for his readers with more than 13,000 members.
Books
Gujarati Books
- Off The Record
- Vishchakra
- The Don
- Mix Masala
- Sat + Ek = Shoonya
- 36, Pali Hill
- Point Blank
- Lamp Post
- Chal Man Mumbai Nagari
- Dharo Ke...
- Around America
- Ishk Vishk Pyar Vyar
- On The Record
- Mrugjal
- Madam X
- Sukh No Password
- Mrs. Mafia
- Jeevan Chalne Ka Naam
- Sukh Dot Com
- Sukh @ Life.in
- Once Upon A Time Part 1 & 2
- Narendra Modi: Tasir Tasviroma
- Zindaginama
- Ek Rasta Hai Zindagi
- Jeevan Ek Safar
- Chalti Ka Naam Zindagi
- Life Circus: Show Must Go On
- Sukhno Password - Special Edition
- Life Dot Com
- Ek Rochak Zindagi Ni Varta, Ek Varta Ma Romanchak Zindagi
- Sukh Safari
- Mukam Post Sukh
- Colours Of Life
- Jaage Bhi Do Yaaro
- Life Rainbow
- Life Unlimited
- Mukam Post Manas
- Sukhotsav
- Jeevan Safari
- Pin Code 101
- Zindagi Ek Mukam
- Zindagi No Password
- Zindagi Unlimited
- Vat Ek Raatni
- Life Galaxy
- Sukhnama
- Zindagi Ek Dhoopchhanv
- Aayesha
- Sukhalay
- Life Post
- Mukai Post Jindagi
- Jeevan Ujas
- Sukh Unlimited
- Jeevanotsav
English Books
- Madam X (Novel)
- 11, North Avenue (Novel)
- Reshu (Novel)
- Narendra Modi Rare Pics (Coffee Table Book)
Advisor and Other Works
Aashu Patel serves as an advisor to the Indian Planetary Society under the leadership of famous astronomer Dr. J.J. Rawal.
Actor Pratik Gandhi of 'Scam 1992' fame played the role of Aashu Patel in an audio thriller show Gangistan, based on his research, investigation, and life, in November 2021. This is the first time that a top actor has played a role based on the real life of a journalist. The show reached number three among millions of shows in the Indian market within a week of its release on Spotify, the world's largest podcasting platform. In the show, famous actress Saiyami Kher played the role of Aashu Patel's encounter specialist friend, while popular Bollywood & TV actor Dayashankar Pandey played the role of gangster Pappu Takla.
He is also the screenplay writer (along with Geeta Manek and Viral Rachch) of K.C. Bokadia and Rajesh Bokadia's mega show, on Doordarshan, Sardar - The Game Changer.