Prasun Roy Launches Horrors Next Door at a Captivating Literary Evening in Kolkata

  Kolkata, May 8, 2026: An atmosphere of literary curiosity and reflective discussion marked the launch of Horrors Next Door, the latest w...

 

Kolkata, May 8, 2026: An atmosphere of literary curiosity and reflective discussion marked the launch of Horrors Next Door, the latest work by author Prasun Roy, at Starmark in Kolkata. Held from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., the event drew an enthusiastic gathering of readers, writers, literary enthusiasts, and admirers of horror and mystery fiction.

 

Horrors Next Door is a compelling collection of eight short stories by Rabindranath Tagore, originally written in Bengali and translated into English by Prasun Roy. The book revisits Tagore’s haunting narratives through a reflective and emotionally nuanced lens, presenting them not merely as supernatural tales but as profound explorations of identity, fear, memory, and the metaphysical dimensions of human existence. By preserving the emotional and cultural essence of the originals, the translation seeks to introduce contemporary readers to the timeless brilliance of Tagore’s storytelling.

 

The evening featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Dr. Julie Mehta, whose insightful direction guided the conversation with depth and clarity. Joining her on the panel were Sudeshna Roy, Dr. Sanjukta Dasgupta, and Ashoke Viswanathan. Together, the panel reflected on the enduring relevance of short fiction, the evolution of horror and mystery in contemporary literature, and the psychological resonance that Tagore’s stories continue to hold for modern audiences.

 

The event was further elevated by the presence of chief guest Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, the acclaimed National Award-winning filmmaker, whose participation added a special dimension to the evening. His reflections on storytelling, cinematic interpretation, and emotional realism enriched the discussion and resonated strongly with attendees.

 

Speaking about the inspiration behind the book, Prasun Roy emphasized the significance of translation as a literary bridge between cultures and generations. He spoke passionately about the responsibility of preserving the spirit, texture, and linguistic nuances of the original Bengali stories while making them accessible to a wider audience.  

 

“Tagore’s works are part of a living legacy,” Roy remarked during the session. “They deserve to be experienced by readers across languages and generations. My effort has been to retain the authenticity of the original stories, especially the emotional undertones and linguistic subtleties that define Tagore’s writing.”

 

The panelists echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how horror as a genre extends far beyond entertainment. They observed that Tagore’s narratives often blend the absurd, the psychological, and the supernatural, creating stories that are both chilling and deeply introspective. The discussion explored how contemporary readers are increasingly drawn toward forms of horror that reflect emotional conflict, existential uncertainty, and hidden human fears.

 

Organized by AHAVA Communications in collaboration with the AHAVA Readers’ and Writers’ Club, the event reflected a shared commitment to promoting literary culture and encouraging meaningful conversations around books, storytelling, and translation.

 

The audience remained actively engaged throughout the evening, participating in thoughtful exchanges and sharing their reflections on the themes explored in the book. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the emotional depth and authenticity of the discussions.

 

The evening concluded on a contemplative and inspiring note, leaving participants with a renewed appreciation for Tagore’s literary genius and the transformative power of translation. Through Horrors Next Door, Prasun Roy has opened a doorway for readers to rediscover classic Bengali horror literature in a fresh and accessible form, ensuring that these timeless stories continue to captivate new generations.

 

Moderator: Dr. Julie Mehta 

Author: Prasun Roy

Chief Guest: Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury

Panelist: Sudeshna Roy

Panelist: Dr. Sanjukta Dasgupta 

Panelist: Prof Ashoke Viswanathan