Young Author Nikasha Luthra’s ‘Lost and Found in Kashmir’ Unveiled Through a Unique Literary-Theatrical Experience
Organised by The Narrators Performing Arts Society (India), the launch of Lost and Found in Kashmir stood out for its innovative format that combined literature, theatre and cinema. Alongside the official unveiling of the book, guests watched a specially created short film inspired by selected portions of the novel. Adding another creative dimension to the evening, actors from the film performed key scenes live on stage, offering the audience an immersive glimpse into the story.
During the programme, 19-year-old author, actor and filmmaker Nikasha Luthra shared insights into the creative process behind the 270-page novel. She revealed that the story was inspired by her reflections on the emotional and human impact of the Pahalgam terror attack.
“The tragedy in Pahalgam left a deep impression on me. Beyond the headlines, I kept thinking about the personal stories, the interrupted dreams and the silent grief that follows such incidents. This novel is an attempt to explore those emotions through fiction while remaining rooted in human experience,” she said.
Set against the breathtaking yet complex backdrop of Kashmir, Lost and Found in Kashmir follows the journey of Heer and Kabir as they navigate loss, trauma, love and healing. Through richly developed characters and evocative storytelling, the novel explores resilience and the process of rebuilding life after transformative experiences.
Explaining her choice of Kashmir as the setting, Nikasha said the region’s unique blend of beauty and adversity offered a compelling narrative landscape.
“Kashmir represents both extraordinary beauty and profound sorrow. Its landscapes inspire wonder, while its history carries echoes of pain and resilience. That duality became essential to the story I wanted to tell,” she remarked.
Nikasha has already established herself as a promising young creative voice. Before the release of Lost and Found in Kashmir, she authored the poetry collection Dark Tulips and the anthology of short plays Flowers in Her Room. She has also written and directed the films Ankahe Khwaab and Sehar Ki Talaash Mein.
Speaking about her hopes for the novel, Nikasha said she wishes readers connect with its emotional depth and underlying message of empathy.
“If the story encourages even a small measure of empathy and understanding, I will feel it has achieved its purpose. More than anything, I hope people remember Kashmir for its humanity, culture and spirit rather than only through the lens of conflict,” she added.l
The event attracted an enthusiastic audience of writers, artists, literature lovers, students and educators, turning the evening into a vibrant celebration of books, ideas and meaningful dialogue. The unique launch format further highlighted the growing intersection of literature, performing arts and cinema in contemporary storytelling.