Ashwin Sanghi (born 25 January 1969) is an Indian author and entrepreneur known for his works of historical, mythological, and thriller fiction. His novels frequently blend elements of Indian history, mythology, and contemporary conspiracies, and have achieved bestseller status both in India and internationally.
Early life and education
Sanghi was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He attended the Cathedral & John Connon School in Mumbai, earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, and completed a Master of Business Administration at the Yale School of Management.
Career
After completing his studies, Sanghi joined the family business, the M. K. Sanghi Group, in 1993. He began writing fiction in the early 2000s and published his first novel, The Rozabal Line, in 2007. The book, released under the anagrammatic pseudonym “Shawn Haigins,” introduced his signature style of intertwining historical research with suspenseful storytelling.
Sanghi has since authored a series of novels often grouped as the “Bharat Collection,” which includes:
- The Rozabal Line (2007)
- Chanakya's Chant (2010) – recipient of the 2010 Vodafone Crossword Popular Choice Award
- The Krishna Key (2012)
- The Sialkot Saga (2016)
- Keepers of the Kalachakra (2018)
- The Vault of Vishnu (2020)
- The Magicians of Mazda (2022)
In collaboration with American best‑selling author James Patterson, Sanghi co‑wrote Private India (2014), part of Patterson’s Private series, which appeared on the UK Top Bestseller list.
Beyond fiction, Sanghi has contributed to business literature, authoring titles such as 13 Steps to Bloody Good Sales (2024) and Razor Sharp (2024).
Reception and influence
Sanghi’s works have been praised for their meticulous research and engaging narratives, drawing comparisons to Western thriller writers such as Dan Brown. His novels have been translated into multiple Indian languages—including Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil—and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Critics note his role in popularising the genre of Indian mythological thrillers.
Personal life
Sanghi is married to Anushika Sanghi. He maintains a personal website at www.ashwinsanghi.com.
