In a first for its ongoing anti-piracy campaign, Penguin Random House India, together with Simon & Schuster India and Hay House, dismantled a digital print-on-demand piracy operation in Delhi, its third successful enforcement action to date

New Delhi, 10th August 2026; As part of the ongoing nationwide anti-piracy enforcement campaign, Penguin Random House India, in collaboration with Simon & Schuster India, Hay House, and a team of investigators, initiated enforcement action against a commercial-scale piracy operation in Pandav Nagar and South Ganesh Nagar, Delhi. This raid, conducted on 20 July 2026, is the third consecutive successful raid and the first action under the campaign to target a digital print-on-demand facility – a shift that reflects how piracy itself is evolving.

Speaking on the raid, Jyoti Taneja, Counsel for Penguin Random House India, said, ‘This operation marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat organised book piracy and dismantle the infrastructure that sustains it. The action specifically targeted a commercial-scale digital piracy unit, resulting in the seizure of a complete print-on-demand production line, including photocopying, binding, cutting and lamination machines, computers, and over 1,600 pirated books. The operation sends a strong message that intellectual property crimes will not be tolerated and that those involved in organised piracy will be identified and punished in accordance with law.’

Accused Rahul Kushwaha was arrested in connection with the digital printing facility, a rented property in South Ganesh Nagar, used for the printing and supply of pirated books. A second accused, Arun Gupta, was arrested in connection with the storage and sales of the produced pirated books in Pandav Nagar.

Among the seized titles were unauthorized copies of popular and bestselling books, including Warmth by Ritvik Singh, Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, Atomic Habits by James Clear, It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover, Powerful by Lauren Robert, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, and Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq.

Speaking about the operation, Manoj Satti, SVP, Product, Sales and Marketing, Penguin Random House India, said, ‘We are especially grateful for the tremendous efforts of the officers of Police Station Mandawli Fazal Pur, East District in this landmark operation. What makes this operation significant is that we found a printing unit and the wholesale network it was feeding, in the same action. Piracy networks are usually easier to disrupt at one point than to shut down entirely, because there’s always another link to pick up the slack. Hitting the source and the distribution point together is what sets a network back. For readers, it’s worth remembering that a book moving through this kind of network was never checked or proofed the way it should be, so what looks like a good deal is really a copy nobody stood behind.’

Commenting on the raid, Sanjiv Gupta, Managing Director, Simon & Schuster India, said,‘This raid is a reminder that a pirated book is not a harmless bargain; it is an un-authorized copy produced and sold for profit. Readers who buy pirated books have no assurance that the text is complete and accurate, or that the book has been printed and finished to appropriate quality standards. An authorized edition is backed by a careful process of editing, production, printing and quality control. That is the value readers receive when they choose an original book—and something a pirated copy cannot guarantee.’

With this third and most significant action to date, the campaign is proving increasingly effective at targeting piracy infrastructure directly. Penguin Random House India, Simon & Schuster India and Hay House remain committed to working with enforcement agencies and stakeholders toidentify, disrupt and act against piracy networks across the country.

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About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books — from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture. 

We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices — including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.

Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.

MEDIA CONTACT-

Saavie | saavie@penguinrandomhouse.in | +91 85277 93252

The first title, Until Love Sets Us Apart Again, will be published under the Ebury imprint in October 2026

New Delhi, July 2026 – Penguin Random House India has acquired two new romance novels by bestselling author Aditya Nighhot. The first book under the deal, Until Love Sets Us Apart Again, will be published under the Ebury imprint in October 2026.

A compelling blend of romance and suspense, Until Love Sets Us Apart Again explores love, betrayal, justice and fate through a story that asks whether forgiveness can truly set us free. Set in the same universe as Aditya’s bestselling novel Until Love Sets Us Apart, the new book revisits familiar characters while introducing a gripping new narrative that examines the consequences of misunderstanding, the weight of destiny, and the enduring power of love.

Written for readers who enjoy emotionally driven romance with elements of mystery and suspense, the novel continues Aditya’s signature storytelling that has earned him a devoted readership across the country.

Commenting on the acquisition, Deepthi Talwar, Executive Editor, Penguin Random House India, said, “Aditya’s novels have resonated deeply with readers across the country, and we’re delighted to sign him on for a two-book deal, including a new title that reunites readers with the much-loved characters first introduced in Until Love Sets Us Apart.”

Speaking about the partnership, Aditya Nighhot said, “I am thrilled to partner with Penguin Random House India for two new romance novels. This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter in my writing journey, and I look forward to bringing readers stories that celebrate love, hope, and the many emotions that connect us all.”

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher and Group SVP, Adult Publishing Group, Penguin Random House India, said,“Aditya is one of India’s most popular and bestselling writers today, with a distinctive voice and a remarkable ability to connect with readers. We are delighted to acquire his next two works of fiction and are thrilled to welcome him to the Penguin Random House India family.”

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About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books — from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture.

We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices — including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.

Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.

***

MEDIA CONTACT-

Pallavi Narayan

pnarayan@penguinrandomhouse.in | +91 97118 64445

Collaborative enforcement effort by Penguin Random House India, Simon & Schuster India and Hay House targets retail piracy network in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, July 2026; As part of the ongoing nationwide anti-piracy enforcement campaign, Penguin Random House India, in collaboration with Simon & Schuster India, Hay House and a team of investigators, initiated enforcement action with Hyderabad’s Abids Police against the sale of pirated books at the Hyderabad Sunday Book Market.

The coordinated retail-level raid, conducted on 12 July 2026, resulted in the seizure of 336 pirated books comprising titles belonging to Penguin Random House India, Simon & Schuster India and Hay House. Four people found selling infringing copies were apprehended and arrested, and FIR No. 220 of 2026 was registered against the accused.

The operation was undertaken after market surveillance and intelligence gathering revealed that multiple retailers in the Hyderabad Sunday Book Market were openly displaying and selling pirated editions of bestselling Indian and international titles. The market was identified as a visible retail distribution point for pirated books in Hyderabad, with copies sourced from different suppliers and sold directly to the public.

Among the seized titles were unauthorized copies of popular and bestselling books across the lists of Penguin Random House India, Simon & Schuster India and Hay House, including Atomic Habits by James Clear, Thinking Fast & Slow by Daniel Kahneman, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, Arundhati Roy’s Mother Mary Comes to Me and The God of Small Things, Lallan Sweets by Srishti Chaudhary, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us and It Starts With Us to name a few.

Commenting on the raid, Sanjiv Gupta, Managing Director, Simon & Schuster India, said, “Piracy is not limited to large warehouses or hidden printing presses. It also survives through visible retail points where counterfeit books are sold openly to unsuspecting readers. This action in Hyderabad is an important step in addressing piracy at the market level. We are grateful to the officers of the Abids Police Station, Hyderabad, for their swift action and to our publishing partners for continuing to work together in protecting authors, publishers and the integrity of the book trade”.

Manoj Satti, SVP, Product, Sales and Marketing, Penguin Random House India, said, “A pirated book may look like a cheaper purchase, but it comes at a real cost. Readers often receive poor-quality copies, authors lose rightful earnings, and the entire publishing chain that brings a book to market is undermined. When a reader buys a genuine book, they are supporting the author, the publisher, the bookseller and the future of good publishing. This operation is a reminder that piracy is not a bargain, it is a breach of trust”.

Building on the earlier anti-piracy actions undertaken in Delhi, this Hyderabad operation reinforces the need for sustained, industry-wide collaboration. Penguin Random House India, Simon & Schuster India and Hay House remain committed to working with enforcement agencies, investigators and publishing stakeholders to identify, disrupt and act against piracy networks across the country.

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About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books — from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture. 

We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices — including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.

Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.

MEDIA CONTACT-

Pallavi Narayan | pnarayan@penguinrandomhouse.in | +91 97118 64445

New Delhi, 18 June 2026 – Penguin Random House India is delighted to announce the acquisition of a major new book on internationally acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, co-authored by veteran film journalist and editor Naman Ramachandran and Kashyap himself. Emerging from a series of candid and wide-ranging conversations, the book traces the volatile, visionary journey of one of Indian cinema’s most fearless and influential voices. The book, which will be released in 2027 under the Viking imprint of Penguin, was acquired from Jayapriya Vasudevan of Jacaranda Literary Agency.

Using Anurag Kashyap’s work and worldview as a prism through which to examine two decades of India’s social, political, and cultural evolution, the book promises to be both a personal portrait and a wider exploration of contemporary Indian cinema. Structured across four interlocking sections — Anurag the Writer-Director, Anurag the Producer, Anurag the Actor, and Anurag the Personality — it captures the multiplicity of an artist who has consistently challenged convention while shaping the language of new Indian filmmaking.

Commenting on the upcoming book, Naman Ramachandran said, ‘I have known Anurag for decades, and that friendship is both the engine of this book and its greatest challenge. Because I have covered his work for Sight & Sound and Variety over the years, I have always felt an obligation to be honest — and Anurag, to his immense credit, has never asked me to be anything else. We have disagreed, sometimes sharply, and those disagreements are in here too. What I hope Conversations With Anurag Kashyap offers is something rarer than a profile and more intimate than a biography — a portrait of a filmmaker in his own words, built over a friendship long enough and deep enough that there was nothing left to hide.’

Anurag Kashyap added, ‘I think people’s biographies should be written after they are dead. I’m still alive. And as a filmmaker, I still have a lot of potential despite what everybody thinks. And I’ve been saying no to him (Naman). But this man has convinced me, and he has been troubling me for many days, questioning me on everything I’ve done in my life…his questions are painful. He is making me wake up early in the morning and dig into my head to recall things and we are coming out with a book!’

Archana Nathan, Senior Commissioning Editor, Viking, Penguin says, ‘Anurag Kashyap is the perfect subject for a biography not only because he’s supremely interesting himself but also because his journey captures a period in contemporary Indian cinema that was fearless, disruptive, deeply personal, and endlessly influential. And with his vast experience in film journalism, Naman Ramachandran is the perfect interlocutor for a project like this. He is best placed to get all the crackling and insightful bits out of Anurag.  This is the kind of book that will resonate equally with cinephiles, readers fascinated by creative lives, and anyone interested in the making of modern cultural icons.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher & Group SVP, Adult Publishing Division, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Anurag Kashyap has carved a niche for himself in Indian cinema with his distinctive style, powerful storytelling, and iconic films. Over the years, his films have challenged conventions, pushed creative boundaries, and inspired an entire generation of filmmakers. In this remarkable book, created with Naman Ramachandran, readers will gain an exclusive look into the journey, struggles, creative process, and cinematic vision of one of India’s most influential filmmakers. We are delighted and proud to welcome Anurag Kashyap to Penguin Random House India.’

The book is scheduled for publication in 2027 under the Viking imprint. Blending intimate conversations with larger reflections on filmmaking, culture, politics, and artistic rebellion, the book is set to become an essential document of contemporary Indian cinema and the evolution of a filmmaker who continues to redefine it.

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About Naman Ramachandran

Naman Ramachandran is the Asia editor for Variety. Naman’s work as an author includes “Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography” (Penguin), “Lights, Camera, Masala: Making Movies In Mumbai” (IBH) and chapters in “Rough Guide To Film” (Rough Guides), “Movies: From The Silent Classics Of The Silver Screen To The Digital and 3D Era” (Universe) and “Movie Star Chronicles: A Visual History of 320 of the World’s Greatest Movie Stars” (Peregrine). He has previously worked with the British Film Institute, Cineuropa, HBO Asia and MTV India. He is a BAFTA member and is based in London.

About Anurag Kashyap

Anurag Kashyap is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. Known for landmark films such as Black Friday, Dev.D, Gangs of Wasseypur, Ugly, and Raman Raghav 2.0, his work has continually pushed creative boundaries and inspired an entire generation of filmmakers.

About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books — from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture.

We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices — including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.

Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.

***

MEDIA CONTACT-

Saumya Jha

Sjha1@penguinrandomhouse.in

+91 8369179047

New Delhi, 5 June 2026: Penguin Random House India (PRH India) is marking World Environment Day 2026 with the publication of Ghosts on Peepal Trees: My Journey from Folktales to Forests by Swami Prem Parivartan, widely known as Peepal Baba. To coincide with the launch, the company is undertaking a tree plantation drive in Delhi NCR in association with Give Me Trees, the organization founded by him, which has grown into one of India’s largest community-based voluntary tree-planting and conservation movements.

Published by Ebury Press, an imprint of Penguin publishing popular fiction and non-fiction, Ghosts on Peepal Trees is the memoir of one of India’s most respected environmentalists, whose work with his team has led to the planting and preservation of over 26 million trees across India. The book traces his journey from childhood memories and inherited folklore to a lifelong commitment to forests, faith, ecology and community-led conservation. It is a reflective, deeply personal account of how stories, memory and simple acts of care can inspire long-term environmental stewardship.

Peepal Baba says, ‘We have overdrawn our ecological bank account for decades. Rising seas, burning forests and disappearing birds are the reminders. Planting trees is not charity to nature—it is repayment of a debt we owe.’

To coincide with the launch and World Environment Day, PRH India is undertaking a plantation drive to plant 100 trees at a forest location in Delhi NCR, with support from Peepal Baba and Give Me Trees. The initiative is part of the company’s continuing corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts and reflects the company’s broader commitment to supporting environmental awareness through both publishing and action.

Commenting on the launch and the support from Peepal Baba, Manoj Satti, SVP- Sales, Product and Marketing, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘We are proud to publish Ghosts on Peepal Trees and to partner with Peepal Baba and Give Me Trees on an initiative that reflects the spirit of this important book. Peepal Baba’s life and work remind us that environmental change is built through sustained, collective action, often beginning with something as simple and powerful as planting a tree. It is meaningful for us to help take his message to readers across the country, while also supporting his work on the ground through this plantation drive.’

As a paper-based business, PRH India recognises its responsibility to reduce its environmental footprint and give back meaningfully. The company has, over the years, undertaken plantation drives and sustainability-focused activities, and has also been working to make its publishing operations more responsible. This includes its stated commitment to print books on environment-friendly paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, with over 90% of its paper currently sourced from certified mills, and an ongoing transition towards 100% recycled paper for book production.

Adding to this, Aditi Kumar, EVP – People, Diversity and Corporate Responsibility, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘As a publishing house, we are deeply aware of our relationship with paper and the responsibility that comes with it. Our corporate responsibility initiatives are guided by the belief that sustainability must be reflected not only in the books we publish, but also in the choices we make as a business. This plantation drive is part of our continuing effort to give back to the environment in practical, measurable ways, while strengthening our long-term commitment to more responsible publishing.’

 The publication of Ghosts on Peepal Trees forms part of Penguin Random House India’s growing publishing programme focused on climate, environment, sustainability and the natural world. Through these books, the company seeks to bring important conversations to readers while continuing to strengthen its own environmental commitments as a business.

About the book

Ghosts on Peepal Trees: My Journey from Folktales to Forests is the memoir of Swami Prem Parivartan, known to millions as Peepal Baba. Drawn from handwritten notes, memories and lived experiences, the book moves through his childhood in Dehradun and Pune, the influence of his grandmother and teacher, and his later travels across India. It reflects on how folklore, faith and everyday reverence for trees can become powerful lessons in conservation.

About the author

Swami Prem Parivartan (known to millions as Peepal Baba) is an environmentalist who along with his team has planted and preserved over 26 million trees in over 226 districts across twenty-one states in India. He started planting and preserving trees at the age of eleven. He founded Give Me Trees Trust, an NGO for ecological and habitat restoration in 2011. He reaches out to millions of followers through his social media platforms which has his talks on nature conservation.

*END*

About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books — from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture. 

We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices — including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.

Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.

About Give Me Trees Trust

Give Me Trees Trust is one of the largest community-led environmental organisations in India, dedicated to restoring the country’s natural landscapes. For over 48 years, it has led large-scale efforts in tree plantation and conservation across the country, with more than 25 million trees planted and protected through its initiatives. It was founded by Swami Prem Parivartan, known as Peepal Baba, whose lifelong dedication to protecting trees laid the foundation for this movement.

MEDIA CONTACT-

Pallavi Narayan | pnarayan@penguinrandomhouse.in | +91 97118 64445

New Delhi, 13th  May 2026: Big Red Education, in partnership with Penguin Random House India, proudly announces the winners of the first-ever National Young Authors Challenge, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey that brought together young storytellers from across the country.

Launched in September 2025, the challenge set out to empower students in Grades 8–12 to explore their creativity and find their voice through storytelling. Over the past few months, it has evolved into more than just a competition, it has been a platform for expression, reflection, and growth. From first-time writers to seasoned young storytellers, participants embraced the opportunity to share their ideas, perspectives, and imagination with the world.

The results, announced on 20th April 2026, celebrate not only the winners but every student who took the step to write, express, and create. The journey has been deeply inspiring, with students discovering the power of their own voice and the impact of their stories.

The scale and diversity of participation further reflect the reach of the initiative, with 65+ schools, 800+ students across Grades 8–12, 45+ cities, and 1000 +  story submissions contributing to this nationwide celebration of storytelling.

The top 50 selected entries will be published in an exclusive anthology by Penguin Random House India, edited and curated by acclaimed author Vibha Batra, offering these young writers a rare opportunity to see their work in print. Additionally, the next 50 outstanding entries will be featured on Penguin India’s official website, ensuring wider recognition for emerging voices.Our winners come from prestigious schools across the country, including Pathways School Gurgaon,The International School Bangalore, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, The Shri Ram School, Aravali,  Bombay Scottish School, Neerja Modi School, JBCN International School, Billabong High International School, and many more. View the full list of winners here.

As part of the journey, participants also attended an exclusive writing bootcamp held on 28th and 29th March, where they learned directly from leading voices in the literary ecosystem. The sessions were conducted by Shabnam Minwalla, Vinitha, Simran Kaur, and Kavya Wahi, covering the full spectrum of storytelling, from writing and editing to publishing and reaching readers.

The National Young Authors Challenge stands as a testament to the creative potential of young minds in India, encouraging them to think, create, and express without limits.

Looking ahead, Big Red Education is excited for the next season of the National Young Authors Challenge, with the vision of reaching even more students and continuing to help young writers across the country discover and amplify their voice.

*END*

About Big Red Education

Founded in 2016, Big Red Education is an India-based education company focused on creating transformative learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom. Through immersive programs in leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, diplomacy, research, technology, and social impact, the organisation helps high school students across India and internationally develop future-ready skills and global perspectives.

Over the years, Big Red Education has built a strong ecosystem of conferences, bootcamps, workshops, and academic initiatives designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and leadership. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world experiences, Big Red Education continues to empower students to innovate, lead, and create meaningful impact on a global stage.

About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books,  from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture.

We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices, including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.

Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.

New Delhi, 30 April 2026; Following the announcement of an exclusive 15-title audiobook partnership last year, Penguin Random House India and Kuku FM today announced that 12 Hindi audiobooks from the collaboration are now live on the Kuku FM platform. The titles span a wide range – from mythology and epics such as The Book of Ram and Jaya to memoir and biography, including Manoj Bajpayee and Tata Stories, as well as business, self-help, and science-led narratives like Make Epic Money and Mythakon Se Vigyan Tak. (A full list of available titles is included in the appendix.)

This marks a significant milestone for Penguin Random House India as these titles become available in Hindi audiobook format for the very first time. Carefully selected for their wide appeal and cultural relevance, featuring voices that are widely admired and deeply influential among Indian readers. This partnership with Kuku FM aims to make high-quality storytelling more accessible to a growing base of audio-first audiences across India. With audiobooks gaining momentum as a preferred format (particularly in regional languages), this launch reflects Penguin’s continued commitment to evolving reading habits and inclusive publishing.

Vidhi Nangia, Lead- Audiobook division, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘The titles we’ve launched on Kuku FM were very deliberately chosen. These are books that have stood the test of time, are widely read, and speak to different kinds of listeners. Bringing them to life in Hindi audiobooks felt like a natural next step. What makes this especially exciting for us is that this is Penguin Random House India’s first foray into professionally produced Hindi-language audiobooks. It marks a new phase for our publishing programme—one that reflects how dynamically audiences are consuming stories today. We’ve worked closely to ensure these audiobooks are produced to the highest standards, and it’s been encouraging to see how enthusiastic our authors have been about experiencing their work in a new format. We’re thrilled to be entering this space and to be engaging a whole new set of listeners through audio.’

Commenting on the collaboration, Ankit Saraswat, Vice President – Business at Kuku FM, says, ‘This collaboration reinforces Kuku FM’s position as a trusted platform for premium IP holders looking to reach India’s rapidly expanding regional-language audio market at scale. Our mission is to entertain and educate audiences with world-class audiobooks, and Penguin Random House India is an exceptional partner in bringing that vision to life.’

The remaining 3 titles from the 15-book Hindi audiobook slate will be released in the coming months, further strengthening Penguin Random House India’s presence in the Indian-language audio space and reinforcing Kuku FM’s focus on curated, premium audio content.

The list of 12 titles currently available on the KukuFM app is as follows:

About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books – from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture. 

We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices – including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.

Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.

About Kuku

Kuku (Kuku Technologies Private Limited) is India’s leading mobile-first, AI-powered storytelling company, operating across audio and short-form video. Founded in 2018 by Lal Chand Bisu, Vikas Goyal, and Vinod Kumar Meena, Kuku’s portfolio spans Kuku FM, Kuku TV, and Guru among others, serving over 10 million subscribers across several Indian languages.

About Kuku FM

Kuku FM is India’s leading audiobook and storytelling platform, dedicated to bringing the world’s best literature and narratives to life. Redefining the digital listening experience, Kuku FM hosts India’s most extensive library of premium audiobooks and cinematic stories, meticulously written and curated by a diverse network of top-tier artists and writers from across the nation. Driven by a “language-first” philosophy, Kuku FM ensures that high-quality storytelling is accessible to everyone. The platform offers a deep catalog in 7+ regional languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. By collaborating with prestigious global partners like Penguin Random House, Kuku FM continues to set the gold standard for audio entertainment, bridging the gap between iconic publishing and India’s vast community of listeners.

New Delhi, 13 April 2026: Penguin Random House India (PRHI) today announced a strategic partnership with Simon & Schuster India to provide end-to-end warehousing and logistics services. As part of the agreement, PRHI will manage the warehousing and logistics for Simon & Schuster India, including warehousing, in–warding, order processing, packaging, returns processing, and delivery of goods.

This collaboration marks a significant partnership between two leading international trade publishers, setting a new benchmark for operational excellence and collaboration within the publishing ecosystem. This partnership represents a significant step in PRHI’s ambition to growits third-party logistics (3PL) business, as the company expands its capabilities beyond publishing into integrated supply chain solutions for the wider industry. PRHI has previously managed similar operations for Pearson, and this collaboration further strengthens its position as a trusted logistics partner.

At the core of this offering is PRHI’s state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Dasna, Uttar Pradesh. Spread across 145,000 square feet, the warehouse has a storage capacity of over 12 million units and the capability to ship close to 2.5 million units per month. Currently handling approximately 15 million units annually, the facility is designed to scale further in line with growing demand. PRHI remains the only international trade publisher in India to operate its own warehousing infrastructure. Built to international standards, the facility enables greater efficiency, faster turnaround times, and improved service reliability for both retail partners and end consumers.

The partnership is expected to deliver significant efficiencies for both organizations through economies of scale, consolidated shipments, and faster speed to market. The transition has been supported by close collaboration between both organizations, including the Penguin Random House India team comprising of Ajay Joshi, Sheetal Luthra, and Saurabh Pratap, along with the Simon & Schuster India team comprising Richie Maheshwary, Prakash Behura, and Ankita Agarwal.

Amit Abrol, CFO and SVP – Operations & Technology, Penguin Random House India, said, ‘This partnership marks an important step in our journey to build a scalable and future-ready supply chain for the publishing industry. With our investment in world-class warehousing and logistics infrastructure, we are uniquely positioned to offer integrated, end-to-end solutions that combine scale, efficiency and reliability. Collaborating with Simon & Schuster allows us to extend these capabilities to a global publishing partner, while also strengthening our ambition to grow our third-party logistics business as a key strategic vertical for Penguin Random House India.’

Sanjiv Gupta, Managing Director, Simon & Schuster India, said, ‘We are delighted to partner with Penguin Random House India in what is a significant collaboration in the Indian publishing industry. As we continue to grow our presence in the market, it is critical for us to have a robust, scalable, and efficient supply chain. PRHI’s state-of-the-art warehousing infrastructure and proven operational expertise give us great confidence in delivering faster and more reliable service to our customers and partners. We look forward to building a strong and successful relationship together.’

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About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books — from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture. 

We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices — including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.

Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.

About Simon & Schuster India

Simon & Schuster India is one of the region’s Top 5 international trade publishers. The establishment is part of Simon & Schuster, LLC global expansion strategy. We publish and distribute a range of books in India across genres such as fiction, non-fiction and children’scategories under our local and international imprints such as Aladdin, Atheneum, Atria, Fireside, Free Press, Howard, Kangaroo Press, Little Simon, Pocket, Scribner, Simon & Schuster, Simon Spotlight Entertainment and Touchstone. Simon & Schuster India also has a vibrant local publishing list with several award-winning authors, including Sahitya Akademi, Crossword Book Award, Lit live Award winners and so on. We also serve as the local sales and distribution partners for a range of independent publishers such as Kaplan, Manhattan Prep, Barrons, VIZ Media, Andrews McMeel, Inner Tradition and Gallup Press. We are also the sole distributors for Viz Media’s manga titles in India.

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MEDIA CONTACT-

PRHI : Saumya Jha | sjha1@penguinrandomhouse.in | +91 836 917 9047

S&SI: Abhay Singh | abhay.singh@simonandschuster.co.in | +91 99581 53434

MAJOR PIRACY CRACKDOWN IN DELHI: OVER 20,000 BOOKS SEIZED

Collaborative enforcement effort by Penguin Random House India, Simon & Schuster India & Hay House targets organized piracy network

New Delhi, 23 March 2026; In a significant step towards combating organized book piracy, Penguin Random House India, in collaboration with Hay House & Simon & Schuster India and a team of investigators, initiated actions with the Crime Branch of Delhi Police, who led and successfully executed a large-scale anti-piracy raid in Rohini, Delhi. The nearly 24-hour operation targeted multiple warehouses as well as an illegal printing press that resulted in the seizure of over 20,000 pirated books and sealing of the printing press, dealing a substantial blow to an entrenched piracy network operating in the capital.

The raid exposed a sophisticated and large-scale distribution operation allegedly run by repeat offender Jwala Prasad. Acting on detailed intelligence, the Crime Branch conducted coordinated search and seizure operations across multiple locations, leading to the arrest of the accused and registration of a formal case under relevant provisions of the Copyright Act.Preliminary findings indicate the involvement of an organized syndicate engaged in the illegal printing, warehousing, and distribution of pirated books. Authorities recovered unauthorized copies of numerous bestselling and newly released titles, underlining the growing scale and persistence of piracy in the Indian book market. Among the seized titles were works by globally acclaimed and bestselling authors, including Daniel Kahneman, Arundhati Roy, Simon Sinek, Yuval Noah Harari, Haruki Murakami, James Clear, and others, spanning both international and Indian publishing lists. An illustrative list of seized titles is available upon request.

This joint enforcement action marks one of the largest recent seizures of pirated books in Delhi and is expected to significantly disrupt local piracy supply chains. It also reinforces the publishing industry’s continued commitment to protecting intellectual property and ensuring that authors and creators are fairly compensated for their work.

Commenting on the raid and efforts to curb piracy, Manoj Satti, SVP- Product, Sales & Marketing, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Piracy is not a victimless crime—it directly impacts authors, publishers, readers and the broader creative ecosystem. This operation sends a clear and unequivocal message: We will continue to pursue and act against piracy networks with full force. We are grateful for the decisive action by the enforcement authorities and our partners at Simon & Schuster India in this effort. Such a collaboration highlights the importance of collective industry action in tackling piracy. By working together, we can more effectively identify and dismantle illegal networks that undermine the value of books and the efforts of those who create them.’

Commenting on the raid, Jyoti Taneja, Counsel for Penguin Random House India, says, ‘This operation sends a clear message that organized book piracy will be met with firm and sustained enforcement action. We remain committed to working closely with enforcement agencies to protect the rights of authors and publishers and to ensure that such illegal networks are effectively dismantled.’

Building on Penguin Random House India’s ongoing anti-piracy initiatives, this operation underscores the importance of sustained, industry-wide collaboration. By working closely with publishing partners such as Simon & Schuster India and bringing together other stakeholders across the ecosystem, the company is strengthening a coordinated and scalable response to piracy. This collective approach—combining intelligence, enforcement, and legal action—aims to create a stronger deterrent against organized piracy networks. The publishers also extended their appreciation to the Delhi Police whose coordinated efforts over an extended operation window made this seizure possible, while reaffirming their commitment to proactively address and curb piracy through continued partnerships, awareness, and legal action.

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About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books — from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture.

We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices — including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.

Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.

MEDIA CONTACT-

Saumya Jha | sjha1@penguinrandomhouse.in | +91 836 917 9047