Mumbai-based author and screenwriter Riva Razdan has unveiled her latest novel, Death of a Gentleman, a psychological thriller set amidst the glittering yet ruthless world of Mumbai’s elite.
Known for her previous works Arzu (2021) and The Naani Diaries (2023), which received acclaim for their romantic-feminist themes, Razdan ventures into darker territory with this new book. Death of a Gentleman marks a significant departure from her earlier style, delving into suspense, mystery, and the complex dynamics of power within high society.
The story centers on Yuvraaj Khanna, a tech entrepreneur on the cusp of dominating India’s startup ecosystem with his billion-dollar grocery delivery app. Engaged to Sanjanaa Gandhi, a prominent socialite from Malabar Hill, Yuvraaj’s seemingly perfect life is disrupted by the sudden death of his estranged father. As the investigation unfolds, hidden rivalries and secrets emerge, revealing the cutthroat ambition lurking behind polished façades.
Razdan describes the novel as an exploration of “the lengths people will go to protect their status and themselves” in a world where appearances are everything. She hopes the book encourages readers to “step off the hedonistic treadmill” of social media-driven comparisons and instead build lives grounded in personal values and trustworthy relationships.
Death of a Gentleman was released on May 26, 2025. The paperback edition spans 360 pages and promises readers a gripping narrative filled with sharp prose, unexpected twists, and a critical look at contemporary India’s modern aristocracy.
