In a world where numbers are often seen as rigid and words as fluid, it’s rare to find someone who navigates both with equal grace. CA Pranav Sharma is one such individual — a Chartered Accountant by profession and a storyteller by passion. At 40, he achieved not one, but two life-changing milestones: the publication of his debut novel I Had a Best Friend Too and his first-ever media feature.
In this exclusive interview, Pranav Sharma opens up about his unconventional journey from the structured world of finance to the emotionally rich terrain of fiction writing and how he’s quietly carving out a space for stories that matter.
Q: Let’s begin at the beginning. You’re a Chartered Accountant by profession — how did writing come into your life?
Honestly, writing wasn’t part of the plan. I never thought I’d be an author. It started almost like a confession — just a way to pour out emotions I didn’t know how to express otherwise. Over time, those raw reflections began taking shape as a story. That’s how I Had a Best Friend Too came to life. It wasn’t a strategic move, it was something deeply personal. But once the story was out, I realized how many people connected with it. That connection — that’s what made me want to continue.
Q: That’s a beautiful sentiment. Tell us more about the book — what is I Had a Best Friend Too about, and why has it resonated so deeply?
The book is rooted in nostalgia. It’s set in the 2009–2011 era — a time when love and friendship existed without the filters of social media, Instagram reels, or constant notifications. It captures the simplicity and depth of relationships back then. Many readers have told me the story reminded them of their own youth, their own best friends. One even compared my writing style to R.K. Narayan, which is a huge honor. I think it resonates because it’s honest. It’s not trying to be perfect — it’s just trying to be real.
Q: You mentioned that your book began as a confession. Could you elaborate on that — what emotions or experiences led you to write it?
Like most people, I’ve experienced friendships that left an impact — some that stayed, some that drifted away. I Had a Best Friend Too was born out of those feelings. The characters may be fictional, but the emotions behind them are very real. I didn’t write it with the intention of getting published. I just wanted to give shape to something I was carrying inside. When it found its way to readers and they felt seen through the story, that’s when I realized — this is bigger than me.
Q: Your journey is unique — balancing a full-fledged career in Chartered Accountancy with creative writing. How do you manage these two very different worlds?
I’ve always believed that a person can be a professional by career and a storyteller by heart — and both identities can co-exist beautifully. Numbers taught me discipline, structure, and precision. Writing gave me freedom, vulnerability, and expression. The contrast between the two is actually what fuels me. One grounds me, the other frees me.
Q: You achieved two major firsts at the age of 40 — your debut book and your first media interview. What does that say about your outlook on life and dreams?
It says that dreams don’t check your date of birth. I think we often feel there’s a ‘right age’ to begin something, and if we miss that window, it’s too late. But that’s not true. For me, 40 brought a new beginning. I didn’t write my first story in my 20s or 30s — it happened later, when I was ready. Life isn’t about being early or late — it’s about being honest with what you carry in your heart.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from your story — both your personal journey and your book?
I hope they see that it’s okay to start late. That you don’t have to give up your profession to pursue your passion. And most importantly, that small, heartfelt stories matter. You don’t need to have a dramatic backstory or a glamorous life to write something meaningful. If you’re honest, if your words are rooted in truth, they’ll find a way to connect.
Q: Tell us about some recent recognitions — it seems your book has already started making waves.
Yes, and I’m deeply grateful for it. I Had a Best Friend Too was featured in The Bookish Gossips — that was my first-ever media interview as an author. It was also listed among the Top 10 Books by Delhi Wire and won the Best Fiction Award from The Literature Times. And more recently, I was honoured by the Welred Foundation for my literary contribution. These acknowledgments mean a lot, especially because they came from a place of sincerity — not marketing.
Q: Who is your target audience — who do you write for?
The book is especially relatable to those born in the 1980s and 1990s. They know what friendship felt like before the digital age took over — when a missed call meant something, and conversations weren’t just blue ticks. But I also think the story is for anyone who feels deeply, who values connections, and who wants to remember a time when life was a little slower, a little more human.
Q: What’s next? Any upcoming events or projects we should know about?
I’m really looking forward to being part of multiple book fairs later this year
Delhi Book Fair 2026 – where I Had a Best Friend Too will be showcased
National Book Trust Presents – Nagpur Book Fair
22nd Nov – 30th Nov, 2025
Reshim Bagh Ground, Nagpur
National Book Trust Presents – Pune Book Fair
13th Dec – 21st Dec, 2025
Fergusson College Ground, Pune
These events are a great opportunity to meet readers in person and share the story behind the story. I’m also working quietly on my next book — though it’s still early days. And eventually, I’d love to do more talks, interviews, or maybe even a TEDx someday. I want to inspire others who feel it’s too late to follow their passion — because it never is.
Q: What’s your personal philosophy — the belief that keeps you going?
Simple — Dreams don’t check your date of birth. I believe that even the smallest story, if told with sincerity, can find its audience. And that numbers may define my career, but stories define my journey. I didn’t plan to be an author. I just followed an emotion. And that emotion turned into a story. That’s what keeps me going.
Q: Finally, how can readers connect with you?
I’d love for readers to connect with me and be part of this journey. You can follow me on Instagram @capranav_author or visit my website capranavauthor.com to know more about the book and upcoming stories. If you’ve readI Had a Best Friend Too, I’d love to hear what it meant to you.