Balesh Lakshminarayanan Talks About His Book “Serendipity: A Chain of Impossible Coincidences”

About the Author:

Balesh Lakshminarayanan is an entrepreneur, investor, and storyteller who straddles the worlds of business, technology, and imagination with equal ease. An engineer and MBA by qualification, he is known for his sharp strategic mind and his softer side — that of a curious thinker, eclectic reader, and passionate writer. Balesh has built and scaled successful ventures, mentored startups, and navigated boardrooms — but his true joy lies in decoding the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary. His writings reflect a blend of logic and wonder, often exploring the space where science meets serendipity, and fact blurs into fable. A recipient of multiple accolades, including the Times of India 40 Under 40, Balesh now turns the page to a different kind of journey — one where stories, not spreadsheets, take the lead. This is his world — where every coincidence is suspiciously well-timed, and every detail hides a deeper pattern.

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A: Certainly! Here’s a This book began during a serendipitous pause in my life after a freak accident left me homebound for a few months. With limited mobility but unlimited time, I found myself telling stories to my kids—and then writing them down. What started as a creative outlet soon grew into a collection inspired by my travels, books, and the joy of storytelling. It’s proof that even detours and setbacks in life can lead to unexpected outcomes.

Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?

A: Serendipity: A Chain of Impossible Coincidences is a whimsical and thought-provoking anthology of 24 short stories that dance along the edge of logic and wonder.Blending humor, sci-fi, mythology, magical realism, and sharp insight into human behavior, this book offers the perfect bite-sized escape.

Q: What Did You Learn When Writing The Book?

A: What I learned while writing this book is that the first step is everything. Once you begin, creativity takes over. Tools like GPT helped bring ideas to life quickly, and honestly, working on this during quiet late nights was surprisingly fun and fulfilling.

Q: Where Do You Get Your Information Or Ideas For Your Books?

A: I’m an eclectic reader—thanks to years of buying second-hand books while preparing for B-school exams, magazines, newspaper. I read whatever I could get for ₹20–₹30, from history to biographies. This book is really a blend of all those influences—my love for animes, Tintin comics, travel, movies, and everything else life threw my way.

Q: What Are Your Top 3 Books?

A: My top 3 books are: 1. “Why I Am a Hindu” by Shashi Tharoor – for its introspective exploration of faith and identity. 2. “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari – for the grand narrative of human evolution and civilization. 3. “The Adventures of Tintin” by Hergé – because few things match the joy and curiosity sparked by a Tintin adventure.

Q: What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Authors?

A: Start writing—don’t wait for the perfect idea or the perfect time. Use the tools available, whether it’s a pen, a keyboard, or even AI. Write what excites you, not what you think will sell. And most importantly, have fun with the process. The first story may not be perfect, but it might be the spark for something truly meaningful.

This book is published by OrangeBooks Publication. All rights are reserved with the author & the publisher.