{{Short description|British Indian crime-fiction writer}} {{Infobox writer <!--For more information, see :Template:Infobox Writer/doc.--> | name = Vish Dhamija | image = Vish Dhamija.jpg | caption = Vish Dhamija | birth_date = 30 July | birth_place = Ajmer, Rajasthan, India | occupation = Digital Marketer; Crime Fiction Writer | language = English | education = MBA | alma_mater = Alliance Manchester Business School | genre = Crime Fiction; Legal Thrillers; Psychological Thrillers | notableworks = Rita Ferreira Series | spouse = | years_active = 2010 to present | website = {{URL|vishdhamija.com}} | portaldisp = <!-- "on", "yes", "true", etc; or omit --> }} '''Vish Dhamija''' is an [https://www.charentelibre.fr/charente/grand-cognac/polar-le-festival-degaine-son-palmares-litteraire-avec-les-prix-cognac-2024-21815322.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawGDMj1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfaY0kbCLXB9KDjGeLBpwK92FR-BJEI_e3evhg9DkOR-UbYdRm44OIZX0g_aem_Z9kHWJZPSOla6lq3J4iHqA International award-winning], British Indian, crime-fiction writer. He is the [https://harpercollins.co.in/blog/announcements/press-release/the-mogul-wins-the-cognac-prize-2024/ first writer of Indian origin] to win the prestigious [https://www.sudouest.fr/culture/litterature/cognac-le-festival-polar-degaine-son-palmares-litteraire-2024-21825784.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawGDMxtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHf8SVSIoG_Qz5WLSPYOUI3U0m83NlKo9l3PC_9YvTs2mdlR8wtBdWqzk-g_aem_lsrXdAiWgQE4skVUKUWzPw Gran Prix for International Crime Novel] at Festival Polar de Cognac for his novel, Le Magnat in 2024. The French Press celebrated him as [https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10161732627947177&set=a.10150099586127177 one the five crime writers not to be missed]. The Mogul's translation in French (La Magnat) was also the Finalist for ‘Discovery of the Year’ Prize at Noir Charbon. [https://aneditions.com/2025/01/06/sudeep-sens-best-books-of-the-year-from-south-asia/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIMKwJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHeGtJuKO122F6JBlcXz-KFivF6mlKfBTH1RnwYdLSpV9RTR3hrx_pxMyCA_aem_Axlz7t8KxaJyBp8H7U5lCA ARS NOTORIA magazine (UK) listed The Mogul/La Magnat as one of the best books from South Asia for 2024.]
According to the Indian Press he is India's Best Page-Turner<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/timeslitfestkol/status/1065960658972418048|title=This terrific writer can surely give his readers an adrenaline rush. Satiate your appetite for thrill with #VishDhamija as he drags you into his gripping session at #TimesLitFestKolkata To know more: <nowiki>http://toi.in/timeslitfestkolkata</nowiki> … @vishdhamija #Kolkata #BookLovers #TollygungeClubpic.twitter.com/SPTdlZbuZf|last=Kolkata|first=Times LitFest|date=2018-11-23|website=@timeslitfestkol|language=en|access-date=2018-12-07}}</ref> and one of the ten most popular Indian thriller authors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mybookpick.com/popular-best-indian-thriller-authors/ |title=10 Most Popular Indian Thriller Authors - MyBookPick.com |website=mybookpick.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023012318/https://mybookpick.com/popular-best-indian-thriller-authors/ |archive-date=23 October 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="firstpost.com">{{Cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/living/nuanced-noir-as-indian-readers-devour-crime-fiction-desi-writers-are-producing-great-stories-3172608.html|title=Nuanced noir: As Indian readers devour crime fiction, desi writers are producing great stories - Firstpost|date=2016-12-25|newspaper=Firstpost|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-05}}</ref> He is the only writer of Indian origin listed among the major legal thriller authors of the world. He is also known for his psychological thrillers.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Varma|first=Nikhil|date=2015-09-22|title=A psychological thriller|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/a-psychological-thriller/article7677751.ece|access-date=2020-06-11|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
In August 2015, at the release of his first legal fiction (his third novel) ''Déjà Karma'', Glimpse Magazine called him India's John Grisham<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/RumourBooks/photos/pb.563576703706344.-2207520000.1442400222./942246712506006/?type=1&theater|title=Rumour Books India's Photos - Rumour Books India {{!}} Facebook|website=www.facebook.com|access-date=2015-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-11-24|title=The Indian Express|language=en-US|newspaper=The New Indian Express|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2019/nov/24/tecircte-agrave-tecircte-with-indias-john-grisham-2066138.html|access-date=2017-01-06}}</ref> for stimulating the genre of legal fiction in India which was almost non-existent before his arrival on the scene.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thetalespensieve.com/2015/09/book-review-deja-karma/|title=Book Review: Deja Karma|website=The Tales Pensieve|language=en|access-date=2015-10-12}}</ref> In a survey by eBooks India website, Vish Dhamija was listed along the top 51 Indian authors you must follow.<ref>{{Cite news|last=The Indian Express|first=The Indian Express|date=24 November 2019|title=Dhamija is regarded as 'top 51 Indian authors to follow' by ebooks India|language=en-US|newspaper=The Indian Express|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2019/nov/24/tecircte-agrave-tecircte-with-indias-john-grisham-2066138.html}}</ref> The Asian Age and The Times of India have cited him as the only legal fiction writer in India.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.asianage.com/life/more-features/260618/twists-in-the-courtroom-tale.html|title=Twists in the courtroom tale|date=2018-06-26|work=The Asian Age|access-date=2018-10-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/reviews/micro-review-cold-justice-by-vish-dhamija/articleshow/92651877.cms?fbclid=IwAR1DzdlO-SX0pxXIJFVaoeerlBbTSsAlqC4SX028tfV-6A4-Ae4Ci9Vnlqk | title=Micro review: 'Cold Justice' by Vish Dhamija - Times of India | website=The Times of India }}</ref>
Dhamija's stories have been published in India (Pan Macmillan, Harper Collins, Srishti Publishers), in the United States (Blackstone, Tantor Media) and in France (Mera Éditions).
In January 2026, ''[https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/daldal-everything-you-need-to-know-about-bhumi-pednekars-show-on-prime-video-based-on-the-book-bhendi-bazaar-13973411.html Daldal]''—adapted from Dhamija’s acclaimed book ''Bhendi Bazaar''—premiered on Amazon Prime Video, bringing its gritty, layered narrative to a global audience. Headlined by Bhumi Pednekar in a riveting turn as Rita Ferreira, the series quickly captured viewers’ attention with its taut storytelling and atmospheric depth.
What began as a highly anticipated adaptation soon evolved into a bona fide streaming success. [https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bhumi-satish-pednekkars-daldalthis-show-on-prime-video-is-a-success-story-trends-across-the-us-uk-europe-uae-13975115.html ''Daldal'' trended across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the UAE], signaling its resonance far beyond its home turf. The ensemble cast, including standout performances by Samara Tijori and Aditya Rawal, added further nuance and intensity to a show that deftly balanced suspense with emotional complexity.
== Early life ==
Dhamija grew up in Ajmer, Rajasthan, where he spent the first twenty years of his life. He attended St. Anselm's School, a convent school in Ajmer. He earned his B.Com. from Government College, Ajmer. Dhamija dropped out of law school after his first year, and then attended Jodhpur University for a degree in management. After a few years of working in the corporate world in India, he left for Manchester Business School in the UK for an MBA in Marketing and Strategy.
In school, Dhamija was very active in literary and stage activities. He was the President of the school's Literary Society.
== Writing career ==
Dhamija's first book, ''Nothing Lasts Forever,'' a crime thriller was published in 2010 by Srishti Publishers; it was long-listed for "Vodafone-Crossword Book Award 2011".<ref name="Crossword Award Long-List">{{cite web|url=http://www.asiawrites.org/2011/05/longlist-for-vodafone-crossword-book.html|title=Asia Writes|work=asiawrites.org|access-date=2014-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504162507/http://www.asiawrites.org/2011/05/longlist-for-vodafone-crossword-book.html|archive-date=2012-05-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>
''Bhendi Bazaar'' and tells the story of a serial killer and the police officer<ref name="The New Indian Express: Who's Lurking to Kill Behind the Bazaar?">{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Who%E2%80%99s-Lurking-to-Kill-Behind-the-Bazaar/2014/12/18/article2576176.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210080126/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Who%E2%80%99s-Lurking-to-Kill-Behind-the-Bazaar/2014/12/18/article2576176.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 10, 2015|title=Who's Lurking to Kill Behind the Bazaar?|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> who attempts to identify the pattern behind the killer's murders before she becomes the next victim. The book spent over a year in India's Top 100 list for 'Crime, Thriller, and Mystery', and has been noted for its ingenious plot and rich characters.<ref name="DNA India: Crime on Your Shelves">{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-crime-on-your-shelves-2061056|title=Crime on your shelves|work=dna|date=2015-02-14}}</ref><ref name="Johntext Madhya Pradesh: Book Review">{{Cite web | url=http://madhyapradesh.johntext.de/review-of-bhendi-bazaar/ | title=Review of Bhendi Bazaar| date=2015-06-09}}</ref><ref name="The Author's Blog: Book Review">{{cite web|url=https://theauthorsblogg.wordpress.com/2015/05/09/bhendi-bazaar-by-vish-dhamija-book-review/|title=Bhendi Bazaar By Vish Dhamija – Book Review - The Author's Blog|work=The Author's Blog|date=8 May 2015 }}</ref>
Dhamija has said in interviews that crime fiction, which is mainly what he reads, is the only genre in which he can imagine himself writing for the time being.<ref name="Author Interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.writerstory.com/vish-dhamija-interview-bhendi-bazaar-book|title=Vish Dhamija Interview - Bhendi Bazaar Book -|work=WriterStory|date=2015-06-16}}</ref> In August 2015, ''Déjà Karma'' (Dhamija's third book and first legal and psychological thriller) became a bestseller and was featured on both The Financial Express<ref>{{Cite web|title = Top 10 Fiction, Non-Fiction books|url = http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/jobs/top-10-fiction-non-fiction-books-6/134839/|access-date = 2015-09-16}}</ref> and Crossword Bookstores<ref>{{Cite web|title = Timeline Photos - Crossword Bookstores Ltd. {{!}} Facebook|url = https://www.facebook.com/Crosswordbookstores/photos/a.455818934084.249050.178693784084/10153599288204085/?type=1&theater|website = www.facebook.com|access-date = 2015-09-16}}</ref> lists for two consecutive weeks.
His next book, ''Doosra – The Other One*'' was released in Feb 2016, and Business Standard featured it in March, calling it a "…must read.".<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/excitement-of-a-crime-thriller-chasing-dreams-and-ayurvedic-diets-ians-books-this-weekend-116030400133_1.html|title = Excitement of a crime thriller, chasing dreams and Ayurvedic diets (IANS Books This Weekend)|access-date = 2016-03-07|newspaper = Business Standard India|date = 2016-03-04}}</ref> Dhamija's fifth book - ''Nothing Else Matters'' was launched at the Kumaon Literary Festival in October. In November it reached number 6 on WH Smith charts on both, domestic and international airports in New Delhi. Bloggers rated it as one of the top 10 books by Indian authors in 2016 <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.booksnelegance.com/10-best-books-of-2016-by-indian-authors/|title=10 Best books of 2016 by Indian authors|website=Books N Elegance|access-date=2017-01-05}}</ref> and top 10 romance novels of 2016 by Indian authors.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.polkacafe.com/romance-novels-by-indian-authors-2016-3279.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224043043/http://www.polkacafe.com/romance-novels-by-indian-authors-2016-3279.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2016|title=10 Novels By Indian Authors, Published In 2016, Are Perfect For The Romantic At Heart|last=Alfred|first=Maya|date=2016-12-20|access-date=2017-01-05}}</ref> HarperCollins India released Dhamija's sixth book, ''Unlawful Justice''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://harpercollins.co.in/author-details/vish-dhamija/|title=HarperCollinsPublishers India {{!}} Vish Dhamija|website=harpercollins.co.in|access-date=2018-02-14}}</ref> in June 2017,<ref name="firstpost.com" /> which The Times of India called: "a gripping legal thriller<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/reviews/micro-review-unlawful-justice-is-a-gripping-legal-thriller/articleshow/59750422.cms?|title=Micro review: 'Unlawful Justice' is a gripping legal thriller - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-07-31}}</ref>". ''Unlawful Justice'' was recognized by Amazon India as one of the Memorable Books of 2017, and The Asian Age included it in its annual listing of the Best Books of 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.asianage.com/books/311217/bibliomania-biblioboom-best-books-of-2017.html|title=Bibliomania, Biblioboom: Best Books of 2017|date=2017-12-31|work=asianage.com/|access-date=2018-02-14}}</ref>
Dhamija's seventh book (his third legal fiction), The Mogul was released in July 2018 by HarperCollins. "Gripping", said The Times of India.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/features/vish-dhamija-is-back-with-another-gripping-thriller/articleshow/65088138.cms|title=Vish Dhamija is back with another gripping thriller - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-10-04}}</ref> The Indian Express, in its review, called out that "Dhamija has set the sky as the limit, figuratively and literally."<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Wasserman|first=Nina|date=January 1988|title=Having an IMPACT, Figuratively and Literally!|journal=Kappa Delta Pi Record|volume=24|issue=2|pages=54–55|doi=10.1080/00228958.1988.10517836|issn=0022-8958}}</ref> The Telegraph praised, The Heist Artist (Dhamija's eighth book, a crime caper) saying: “It’s difficult to find a single dull moment in this book...”.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://epaper.telegraphindia.com/imageview_259049_15143795_4_79_16-03-2019_18_i_1_sf.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327171548/https://epaper.telegraphindia.com/imageview_259049_15143795_4_79_16-03-2019_18_i_1_sf.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 27, 2019|title=t2 RECOMMENDS TWO READS -- A COLLECTION OF SLICE-OF-LIFE STORIES AND ONE FOR THE THRILLER JUNKIE t2 RECOMMENDS TWO READS -- A COLLECTION OF SLICE-OF-LIFE STORIES AND ONE FOR THE THRILLER JUNKIE|website=epaper.telegraphindia.com|access-date=2019-03-27}}</ref> The Heist Artist was the only Indian author/publication to be included in The Times of India list of "Crime fiction and thrillers you should read in 2019"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/features/crime-fiction-and-thrillers-you-should-read-in-2019/photostory/70058354.cms|title=Crime fiction and thrillers you should read in 2019|date=2019-07-04|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-07-11}}</ref> and is listed as one of the eight crime fiction novels that other crime writers must read.<ref>{{Cite web|title=8 Indian Crime Fiction Novels To Inspire Crime Writers|url=https://boundindia.com/8-indian-crime-fiction-novels-to-inspire-crime-writers/|access-date=2020-12-09|website=BOUND|date=17 September 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
In June 2019, Abundantia Entertainment<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abundantiaentertainment.com/|title=Abundantia Entertainment Film Production Houses Mumbai - Official Site|website=www.abundantiaentertainment.com|access-date=2019-07-11}}</ref> announced that it had acquired the rights to Dhamija's much sought-after "Rita Ferreira" series (Bhendi Bazaar, Doosra & Lipstick) to adapt the books into a multi-season, premium original digital series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mumbailive.com/en/bollywood/abundantia-to-make-show-on-vish-dhamija-books-the-rita-ferreira-series-36485|title=Abundantia to produce a multi-season show based on the popular 'The Rita Ferreira Series'|website=Mumbai Live|language=en|access-date=2019-06-06}}</ref>
Dhamija's second psychological thriller, Prisoner's Dilemma, was published by Pan Macmillan in April 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vish Dhamija reveals new book cover - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/features/vish-dhamija-reveals-new-book-cover/articleshow/81948719.cms |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> It had a slow start due to COVID-19, but it has been on the WH Smith charts (at airport) even a year after launch.
Cold Justice, Dhamija's fourth legal thriller, released on July 4, 2022, and The Times of India called it: "A gripping, heart-stopping novel… a must-read recommendation for thriller lovers."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Micro review: 'Cold Justice' by Vish Dhamija - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/reviews/micro-review-cold-justice-by-vish-dhamija/articleshow/92651877.cms |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
Déjà Karma was republished by Pan Macmillan India in 2023. It was called, "[https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/books-and-art/101023/witness-the-most-riveting-courtroom-drama-of-the-year.html The Most Riveting Courtroom Drama of The Year]" by Deccan Chronicle.
Le Magnat was published in French by [http://mera-editions.com/ Mera Editions] in April 2024.
The Secret Diary of a Conman, Dhamija's twelfth book, published by Pan Macmillan India, was launched in July 2024. Written in epistolary form, it was one of the first books that featured a playlist that worked in tandem with the story (every chapter has a corresponding track). By August, the book was a bestseller in Amazon Crime and at W H Smith and Relay bookstores. Dhamija's next book, a psychological thriller, titled [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/haadsaa-9789361317026/ Haadsaa] was released by Bloomsbury India in July 2025. Dhamija is a popular author in France, and his title: Unlawful Justice was published in France as [https://www.babelio.com/livres/Dhamija-Au-Nom-de-la-Justice/1970015 Au Nom de la Justice.] in January 2026, along with the release of his previous title (Le Magnat) in a different format by [https://www.editionspoints.com/ouvrage/le-magnat-vish-dhamija/9791041428960 Éditions Points]
== Personal life ==
Dhamija worked in marketing and retailing for almost two decades for global brands like Ford, Kodak and United Colors of Benetton. He is now a public speaker, and runs nursery schools in the UK. He is married to Nidhi Singh, the great-granddaughter of Raja Mahendra Pratap. Vish spends his time between UK and India.
== Bibliography == {| class="wikitable" ! !Books |- | rowspan="6" |Stand Alone Works |Nothing Lasts Forever |- |Nothing Else Matters |- |The Heist Artist |- |Prisoner's Dilemma |- |The Secret Diary of a Conman |- |Haadsaa - A Mere Incident |- | rowspan="3" |DCP Rita Ferriera Series |Bhendi Bazaar |- |Doosra |- |Lipstick |- | rowspan="6" |Legal Thrillers |Déjà Karma |- |Unlawful Justice |- |The Mogul |- |Cold Justice |- |Le Magnat (French) |- |Au Nom de la Justice (French) |}
== See also == * List of Indian writers
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{authority control}} {{Portal bar|Biography|India|Literature}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dhamija, Vish}} Category:Living people Category:British crime fiction writers Category:Alumni of the Manchester Business School Category:Year of birth missing (living people)