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The Actor: A Novel
'This story is set in a time in India-a time in the future-when religion becomes more important than politics.'
Superstar Amit Singh's life is in Three of his films have flopped, his marriage is falling apart and his fans are drifting away. A sudden call from his childhood friend Naresh Khanna offers an unexpected reprieve. Naresh hopes to start a new political party committed to the ideals of secularism, plurality and free speech, and urges Amit to join him.
Alongside Naresh and the discerning journalist Maya-whom Amit is instantly drawn to-the actor finds himself in the thick of campaigning and advocacy, as also intrigue and slander. What begins as an attempt to save himself from the ignominy of failure, quickly turns into an education in politics, history and a nation's building trauma, as minorities face systemic exclusion under an increasingly theocratic regime.
Will Amit emerge unscathed, with his reputation and integrity intact? Or will the mask he had once assumed as an actor become his face? A sharp political drama by Tavleen Singh-one of India's best known and most incisive journalists-The Actor holds up an unflinching mirror to our times.
Superstar Amit Singh's life is in Three of his films have flopped, his marriage is falling apart and his fans are drifting away. A sudden call from his childhood friend Naresh Khanna offers an unexpected reprieve. Naresh hopes to start a new political party committed to the ideals of secularism, plurality and free speech, and urges Amit to join him.
Alongside Naresh and the discerning journalist Maya-whom Amit is instantly drawn to-the actor finds himself in the thick of campaigning and advocacy, as also intrigue and slander. What begins as an attempt to save himself from the ignominy of failure, quickly turns into an education in politics, history and a nation's building trauma, as minorities face systemic exclusion under an increasingly theocratic regime.
Will Amit emerge unscathed, with his reputation and integrity intact? Or will the mask he had once assumed as an actor become his face? A sharp political drama by Tavleen Singh-one of India's best known and most incisive journalists-The Actor holds up an unflinching mirror to our times.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2026
About the author
Tavleen Singh
10 books90 followersTavleen Singh is the author of three books, Kashmir: A Tragedy of Errors, Lollipop Street: Why India Will Survive Her Politicians and Political and Incorrect. She spends her time between Delhi and Mumbai and writes four weekly political columns, in Hindi for Amar Ujala and Jansatta, and in English for syndication and an exclusive column for the Indian Express.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 23, 2026
Disappointing, especially given my expectations.
Having really enjoyed Tavleen Singh’s nonfiction, I picked up The Actor with considerable anticipation. Unfortunately, the book fell short.
While it is fiction, it's hard to miss the parallels to the current government, the Prime Minister, and contemporary Indian politics. There is nothing wrong with critiquing those in power, but criticism deserves nuance. This book, however, often feels one-dimensional, and some of its portrayals come across as Hinduphobic.
Take this example: a kidnapper is described through his puja threads and temple visits. The implication feels like yet another tired liberal trope that associates Hindu religious identity with criminality. That was particularly disappointing.
As for the writing, I found it underwhelming. The style reminded me of an upgraded version of Chetan Bhagat - accessible, but lacking the depth and subtlety I had hoped for.
A disappointing read from an author whose nonfiction I have genuinely admired.
Having really enjoyed Tavleen Singh’s nonfiction, I picked up The Actor with considerable anticipation. Unfortunately, the book fell short.
While it is fiction, it's hard to miss the parallels to the current government, the Prime Minister, and contemporary Indian politics. There is nothing wrong with critiquing those in power, but criticism deserves nuance. This book, however, often feels one-dimensional, and some of its portrayals come across as Hinduphobic.
Take this example: a kidnapper is described through his puja threads and temple visits. The implication feels like yet another tired liberal trope that associates Hindu religious identity with criminality. That was particularly disappointing.
As for the writing, I found it underwhelming. The style reminded me of an upgraded version of Chetan Bhagat - accessible, but lacking the depth and subtlety I had hoped for.
A disappointing read from an author whose nonfiction I have genuinely admired.
October 25, 2026
The Actor by Tavleen Singh is one of those books that feels surprisingly relevant to the times we live in. Blending politics, media, celebrity culture, and ambition, the novel offers an engaging look at how power is built, sold, and maintained in modern India.
The Actor is an intelligent and engaging political novel that combines entertainment with social commentary. It may not be a perfect character-driven story, but it offers enough insight, intrigue, and relevance to make it a worthwhile read.
The Actor is an intelligent and engaging political novel that combines entertainment with social commentary. It may not be a perfect character-driven story, but it offers enough insight, intrigue, and relevance to make it a worthwhile read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews