DW Bureau | Chandigarh, June 8: Nineteen-year-old author and filmmaker Nikasha Luthra on Sunday unveiled her latest novel, Lost and Found in Kashmir, at the Chandigarh Press Club. The 270-page novel, published by Ananta Press Publishing, is inspired by the emotional impact of the Pahalgam terror attack and explores themes of loss, resilience and healing.

Speaking to reporters, Luthra said the book follows the journey of Heer and Kabir as they navigate grief and uncertainty against the backdrop of Kashmir. "The Pahalgam attacks deeply affected me emotionally. While the story is fictional, the emotions within it are very real," she said.

Luthra said Kashmir's blend of beauty and pain made it a natural setting for the story, adding that she sought to focus on the human impact of violence rather than sensationalise it. A preview of a short film adaptation based on select chapters of the book was also screened during the interaction.

The novel will be formally launched on June 9 at the Mini Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh. The event will also feature a screening of the film adaptation.