Team Keemiya is in conversation with author Ekta Roopchand where we spoke about her debut book Esa: A Tale of Strength and her journey as a writer.
Ekta Roopchand was born in New Delhi, India, and is a driven professional currently residing in the UAE, where she works with a leading FMCG company. Alongside her corporate role, she is a passionate marathon runner, having participated in 12 marathons and won 6 gold trophies in the female category.
A graduate of Delhi University with a Bachelor’s in Computer Applications, Ekta is also pursuing her MBA from a prestigious London-based university.
Her journey embodies not just career success and athletic triumphs but also a deeper resilience and belief in shaping one’s destiny through hard work. She firmly believes that “the universe often falls in love with a stubborn heart.”
This book holds a special place in her life, as she aims to leave behind a legacy for future generations and to support and inspire as many women as possible through her personal experiences.
About Esa: A Tale of Strength by Ekta Roopchand
Esa – A Tale of Strength is a heart-felt story of a young girl, who rises to grow into a beautiful independent woman after all the hardships and struggles in her life. Read this book to find out more.
Team Keemiya: Esa: A Tale of Strength seems like a deeply personal story. What inspired you to write this story, and why did you choose to share it with the world?
Ekta Roopchand: It’s indeed a deep personal story along with shared experiences of women I met. Some extraordinary, valued women. I have been reading books for the past 2 years and the seed was planned in December 2023. It’s a nagging thought, the little voice in my head that keeps pushing toward a long-term Vision, a message that I want people to hear. The shared human perspective.
I have lived through experiences that will encourage and educate people, mainly women, through similar circumstances. It’s all about being relentless in spirit. Another reason for writing this book is the permanence it offers.
Unlike a social media post that can be easily lost in the noise or removed, a book stands the test of time. It’s a resource that women can return to again and again as they navigate different stages of life.
I believe, Esa not only mirrors my own experiences, is the common experiences among all women across the global, just with different face, different name.
Ekta Roopchand- Author (Esa: A Tale of Strength, 2024)
Team Keemiya: The main character, Esa, grows into a strong, independent woman despite facing numerous challenges. How much of her journey mirrors your own experiences?
Ekta Roopchand: Esa has shared experiences of the tribe of women who just don’t want to give up. I believe, Esa not only mirrors my own experiences, is the common experiences among all women across the global, just with different face, different name.
Some voices are not heard, some been buried in the name of society, demeaning traditions and some just don’t voice it out for various reasons. With all due to respect, you know the little voice in your head that keeps tell you back down in life out of fear, I don’t have one of those.
Team Keemiya: Are there any moments or scenes in Esa that were particularly emotional or difficult for you to write?
Ekta Roopchand: Yes, absolutely. It is painful to go back to memory lane and dig out long buried memories. It’s like reliving those memories again, having pillow talks nights, reflecting on should’ve, could’ve, would’ve etc. In my journey writing this book has helped a lot.
Sometimes we run away from the past, running away from any difficult emotion never helps, what helps is to woo it back, acknowledge it, accept it and finally release it. That is how you make peace with it.
Team Keemiya: The book is about resilience and self-growth. In your opinion, what are some of the most essential qualities that help people overcome life’s hardships?
Ekta Roopchand: It’s about learning not to turn away from what is painful, and instead, turning toward your suffering to live a life full of meaning and purpose. Challenges provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth. They present individuals with lessons, insights, and experiences that can shape their character.
Writing forced me to ask questions about what is most important in life. Writing taught me to take risks.
Ekta Roopchand- Author (Esa: A Tale of Strength, 2024)
No matter what comes your way, don’t panic or run away in adverse situations in life. Each experience, good or bad, is valuable. It depends on what you take from it. It is either a lesson or reward, both ways you win.
Team Keemiya: Balancing a demanding corporate career, marathon running, and writing a book must have been challenging. How did you make time for writing, and what was your process like?
Ekta Roopchand: As much as it sounds exciting, certainly it wasn’t easy. It all started with a vision board for writing a book. I made a personal vision board on which I write my wishes, my purpose. The seed was planted a year ago. Firstly, I want to thank who invented coffee, you guys are the real MVP.
The journey wasn’t easy, I had to isolate myself from my social life, I pulled all the focus on myself and the goal I was running for. At times, I felt like giving up the thought, but then I realized it is as good as running a marathon, I can take a break, but I have to finish what I started, so all along I wished to reach to the finished line. Of course, I had to follow some form of discipline, routines too.
Team Keemiya: How has writing this book impacted your perspective on life or even your day-to-day approach to challenges?
Ekta Roopchand: Writing helped me meet new people, new friends that were either on the same journey or understood my own. Writing showed me the value in people, especially those that are different from me. Writing forced me to ask questions about what is most important in life. Writing taught me to take risks.
Team Keemiya: What message do you hope readers will take away from Esa’s story?
Ekta Roopchand: It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.
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