Anirban Bhattacharyya is the Creator, Writer and Producer of the hit true crime TV series Savdhaan India. He is also the Producer of Crime Patrol and Fear Files.
He has been head of content at Channel [v] India and The Walt Disney Company India. He has been in the media and television for 25 years.
In 2019 Anirban’s true crime book The Deadly Dozen: India's Most Notorious Serial Killers published by Penguin India was launched by film-director Anurag Kashyap. The book has been endorsed by actors John Abraham, Ayushmann Khurrana, and director Kiran Rao. The Bestselling book is back in the news as the Allahabad court has acquitted Pandher & Koli in the Nithari case - and raised the same questions that Anirban had done in 2019 where he too had said they were innocent.
His true crime follow up India's Money Heist: The Chelembra Bank Robbery, was published by Penguin India and endorsed by S. Hussain Zaidi. The book is about the Chelembra Bank Robbery, one of the biggest heists in the country where 8 0 kgs of gold was stolen. He has written the book with IG P. Vijayan Kerala IPS. It was launched by actor Mohanlal. The book is being adapted into a movie.
His latest book is a memoir The Hills Are Burning published by Fingerprint. It is the true bittersweet story of three teenage friends growing up in a boarding school in Kalimpong set against the genesis and the subsequent violence of the Gorkhaland Revolution in 1986. Anirban has also written a kids book The Adventurous 6: The Sinister Summer Holiday published by OM, and a book of poems and photographs called Mumblings and Musings which has been praised by superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan.
He is a standup comedian, motivational speaker and actor having acted in movies and series like Sui Dhaaga, Mission Mangal, The Broken News, Opium and Vijay 69, and Adaalat. Anirban writes a bi-lingual true crime column for the Matrubhumi and an opinion column for The New Indian Express and occasionally for The Shillong Times.
Topic
Many Dreams, One Journey | Anirban Bhattacharyya on Storytelling, Courage and Creative Expression
On 22nd Nov 2025 09.30 AM To 10:40 AM
The session ""Many Dreams, One Journey: Storytelling, Courage and Creativity"" offered a reflective and deeply human exploration of how stories shape personal identity, emotional resilience and creative expression. The event opened with a thoughtful introduction that set the stage for an engaging conversation on imagination, courage and the early beginnings of every creative journey.
Anirban Bhattacharyya, writer, producer and the creator of well-known true-crime shows such as Savdhaan India, Crime Patrol and Fear Files, shared powerful insights drawn from his personal experiences. He spoke openly about his school years and the bullying he faced, explaining how books became a source of strength, comfort and inspiration. These early experiences eventually guided him towards writing, storytelling and the creative world.
The session focused on how creativity grows through curiosity, free thinking, wordplay and the courage to express ideas without fear of judgement. Bhattacharyya highlighted the importance of balancing academic responsibilities with personal joy, encouraging students to remain observant and emotionally connected to their surroundings. The audience also took part in interactive storytelling activities that demonstrated how simple exercises can unlock imagination and build confidence.
For young creators, the session offered meaningful lessons on trusting one’s voice, embracing vulnerability and moving forward even when fear is present. His personal anecdotes and honest reflections on creative challenges made the session relatable, insightful and inspiring. The event concluded with a lively Q&A, where students discussed storytelling techniques, self-expression and personal growth.
Topic
Fear, Justice and Curiosity | Why India Loves Crime Stories | Anirban Bhattacharyya, Amrita Mukherjee, Divyaroop Bhatnagar | OCLF
On 23rd Nov 2025 05.00 PM TO 05:40 PM
This powerful OCLF panel brought together three leading voices from India’s crime, media, and mystery writing landscape. Anirban Bhattacharyya, creator of iconic shows like Savdhaan India and Fear Files, joined crime journalist and author Amrita Mukherjee and bestselling novelist Divyaroop Bhatnagar for a deep dive into why India remains captivated by crime stories. In conversation with Adv. Tufel Sharif, the session explored the psychology behind fear, justice, and human curiosity.
The speakers discussed how crime narratives allow readers and viewers to join the investigation, decode clues, and stay mentally engaged. From real cases like the Kolkata Don murder to fictional bestsellers like The Mussoorie Murders, the panel traced how real crime and imagination often intersect. They also examined the rise of crime content on OTT platforms and the influence of media trials on public perception.
The session was dynamic, engaging, and packed with insights into why crime remains one of India’s most loved storytelling genres.