“Dreams don’t check your date of birth — mine began at 40.”
In a world where careers often define identity, CA Pranav Sharma stands out as someone who chose not to be boxed in. A seasoned Chartered Accountant by profession and a published author by passion, Sharma is breaking stereotypes with his heartfelt debut novel I Had a Best Friend Too, a nostalgic journey that bridges youthful emotions with the wisdom of adulthood.
His story is not one of dramatic reinvention, but of quiet, powerful transformation — a reminder that the most honest stories come not from ambition, but from authenticity.
The Confession That Became a Novel
For someone immersed in the world of finance, taxation, and audit, the leap into storytelling might seem surprising. But for Pranav, it was organic.
“Writing began almost like a confession,” he says. “I didn’t set out to be an author. I just needed to express something that numbers couldn’t hold.”
His novel I Had a Best Friend Too is a reflection of that raw honesty. Set in the era of 2009–2011 before Instagram filters, endless notifications, and digital distractions, the book captures the essence of love, friendship, and growing up in a simpler time. It is a story for anyone who remembers what it felt like to fall in love before the internet changed everything — and for anyone who has ever tried to balance the weight of responsibility with the lightness of emotion.
A Life Between Numbers and Narratives
What sets Sharma apart is not just that he is an author, but the kind of author he is — one who brings a unique duality to the table. A Chartered Accountant by training, his career has been shaped by discipline, logic, and precision. Yet, his writing reveals a deep emotional intelligence, weaving complex feelings into simple, relatable narratives.
“There’s a unique symmetry in being a CA and a writer,” he reflects. “Numbers taught me structure; writing gave me freedom. I didn’t have to choose — I could be both.”
This balance has not only enriched his life but also set an inspiring example for others who often feel the need to choose between passion and profession.
Late Bloomer, Early Impact
At 40, Sharma published his first book and gave his first media interview — two personal milestones that arrived not with fanfare but with quiet satisfaction. His story is a compelling reminder that dreams don’t come with expiration dates.
His debut has already begun making waves in the literary circuit. I Had a Best Friend Too was featured in The Bookish Gossips in an in-depth author interview and was listed among the Top 10 Books by Delhi Wire. It also won the Best Fiction Award from The Literature Times and earned him recognition from the Welred Foundation for his literary contribution.
“One reader said my book reminded them of R.K. Narayan’s style. That’s the kind of connection I never expected, but deeply value.”
Resonating with the Heart
Sharma’s target audience ranges from millennials who lived through the pre-digital era to today’s readers who are curious about a time when feelings were not emojis but emotions, written in diaries and lived slowly. His book is especially resonant for those born in the 1980s and 1990s — a generation straddling two worlds: one analog, one digital.
But it’s not just about nostalgia. Sharma’s journey itself is a message — to students, professionals, and dreamers alike — that you don’t have to abandon one identity to embrace another.
What’s Next?
With his debut novel gaining momentum, Sharma is preparing for a series of exciting events that will bring him closer to his readers.
Delhi Book Fair 2026
I Had a Best Friend Too will be showcased at this major literary event, with Sharma scheduled for author talks and reader interactions.
NBT Nagpur Book Fair
22nd November – 30th November 2025
Venue: Reshim Bagh Ground, Nagpur
NBT Pune Book Fair
13th December – 21st December 2025
Venue: Fergusson College Ground, Pune
These upcoming events reflect Sharma’s growing presence in the literary space and his commitment to connecting with readers face-to-face.
“I’d love to inspire people who feel stuck or late in life. If my story can help even one person pick up their pen or revisit a forgotten passion, that’s worth more than any bestseller list.”
A Message Worth Remembering
At 40, Pranav Sharma saw two life-changing firsts — publishing his debut novel and giving his first media interview — proving that it’s never too late to start.
His unique combination of Chartered Accountant and storyteller showcases that logic and emotion, structure and creativity, can co-exist beautifully.
He writes not for fame, but to connect — to remind readers of the value of honesty, emotion, and the human experience.
Follow Pranav Sharma’s journey on Instagram @capranav_author or visit capranavauthor.com to explore his stories and upcoming events.
In Sharma’s words, “Life is not about being early or late, it’s about being honest with what you carry in your heart.”
And through his words, that honesty is finding a place in the hearts of readers across the country.
