New Delhi | April 10, 2025
In the heart of India’s bustling capital, a new literary voice is emerging, capturing the attention of readers across age groups. Animesh Khare Das, a 24-year-old poet, dramatist, and visual artist from Delhi, has officially launched his debut poetry collection titled “Memory Lane”, an anthology featuring 164 poems aimed at children, teenagers, and poetry lovers alike.
Published as an eBook, Memory Lane is more than just a debut — it is a heartfelt expression of thoughts, memories, imagination, and real-life experiences. The poems range from light-hearted couplets to deeper, full-length verses that provoke reflection and emotional resonance.
A Fusion of Theatre, Art, and Poetry
Animesh is not new to the creative world. A graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Kurukshetra University, Haryana, he has made a mark in various artistic fields. His journey spans visual arts, theatre, and now, literature. His work has been recognized and appreciated in national and international exhibitions, and he has been an active contributor to the theatre space, most notably representing India at the Colombo International Theater Festival in Sri Lanka.
Speaking to the media during the virtual book launch, Animesh said, “I write because I like to. I write because I have to. Poetry, for me, is a way of preserving memories and decoding emotions. I see my poems not as isolated verses, but as windows to my mind.”
Inspired by the Masters
Animesh’s poetic style reflects the influence of timeless literary figures such as William Shakespeare, Pablo Neruda, and William Blake. He combines the elegance of rhythm with the depth of abstract thought. Some of his poems are fun and relatable, while others delve into topics of identity, love, loss, and transformation.
One of the verses from Memory Lane gives a glimpse into his reflective writing:
“Oh my darling, please dance with me tonight,
As we lie in bed and stare into the mirror —
What have I become?”
His poetry captures the fleeting yet powerful moments of youth and human experience. There is rhythm, but also silence; joy, but also contemplation.
A Voice for the Young, by the Young
What makes Memory Lane particularly unique is its target audience. Animesh consciously crafted the book keeping young readers in mind — children, teenagers, and early adults. He believes poetry should be introduced at an early age, not just as an academic subject but as a form of emotional and artistic expression.
“Many of the poems are based on what I have seen with my own eyes,” Animesh explains. “I wanted to create something that both entertains and makes the reader pause, think, maybe even smile or tear up.”
Growing Digital Presence
Beyond the book, Animesh is actively connecting with his audience through social media platforms, where he shares poetic lines, behind-the-scenes glimpses, theatre memories, and announcements about upcoming creative projects.
He has also been featured in several online media portals for his artistic contributions and the recent release of his book. With increasing digital engagement, Animesh is building a loyal reader base that spans across India and beyond.
What’s Next?
After the release of Memory Lane, Animesh plans to work on a new series of poems focused on urban isolation, relationships in the digital age, and the changing face of Indian theatre. He also intends to return to stage acting and collaborative visual projects in the near future.
For now, Memory Lane stands as a heartfelt introduction to a voice that is young, observant, and boldly emotional. It is not just a book of poems — it is a coming-of-age chronicle, a conversation between art and emotion.
