WE NEVER LOST YOU
About this audiobook
WE NEVER LOST YOU
My father used to wake up every morning at four o’clock. Before the world around him had begun to stir, he would quietly water the plants. That was how he began his day—with silence, discipline, and care.
After that came his morning tea. Sometimes he drank it alone, sitting quietly with his thoughts. Later, tea became a small gathering—with family, friends, villagers, and people who came to him seeking help. His door was always open.
He was a man who had walked barefoot for miles and miles, wearing his simple khadau, carrying little except his faith and his responsibilities. A devotee of God Shiva, he once walked nearly seventy kilometres to offer Gangajal. He could walk for days, endure hunger, and even observe a three-day fast without food or water for the well-being of his family.
That was Papa. A man who always stood for his family. A man who stood by his friends, his villagers, and anyone who came to him in need.
He had never really had the chance to live his youth. Life placed responsibilities on his shoulders far too early, after my grandfather’s death, and he carried them quietly, without complaint. He never touched alcohol. He gave his time. He gave his strength. He gave his faith. He gave his presence. Whatever life demanded of him, he accepted it as his duty.
Perhaps that was the story of his life—he kept giving, long before he ever had the chance to ask for anything for himself.
He remains in the footsteps of the barefoot man who walked miles for his faith. He remains in every person he helped. He remains in the values he left behind. We may have lost Papa from our sight, but we never truly lost him. His contributions, his sacrifices, and the life he lived continue to walk beside us.
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About the author
Abhik Bhanu
Screenwriter | Film Director | Author
Andheri, Mumbai, India
7710078256
Abhik Bhanu is an Indian screenwriter & film director, and author known for his distinctive storytelling across cinema and literature. His creative work explores human emotions, social realities, history, spirituality, and moral dilemmas with depth, sensitivity, and cinematic vision.
With a career spanning nearly twenty-five years, Abhik has written & directed feature films, documentaries, television programs, web series, advertising films, and literary works. Over the course of his career, he has directed five feature films and authored fifteen books, establishing himself as a versatile creative professional.
Recently, he completed principal photography for the short film “Love in Silence”, for Delhi based company Bridgerock Buildtech FILMS LLP shot in Delhi. He is also developing “ATB – Across The Bridge,” a musical series centered on counselling, mental well-being, human consciousness, and psychology, along with “TZ – Tune Zindagi,” a project that explores the journey of life, music and human relationships.
Filmography
1922: Pratikar – Chauri Chaura (2023)
A historical action-drama inspired by the true events of the Chauri Chaura incident of 1922. The film was released in India on June 30, 2023, followed by an international release in the USA and UK through the AMC theatre chain on August 4, 2023.
The film received critical appreciation for bringing an important chapter of India's freedom struggle to the screen. It achieved an IMDb rating of 9.6/10 at the time of release and currently maintains a strong audience rating.
For his contribution as director, Abhik Bhanu was honoured with the Best Film Director Award at the Shivaji Maharaj Gaurav Award 2024 on November 24, 2024.
Sab Kuch Hai Kuch Bhi Nahin (2005)
Bhanu's debut feature film, produced under the Sarayu Vision banner, was released worldwide on April 15, 2005.
The film featured an acclaimed cast including Alok Nath, Govind Namdev, Vikram Gokhale, A.K. Hangal, Pramod Moutho, and Amit Behl. Music was composed by the celebrated duo Jatin–Lalit, with songs rendered by Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Shreya Ghoshal, and Udit Narayan.
The film was showcased at the American Film Market (AFM), Los Angeles, and at film markets in Frankfurt. It is presently available on ZEE5.
Dark Rainbow (2014)
Based on Bhanu's novel A Dark Rainbow (2013), this social drama starred Sara Khan and Pramod Moutho. The film explored themes of disability, hope, and human resilience.
Gun Pe Done (2019)
Released on April 12, 2019, this crime-comedy featured Jimmy Shergill, Tara Alisha Berry, Vijay Raaz, Sanjay Mishra, Vrajesh Hirjee, and Bidita Bag. The film was appreciated for its quirky narrative and ensemble cast.
Literary Contributions
Abhik Bhanu's literary work reflects a deep engagement with society, politics, history, spirituality, and the human psyche. His books often examine the complexities of human behavior and contemporary social issues while combining realism with philosophical insight.
His writings span fiction, non-fiction, political commentary, historical narratives, and poetry.
Awards & Recognitions
🏆 Best Book of the Year (2019) – Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Awards for Stool Pigeon
🏆 Indian Authors' Award (2024) – for Lutyens' Dilli
🏆 Best Film Director Award (2024) – Shivaji Maharaj Gaurav Award for 1922: Pratikar – Chauri Chaura
Published Books
1. English Country (2025)
2. Lutyens' Dilli (2024)
3. Honcho (2020) – Page Turner
4. The Journey of Life and Death (2024)
5. Mahatma After 150 Years (2021) – Notion Press
6. Mahatmani Pratima (2021) – Navbharat Sahitya Mandir
7. Blind Faith (2019) – Okada Aims
8. Stool Pigeon (2018) – Okada Aims
9. A Dark Rainbow (2013) – Partridge Publishing
10. Enslaved by Time (2025) – Astitva Prakashan
11. Red Hot Chilli (2025)
12. Smile of a Beautiful Girl (2025)
13. Red Light Whistle Blowers
14. Ek Akela – Hindi Poetry Collection (Forthcoming)
15. Let Me Fly High – English Poetry Collection (Forthcoming)
Vision:
Through cinema and literature, Abhik Bhanu continues to explore stories that inspire reflection, social awareness, and human understanding. His work bridges entertainment with meaningful narratives, contributing to contemporary Indian storytelling across multiple creative platforms.
