New Delhi, May 25: Former Indian Navy Lieutenant Commander and bestselling author Harvinder Singh Sikka unveiled his much-awaited spy thriller The Chabi Master at a star-studded event held at Kota House, New Delhi. Inspired by the life of a RAW operative and rooted in real-life intelligence operations, the book was formally launched by Admiral and Chief of the Indian Navy Dinesh Tripathi.
The launch witnessed the presence of several prominent personalities from the literary, defence, and entertainment worlds, including Justice Manmohan, filmmaker Boney Kapoor, former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev, renowned motivational speaker and author Shiv Khera, and celebrity astrologer Jaya Madan, along with distinguished members of the defence and film fraternity.
Published by Penguin Random House, The Chabi Master draws heavily from Sikka’s firsthand experiences in the Navy and his signature storytelling style. The author is best known for his bestselling novel Calling Sehmat, which inspired the critically acclaimed Bollywood film Raazi.
Speaking at the launch, Sikka said, “There are countless unsung heroes who may not die at the borders, but sacrifice everything to ensure India remains safe. Chabi Master is the story of one such unsung RAW hero.” He highlighted how real-life intelligence experiences and covert operations shaped the narrative of the book.
Praising the novel, Boney Kapoor remarked, “Just as Raazi became a blockbuster, I am confident that The Chabi Master will become the next superhit film at the box office.”
The evening featured engaging conversations and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Sikka’s tenure in the Navy, offering guests a glimpse into the high-stakes world of espionage and covert intelligence operations. The thriller blends suspense, strategy, patriotism, and human emotion, while exploring the risks and ethical dilemmas faced by intelligence officers.
Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, while addressing the audience, said, “The Navy demands supreme sacrifice, but it also instils an attitude that can unlock even the most brainwashed minds. That is why RAW creates Chabi Masters through its training and operations.”
The event celebrated the intersection of literature, cinema, and national security, reflecting the growing public fascination with authentic espionage narratives. Guests praised the book for its meticulous research, gripping storytelling, and realistic portrayal of intelligence operations.