
The Rise Insight proudly extends its heartfelt congratulations to Author Smriti Kotangle for her remarkable nomination at the TRI Literary Awards 2026 – Season 04 for her extraordinary work, “The Forbidden Crown.” This nomination is a testament to her powerful storytelling, deep emotional resonance, and the profound impact her narrative has made on readers across the nation.
About the Book – “The Forbidden Crown”
In The Forbidden Crown, Smriti Kotangle takes readers on a journey that transcends the boundaries of love, power, and destiny. The story follows Ruhi Singhania, a woman who never believed in fairytales — until she finds herself living one that feels more like a nightmare. Thrust into a royal world filled with power struggles, secrets, and forbidden desires, Ruhi’s life changes forever when she crosses paths with Atharv Suryavanshi, the ruthless heir to the Rajasthani throne.
What begins as a forbidden attraction soon spirals into a gripping tale of obsession, defiance, and emotional turmoil. Smriti Kotangle beautifully captures the essence of two souls bound by fate yet torn apart by circumstances — where love isn’t tender, and freedom demands the ultimate price.
The book is a masterpiece of dark romance, blending passion and pain, duty and desire, into a narrative that leaves a lasting imprint on the reader’s heart. Each chapter is laced with poetic intensity, bringing alive the emotional complexities of love, power, and survival.
About the Author – Smriti Kotangle
Smriti Kotangle is an Indian author celebrated for crafting intense, emotional, and unforgettable love stories. Her words are a mirror to the deepest corners of human emotion — where passion meets pain and love defies all limits.
Through her bestselling novel The Forbidden Crown, she explores the fragile boundaries between obsession and devotion, fate and free will, power and vulnerability. Her prose often reads like poetry — lyrical, haunting, and full of raw honesty. She captures the beauty of imperfection and reminds readers that sometimes the most broken hearts create the most beautiful stories.
Smriti’s philosophy of storytelling is best reflected in her own words:
“Some loves aren’t written in stars — they’re carved in scars.”
“Obsession isn’t madness when it’s born from love that never learned to let go.”
“I don’t write perfect love stories. I write the ones that hurt, heal, and haunt.”
When not writing, Smriti immerses herself in reading classic romances and exploring mythological themes — drawing inspiration from ancient tales to infuse timeless emotion into modern narratives. Her stories challenge traditional ideas of love and morality, inviting readers to feel, question, and evolve.
Why TRI Chose The Forbidden Crown
The TRI Literary Awards recognize works that stand out for their literary merit, emotional depth, originality, and reader impact. The Forbidden Crown by Smriti Kotangle embodies all these qualities and more.
- Emotional Depth and Complexity:
The novel delves into the unspoken, often shadowed facets of love — obsession, vulnerability, and the silent war between heart and duty. Smriti’s portrayal of emotionally charged relationships reflects a rare understanding of human psychology. - Powerful Characterization:
Both Ruhi and Atharv are multi-dimensional characters who challenge societal norms. Their journey represents strength, defiance, and the struggle for self-identity amidst royal expectations and social boundaries. - Unique Narrative Voice:
Smriti Kotangle’s storytelling is known for its poetic rhythm and raw emotional intensity. Her prose transforms pain into beauty and gives voice to emotions that often remain unspoken. - Cultural Essence and Modern Appeal:
Set against the backdrop of Rajasthan’s regal traditions, the novel masterfully merges Indian cultural richness with contemporary themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and forbidden love. - Impact on Readers:
The Forbidden Crown has resonated deeply with readers for its portrayal of love that is not perfect, but real — love that breaks and rebuilds. It encourages readers to confront the idea that true strength often lies in surrendering to one’s emotions without losing oneself.
A Celebration of Literary Excellence
The nomination of The Forbidden Crown in the TRI Literary Awards 2026 is a recognition of Smriti Kotangle’s contribution to modern Indian fiction. Her writing not only touches hearts but also challenges perceptions — redefining how love, power, and destiny can coexist within a single story.
At The Rise Insight, we celebrate authors like Smriti who bring depth, emotion, and authenticity to the literary world. Her nomination symbolizes the triumph of passion-driven storytelling and the enduring power of words to connect souls.
Congratulations Once Again!
The Rise Insight and the entire TRI Literary community congratulate Smriti Kotangle for her well-deserved nomination. The Forbidden Crown stands as a shining example of contemporary Indian fiction that beautifully blends emotion with elegance.
✨ May this recognition inspire her to continue writing stories that heal, haunt, and ignite hearts — one word at a time.
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