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Author Bargains for Her Own Pirated Book in Viral Video
21 Feb
Summary
- An author discovered and humorously negotiated for a pirated copy of her own book.
- The viral video highlights the significant issue of book piracy and its impact.
- The author emphasized that piracy harms authors' income and future publishing opportunities.

A viral video from Delhi's Connaught Place captured an unusual interaction: author Radhika Agrawal discovering and then bargaining for a pirated copy of her own book, "Red Flags and Rishtas: A Desi Rom Com." The author approached the vendor, who quoted ₹350 for the pirated edition. Agrawal humorously inquired about an "author discount" before revealing her identity, leading the vendor to sell it to her for ₹100.
This lighthearted moment quickly garnered over 10 million views online, with many commenting on the unexpected "plot twist." Beyond the humor, Agrawal used the incident to highlight the serious issue of book piracy. She explained on Instagram that piracy significantly impacts authors' sales, royalties, and future book deals, threatening the entire publishing ecosystem.
Her message underscored that while pirated books might seem harmless, they directly diminish an author's income and opportunities. The viral video serves as both an amusing anecdote and a crucial reminder to support authors by purchasing original copies, ensuring the sustainability of their work.




