Meet the Author: Puneet Bhandal on Melody Queen for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge ‘Read to the Beat!’

In this episode of our ‘Meet the Creator’ series, we are joined by Puneet, author of Melody Queen. This vibrant story about twelve-year-old Simi and her dream of becoming a Bollywood composer has been selected for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, ‘Read to the Beat!’.

In this interview, Puneet speaks about why Melody Queen is a perfect fit for the challenge, the role of Bollywood music in her writing and her life, and what she hopes young readers will take away from Simi’s story. She also shares her ideal soundtrack for the book and recommends a joyful after-reading activity.

You can also read our interview with Cassie Silva, author of Listening to the Quiet, another title selected for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge ‘Read to the Beat!’ celebrates the exciting connection between reading and music, inspiring children to discover stories, creativity and rhythm through books. What makes Melody Queen a good fit for this collection? And what makes it unique? 

Puneet: Melody Queen is a perfect fit for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, “Read to the Beat!”, because music is at the heart of the story. Twelve-year-old Simi dreams of becoming a composer in the world of Bollywood, and her journey celebrates creativity, self-expression and the power of following your passion. Music drives the plot and shapes Simi's identity in this book.

What makes Melody Queen unique is its vibrant Bollywood setting and its focus on a young girl challenging expectations in the music industry. Combining friendship, ambition and cultural richness with an uplifting story about finding your voice, it offers readers a fresh and inspiring take on the connection between music and storytelling.

What is the perfect soundtrack for Melody Queen? This could be a specific song, a genre of music, a rhythm, or any interpretation of music. 

Puneet: The perfect soundtrack for Melody Queen is “Love You Zindagi” from the film Dear Zindagi. Its uplifting message about embracing life, believing in yourself and following your own path reflects Simi's journey throughout the story. Just like Simi, the song celebrates the courage to dream big, stay true to yourself and find joy in the journey. 

What role does music play in your creative writing process, and/or in your life?

Puneet: Music plays a central role in the process of writing - when I write my chapters, I try to imagine the mood of the scene with a Bollywood soundtrack playing in the background. I imagine I am watching a film and the idea of the music helps to set the scene and the pace for me. 

In my life, music is really important as the songs from Bollywood have been the core reason for my attachment to the movies. A lot of my childhood and teen year memories are tied to films, music and songs.

Do you have a favourite scene or line from Melody Queen? What makes it especially meaningful to you?

Puneet: I like the relationship between Simi and her cousin “perfect Priya”. Initially, Simi is annoyed by how perfect she is at everything and is very rude towards her. Until Priya ends up being one of the reasons why Simi’s talent finally finds its way in the world. The scenes where they start bonding and getting creative, I really enjoyed writing them. I think everybody has that “annoying sibling or cousin” who they are always compared to. I feel it’s very relatable. 

What do you hope readers feel, —or take away —when they read Melody Queen?

Puneet: I hope that readers feel empowered to take on “the system” if it is stopping them from achieving their dreams. Just because something has been a certain way, it shouldn’t always be that way. Simi’s story should inspire the next generation to believe in their choices and follow their dreams. 

Is there a particularly memorable response from a young reader or educator/parent to the book that stayed with you?

Puneet: Yes - I remember being at an exhibition displaying my clothing collection for my fashion business and one girl came up to me and asked if I also write books. I told her I did and she told me that she was an awkward and shy girl at school in Manchester but I visited her school and she finally felt like there was a book that she could relate to. She said she loved reading the books and they made her feel like she belonged. That was so important and emotional for me. 

What is one activity that you recommend readers do after they read the book? 

Puneet: Dance! The great thing about my workshops and author visits is that kids get to see Bollywood songs and dances and realise how varied the songs, music and dance are in Bollywood. You can Bollywood-dance with any ability, at any age. Music and dance are so uplifting and I love how the kids I see in schools get hooked so fast and want to do the dances over and over again. 

To support the Summer Reading Challenge, Pruneet is offering a range of exciting interactive sessions, including readings, creative writing workshops inspired by Bollywood storytelling, Bollywood dance workshops, and Q&A sessions.These sessions are designed to inspire creativity, celebrate diversity, and encourage a love of reading and writing in a fun and inclusive way. Perfect for libraries, schools, and festivals looking to offer something unique, lively, and culturally rich! Learn more here.

Explore more of our author and illustrator interviews in the ‘Meet the Creator’ blog series!