Ten years ago, I often wondered where life would take me. What would the future look like? Would the dreams I carried in my heart ever become reality? I had so many ideas, ambitions, and stories waiting to be explored, but I could never have imagined what lay ahead. Acting on Your Creative Ideas Is a Form of Self-Love
Today, as I see my debut novel, Love At Last Swipe, displayed on the iconic digital billboards of Times Square, New York, I find myself looking back at that younger version of me with a heart full of gratitude.
The Preeti Mallapurkar Times Square moment is not just about seeing my book on a famous digital screen. It is about remembering where I started, appreciating the journey, and realising how far a dream can travel when we continue to believe in it.
From Frankfurt to New York, this has been an extraordinary chapter in my life. And I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of it.
My Debut Novel Love At Last Swipe Reaches Times Square, New York
Times Square is one of the most recognised landmarks in the world. Its enormous digital billboards, bright displays, and lively atmosphere make it a familiar destination for people across different countries.
Standing there and seeing Love At Last Swipe displayed on one of those digital screens was an emotion I can hardly put into words. When I began writing my debut novel, my focus was on creating a story that readers could connect with. I wanted to explore relationships, emotions and the possibility of finding love in unexpected circumstances. At that time, I was simply following my passion for storytelling.
I never imagined that my book would eventually make its presence felt in a place like Times Square. For me, this experience carries a meaning beyond the visibility of a book. It reminds me that creative journeys can take us to places we might never have imagined when we first begin.
The “Love At Last Swipe” Times Square display is one of those memories I will always cherish. It has given me another reason to appreciate the opportunities that come with following my creative interests.
From the Frankfurt Book Fair to Times Square: A Journey Beyond Borders
Before this special moment in New York, another important milestone had already made 2026 a memorable year for me. My debut novel, Love At Last Swipe, was showcased at the India National Stand during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2026, held from 7 to 11 October in Germany.
The Frankfurt Book Fair is one of the world’s leading international publishing events. It brings together authors, publishers, booksellers, literary professionals and readers from different parts of the world. It provides opportunities to discover books, exchange ideas and explore connections across the publishing industry.
Being part of the India National Stand was particularly meaningful to me. It was an opportunity for my work to be represented as part of India’s literary presence at an international event.
The National Book Trust India, under the Ministry of Education, plays an important role in promoting Indian books and literature. Being associated with an international literary platform through this showcase made the experience even more special.
Frankfurt was already a beautiful milestone in my journey as an author. And now, seeing my book displayed in New York has added another unforgettable memory.
When I think about the journey from Frankfurt to Times Square, I realize that every opportunity has its own story. One introduced my book to an international literary setting, while the other allowed it to appear at one of the world’s most recognized landmarks. Both experiences have encouraged me to continue exploring the possibilities of storytelling.
From Acting to Writing: Discovering Another Side of Storytelling
Many people know me through my work as an actress in Marathi cinema. Acting has always been an important part of my life because it allows me to explore different characters, understand human emotions, and connect with audiences through performances.
However, writing introduced me to another beautiful side of storytelling. As an actress, I bring characters created by writers to life. As an author, I have the opportunity to create those characters myself, understand their emotions, and share their experiences through my own words.
Both forms of storytelling are different, but they share something important: the ability to create an emotional connection with people.
Writing Love At Last Swipe gave me the freedom to explore relationships, companionship, online dating, and the changing ways in which people connect with one another. It also reminded me that creativity does not have to remain limited to one profession. We can discover new interests, explore different possibilities, and give ourselves the opportunity to learn something new at any stage of life.
My journey from acting to authorship has been one of the most meaningful creative experiences
I have had.
What Is My Debut Novel Love At Last Swipe About?
Love At Last Swipe is my debut novel, published by Paper Towns Publisher. It explores contemporary relationships, online dating, companionship and the possibility of finding love again.
The story follows Priya, a widowed mother and English tutor who finds herself navigating the unfamiliar world of online dating. With encouragement from her son and friends, she begins exploring new relationships and discovers that life can still hold unexpected possibilities. Through Priya’s journey, I wanted to explore something that I believe many people can relate to: the desire for companionship and emotional connection, even after experiencing difficult chapters in life.
We often associate love stories with young people or the excitement of first relationships. But does the possibility of finding love disappear as we grow older? I believe it does not. Life can offer new experiences at different stages, and sometimes the most unexpected connections come when we least expect them.
The novel also explores how technology has changed the way people meet and communicate. Online dating has created new opportunities for connection, but it has also introduced unfamiliar challenges into modern relationships.
I wanted to bring these experiences together in a story that feels relatable, emotional, and connected to the realities of contemporary life.
What the Times Square Milestone Means to Me as an Indian Author
When I look back at the journey of Love At Last Swipe, I realise that every milestone has brought a different kind of happiness.
A book begins with an idea. It slowly takes shape through writing, editing, revisions, and countless moments of reflection. Eventually, that idea becomes a story that readers can explore and connect with.
For me, seeing my debut novel showcased in Frankfurt and displayed in Times Square has made that creative journey even more meaningful.
The Preeti Mallapurkar Times Square milestone is a reminder that we should never
underestimate where our ideas can take us. There was a time when I could only imagine what the next ten years might look like. Today, I am experiencing moments that my younger self could hardly have pictured.
I do not see these experiences as the final measure of my journey. Instead, I see them as encouragement to keep creating, remain curious, and continue exploring new possibilities. The Love At Last Swipe Times Square appearance has also made me reflect on the importance of giving ourselves the freedom to follow our passions. Sometimes, we begin something without knowing exactly where it will lead. And that is perfectly fine.
What matters is that we give ourselves the opportunity to try.
A Message for Everyone Who Has a Dream
If there is one thing my journey has taught me, it is that we should not be afraid of the ideas that excite us.
Sometimes, we have a dream but hesitate to pursue it because we do not know where it will lead. We wonder whether we have enough experience, whether the timing is right or whether our efforts will make a difference.
I have had those questions too.
Ten years ago, I could not have predicted that my journey would take me from acting to writing a novel that would eventually be showcased in Frankfurt and displayed in New York. Life does not always follow the path we imagine. Sometimes, it introduces opportunities we never knew existed.
I believe we should remain open to discovering new sides of ourselves. A passion we have kept aside for years might become the beginning of something beautiful. A simple idea might turn into a creative project, and that project might take us further than we ever expected.
I hope my experience encourages someone who has been thinking about writing a book, starting a creative project, or exploring a passion they have been postponing.
You do not need to know exactly where the journey will take you before you begin. Sometimes, taking the first step is enough to open a door you never expected.
My Journey Does Not End Here
As I look at Love At Last Swipe making its presence felt in Times Square, I find myself returning to the questions I had ten years ago. What would the future look like? Where would my dreams take me? What experiences were waiting ahead? Today, I have beautiful memories to look back on and many more possibilities to look forward to.
I am grateful to every reader who has picked up my book, shared their thoughts, and connected with its story. Your encouragement has made this journey more meaningful.
I am equally thankful to my publisher, everyone who has supported the book, and all those who have believed in my creative journey.
Above all, my deepest gratitude goes to the Almighty for guiding me through every chapter of life. Being an actress introduced me to one world of storytelling. Becoming an author opened another. And this journey has shown me that there is always more to discover when we continue following our creative interests.
Frankfurt and Times Square will remain two special milestones in my journey, but I do not consider them the final destination.
There are more stories to tell, more ideas to explore, and many more dreams waiting to take shape. Ten years ago, I was wondering what life had in store for me. Today, I am living a moment I once could only imagine. And tomorrow? I believe there is so much more waiting to unfold.
This is not the end of a dream. It is the beginning of many more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Preeti Mallapurkar?
I am an Indian actress, author, and filmmaker based in Mumbai. Alongside my work in Marathi cinema, I enjoy exploring storytelling through writing and filmmaking. My debut novel, Love At Last Swipe, marks an important chapter in my creative journey.
2. What is the Preeti Mallapurkar Times Square milestone?
It marks the occasion when my debut novel, Love At Last Swipe, was displayed on digital billboards in Times Square, New York. It is a special moment in my journey as an Indian actress and author.
3. Was Love At Last Swipe displayed in Times Square, New York?
Yes. My debut novel was displayed on a digital billboard in Times Square, New York. The Love At Last Swipe Times Square appearance is a memorable milestone in my journey as an author.
4. Was Love At Last Swipe showcased at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2026?
Yes. My novel was showcased at the India National Stand during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2026, held from 7 to 11 October in Germany.
5. What is Love At Last Swipe about?
My debut novel follows Priya, a widowed mother and English tutor who explores online dating and the possibility of finding love again. Through her experiences, I explore companionship, modern relationships, emotional challenges, and second chances.
6. Who published Love At Last Swipe?
My debut novel, Love At Last Swipe, was published by Paper Towns Publisher.
7. What does displaying a book on a Times Square billboard mean?
A Times Square billboard display offers an opportunity for a book to gain visibility in one of New York City’s most recognized locations. It is a promotional milestone, although it is different from international publishing distribution, book sales, or literary awards.
About Me
I am Preeti Mallapurkar, an Indian actress, author, and filmmaker based in Mumbai. Alongside my work in Marathi cinema, I enjoy exploring storytelling through writing and filmmaking. My debut novel, Love At Last Swipe, explores contemporary relationships, online dating, companionship, and second chances. Through my creative journey, I continue to discover new ways of sharing stories and connecting with people.
