MUMBAI: In a city where reading in public is often mistaken for prepping for UPSC, Conrad Pune is on a mission to glam up bookworming. The luxury hotel is launching Conread, a monthly literary initiative that promises to bring together sharp minds, sharper questions, and a serious love for the written word—all set against the five-star finery of one of Pune’s swankiest addresses.

Kicking off on 21 April, just ahead of World Book Day, Conread is Conrad Pune’s plush new chapter in culture curation. Think intimate conversations with top authors, deep dives into everything from fiction to finance, and evenings where literary crushes might actually be seated next to you.

The premiere edition features bestselling author and finance whiz Devina Mehra, in conversation with Mint’s head of personal finance Neil Borate. The duo will unpack Mehra’s new release Money, Myths and Mantras – The Ultimate Investment Guide, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing session.

"With Conread, we are opening our doors to a new kind of luxury which is intellectual, immersive, and community-driven. This series is our way of giving back to the cultural fabric of Pune by creating a space where book lovers and thinkers can gather, converse, be bold and stay inspired. We’re thrilled to launch this journey with Devina Mehra and look forward to many more chapters to come,” said Conrad Pune general manager Abhishek Sahai.

Mehra, who is rarely short on candour or capital insight, said, “I’m excited to be part of the inaugural edition of Conread at Conrad Pune. The combination of my two favourites, books and investing/ finance in spaces that feel open, warm, and genuinely curious, sounds just perfect. And I have no doubt this evening will be just that. I truly appreciate Conrad Pune for creating a space where stories, questions, and real-life insights could flow freely. I look forward to sharing my journey and insights with everyone.”

The concept merges literature with luxury and intellect with indulgence. Each edition of Conread promises intimate author interactions paired with that classic Conrad hospitality—elevating the humble book club into a literary salon with candlelight, canapés, and conversation that crackles.