Mrinalini Patwardhan Mehra was born in Bombay into a respected Chitpavan Brahmin, Maharashtrian family. Her upbringing was literary and academic, and in her, it found a unique direction. She was always fascinated by France and French culture. Languages, whether English, Marathi, Hindi, Sanskrit or French, came easily to her. She lived in a world of words. She is married to a Punjabi. Her responsibilities as an entrant into a new community have been a fascinating cultural challenge. She taught at Alliance Francaise de Delhi for several years. Between 1996 and 2000 she worked with the ambassador of France to India, Claude Blanchemaison, helping to facilitate his interactions with Indians and vice versa. At present Mrinalini lives in Delhi with her husband, son and daughter.