7 September 2024 12:00 am Views - 98
It was during a casual dinner conversation with a friend that I first encountered The Black Rose, a compelling book that delves into the sensitive issue of colourism. My curiosity was piqued, and I was swiftly introduced to the author, Shweta Aggarwal, by fellow Daily Mirror columnist, and popular podcast host, Anshu Bahanda. A subsequent lunch at Soho House in London with Shweta left me deeply impressed by her courage and her commitment to confronting colourism by sharing her personal experiences. After reading the book, I was eager to introduce Shweta and her impactful work to our audience in Sri Lanka, where colourism is a deeply rooted issue. The Black Rose is available on Amazon and will soon be accessible in Sri Lanka, offering a timely opportunity for readers here to engage with Shweta’s powerful narrative.
I was born in India, raised in Japan, and have been living in the UK since 2000. My life has been enriched by a wide range of multicultural experiences, though it hasn’t been without its challenges. From the ages of six to nine, I attended a boarding school in India, a difficult and traumatic time for me. I also faced bullying because of my skin colour. Moving to Japan, I hoped to leave these experiences behind, but I encountered similar issues there. With my parents being much lighter skinned than me, I frequently faced questions about my identity and heard hurtful remarks like, “who will marry you?” Despite these challenges, I remained passionate about Bollywood dance and aspired to become a Bollywood actress. However, when I was six, an aunt told me my dream was unrealistic because of my skin colour. Yet, twenty years later, I was running one of the most successful Bollywood dance companies in the UK. Ironically, as a child, I disliked reading so much that I would cheat on reading assignments, now, I’m a published author. My journey has taught me to never say never, and to never let anyone else decide what’s possible for you.
My professional journey has been diverse and dynamic. I began as a computer science engineer, working at UBS investment bank in their IT team, where I developed software for private bankers. Alongside my career in IT, I pursued my passion for Bollywood dance by teaching evening dance classes. These classes quickly grew in popularity, and within a few years, I transitioned to running a Bollywood dance company full-time. The company flourished, becoming one of the most successful in the UK, with highlights such as reaching the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2010 and being invited to audition for the closing ceremony of the London Olympics in 2012. In 2014, I decided to close the business to focus on my young children. This led me to explore a new passion; writing. I created the children's book series ‘Dev and Ollie,’ for which I received the Asian Women of Achievement Award and was invited by (the late) Majesty, The Queen, to Buckingham Palace for the UK-India Year of Culture in 2017. My latest book, The Black Rose, released in 2024, was inspired by my personal reflections during the Black Lives Matter movement.
What inspired you to write ‘The Black Rose,’ and how does the book address the issue of colourism?
I was inspired to write The Black Rose in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, which swept the globe in 2020. The movement prompted me to reflect deeply on the presence of anti-Blackness within the South Asian community. This reflection brought up feelings of guilt and shame as I realized how closely linked racism and colourism are. It led me to examine my own experiences with colourism, how deeply ingrained it is, and the profound impact it has had on my life. The Black Rose explores the pervasive nature of this social construct, taking readers on a journey through the eyes of a dark-skinned girl from age six to a forty-six-year-old woman, illustrating how colourism has haunted her throughout her life. The book aims to shed light on the complexities of colourism and its lasting effects.
Every character in The Black Rose is inspired by a real person and my real-life experiences with them. In some cases, the characters even retain their real names, like Sangeeta Mausi, with permission from the individuals themselves. However, to protect their identities, I altered the character descriptions significantly, ensuring that while the essence of the people and experiences remains authentic, their personal details are kept private.
Can you share the most challenging part of writing The Black Rose? How did you overcome it?
The most challenging part of writing The Black Rose was deciding whether to present it as a fictional story or as a raw, honest memoir. I was terrified of revealing my personal experiences to the world and worried about being judged. Even up until the final stages, I considered using a fictional name for myself instead of writing in the first person. Ultimately, I chose to embrace my story fully, believing that owning my truth would have a more profound impact and drive the change I aimed to inspire by writing the book.
What message do you hope readers take away from The Black Rose?
From The Black Rose, I hope readers take away several key messages. For those who have experienced colourism, I aim for the book to be a source of healing and validation. For those who may perpetuate colourism, I hope it encourages a deeper awareness of how harmful words and actions can damage self-esteem. And for readers unfamiliar with colourism, I hope the book provides a gentle yet impactful education on the gravity of the issue.
Colourism is a deeply ingrained issue in many societies, including in Sri Lanka. How did you ensure that The Black Rose addresses this topic sensitively yet powerfully?
When writing The Black Rose, my primary focus was to be brutally honest about my experiences with colourism, both as a victim and as someone who, at times, perpetuated it. I didn't initially set out with the goal of addressing colourism sensitively; instead, I aimed for raw, unfiltered truth. This approach has resonated with readers as a powerful narrative. By sharing my experiences and anecdotes without dilution or sugar-coating, the book allows readers to see first-hand the pervasive nature of colourism, its harmful effects, and the insufficient efforts to tackle it in our society.
The title The Black Rose is intriguing. Can you explain its significance in relation to the story?
The title The Black Rose is deeply rooted in an experience I had at my boarding school in 1984 when I was seven years old. While writing the book, I initially didn’t have a title in mind. It wasn’t until I detailed this particular incident in one of the chapters that I realized how perfectly it encapsulated the themes of the book. The title reflects the profound and personal significance of that moment, symbolizing the central struggles and insights explored throughout the narrative.
How do you think The Black Rose contributes to the ongoing conversation about colourism and beauty standards?
The Black Rose contributes to the ongoing conversation about colourism and beauty standards by challenging the pervasive ‘fair is beautiful’ narrative, which heavily influences beauty standards, particularly in societies where skin-whitening products are prevalent. I take pride in the feedback from readers who have found inspiration in the book to embrace their own skin colour. It's gratifying to hear that the book has prompted changes in how people talk about dark skin; for instance, my 82-year-old father-in-law now refers to a tan instead of commenting negatively on skin colour.
Moreover, the book has helped light-skinned readers gain insight into the experiences of those who face colourism, fostering empathy and understanding. In this way, The Black Rose is both healing and educating readers, contributing to a broader effort to dismantle harmful beauty standards and promote a more inclusive view of beauty.
Did you face any backlash or challenges while writing about such a sensitive topic? How did you handle them?
While writing about colourism, I encountered several challenges and backlash. From a young age, I faced colourist remarks, and when I began addressing these issues publicly, I often heard comments like, “you’re not dark enough to have experienced colourism.” Another common response was dismissal based on caste, with some suggesting I didn’t have the right to discuss colourism because I don't come from a lower caste. Additionally, there were those who trivialized the issue by saying, “there are much bigger problems in the world.” Initially, such reactions were disheartening. However, I have come to accept that there will always be individuals who attempt to invalidate or minimize your efforts. What keeps me motivated is witnessing the positive impact of my work, whether through the book itself or through speaking engagements. This impact reassures me that my efforts are worthwhile and drives me to continue advocating for change.
Balancing the creative aspects of storytelling with the need to address important social issues has been a rewarding challenge. I found the creative side of writing particularly enjoyable, and through various webinars with esteemed authors and self-teaching, I learned how crucial effective storytelling is when tackling social issues. I realized that chapters written like diary entries or content that feels preachy can disengage readers. To address this, I aimed to craft each chapter as vividly as a scene from a movie, allowing readers to picture the events in their minds. This approach not only brings the narrative to life but also evokes stronger emotions, helping readers connect more deeply with the social issues being explored. This blend of creativity and impact ensures that the message resonates while keeping the reader engaged.
Have you ever faced writer's block or self-doubt? If so, how did you overcome these challenges?
As a novice writer, I often struggled with writer’s block and self-doubt, especially when working on a personal story intertwined with trauma. It was particularly challenging to delve into painful memories and re-live those experiences. Self-doubt was also a constant companion, making the writing process even more difficult. To overcome these challenges, I developed a routine of stepping away from my computer and going for walks while listening to instrumental piano music. This practice created a meditative state that helped clear my mind and rejuvenate my creativity. There were times when I found myself needing to take multiple walks in a day, but this method proved effective in breaking through blocks and calming my self-doubt.
How do you see your work evolving in the future?
The enthusiastic reception of The Black Rose has profoundly impacted my approach to writing. It has given me the confidence to be even more forthright and daring with my storytelling. As I look to the future, I envision my work evolving in several ways. Firstly, I plan to delve deeper into complex social issues with greater nuance and boldness, using my writing as a platform to challenge prevailing norms and spark meaningful conversations. The positive feedback I’ve received encourages me to explore new themes and push boundaries further. Additionally, I aim to experiment with different narrative forms and styles, integrating diverse perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques. This will not only enrich my work but also broaden its reach and impact. Ultimately, the success of The Black Rose has reinforced my belief in the power of honest, unflinching storytelling. I am excited to continue evolving as a writer, embracing new challenges, and contributing to important dialogues through my future projects.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to address complex social issues in their work?
My key piece of advice for aspiring writers tackling complex social issues is this, “do not let someone else hold your pen.” When addressing challenging topics, it's crucial to be both thought-provoking and fearless. Embrace boldness and honesty in your writing, as these qualities are essential for sparking meaningful change. By staying true to your voice and perspective, you ensure that your message remains powerful and impactful.
Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or what readers can expect from you next?
I’m currently working on outlining chapters for my next book, which will delve into themes of patriarchy, misogyny, and the societal suppression of women's sexuality. This project aims to explore these critical issues in depth, continuing my commitment to addressing complex social topics with honesty and insight. Readers can expect a thought-provoking narrative that challenges prevailing norms and invites a broader discussion on gender dynamics and personal freedom.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
In ten years, I envision myself deeply engaged in addressing colourism and broader social issues. After the cathartic and fulfilling experience of writing The Black Rose, I aim to amplify my impact through in-person events at schools, universities, corporate organizations, and community gatherings. Colourism affects people at every stage of life, from infancy to old age, and I aspire to be a prominent speaker who inspires others to embrace and celebrate their skin colour. Additionally, I see myself as an author of multiple thought-provoking books that tackle various forms of discrimination faced by women across different areas of life. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the conversation around gender and social justice, ultimately measuring my success by the positive changes I help foster and the broader understanding I help promote.
Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
I draw inspiration from every woman who defies societal expectations and forges her own path, regardless of her background. Whether she is a celebrity, an influencer, a friend, or a relative, any woman who lives life on her own terms and challenges conventional norms serves as a role model for me. I admire and learn from these trailblazers who embody courage and resilience, and I find their stories of empowerment and self-determination incredibly motivating.
How do you want to be remembered one day?
I want to be remembered as a change maker. In a world where people often resist change, even when it’s necessary, I hope to be seen as someone who made the uncomfortable become comfortable. My goal is to drive meaningful change by addressing challenging issues and pushing boundaries, making it easier for others to embrace and adapt to new perspectives and solutions.
Shweta can be directly contacted via email:
info@shwetaaggarwal.com