Press Release: From Pashas to Pokemon by Maaria Sayed

Film-maker and writer Maaria Sayed releases her debut novel From Pashas to Pokemon (Published by Vishwakarma Publications, 2024)

Maaria Sayed’s debut novel

FROM PASHAS TO POKEMON

is a moving story of love and changing tides

across generations and cultures

17 May 2024, New Delhi:

We are delighted to announce the publication of From Pashas to Pokemon by film-maker and writer, Maaria Sayed.

Narrated with a distinct humour and a throbbing heart, rooted in Urdu sensibility, this debut novel is the story of a family caught in the shift to the new millennium, a touching story of love and compromised values, of West and East, of childhood and adulthood. This journey has people at its core, hence a string of relationships echoes through the narrative.

On writing the book, the author says: ‘I am often asked if it is my story and I say a resounding no! However, when you grow up as a Muslim girl you realize that everyone around you decides who you are before you have the right to determine your own identity. So here is the coming-of-age story of a girl who grows into an identity that is all soul and falls deeply in love with herself and her motherland!’

In his praise, poet and lyricist Gulzar, writes: ‘Take up any character, there is a complete story. Take up any chapter, there is a complete film.’

THE BOOK

At 25, Aisha has seen more than many people do in a lifetime and has understood one thing: no matter who you are and where you are from, there are things that you can study and others that you can actually learn from and grow.

Lively tales from family history and everyday life in a Mahammad Ali Road colony in Mumbai form the background of Aisha’s internal journey. Childhood memories mingle with her experiences while studying in London, and are woven into a sharp commentary on the transformations in India over 20 years as she ponders her place in this ever-changing world. The novel narrates the story of many journeys. It is a journey of growing up: the journey from childhood to adolescence, youth to old age, from one culture to another, and a glimpse of past to present times.

THE AUTHOR

Maaria Sayed is an Indian filmmaker and writer whose work focuses on the sexual and spiritual liberation of women, evolving Muslim identities, and South Asian life. She has been supported by Cineteca di Bologna, Sharjah Art Foundation, and Busan Film Commission, among others, and was a delegate and jury for the UN-backed Asia Peace Film Festival in Pakistan. She regularly holds workshops on cinema for students and teaches intercultural communication to executives of multinational companies. She is a graduate of literature and cinema and obtained her fellowship on Asian media production and collaboration in South Korea. She is passionate about Sufi poetry, folk music, Indian theatre and cats- big and small. This is her debut novel.

Price: INR 275 / Format: Paperback / Pages: 192