Aparna Shewakramani On Netflix Role, South Asian Representation, And New Novel

This influencer is here with an amazing new book!

You might recognize Aparna for starring on Netflix’s TV series “Indian Matchmaking”. Now, she’s back with her brand-new novel ” “She’s Unlikeable: And Other Lies that Bring Women Down“.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Aparna on her favorite author, main message of her book, and more!

What first inspired you to be involved in this industry?

A: “Writing this book was a way for me to reclaim my own narrative and tell my story on my own terms. It was spurred on by the thousands of DMs I received in the weeks and months after Indian Matchmaking from women around the world asking one simple question, “But how did you become like this?” They saw me on the show but they wanted to know more about what shaped me as a woman. So this book is the answer to their collective question – these are the lessons of grit and fortitude, but also the moments of triumph, that made me who I am today.” 

Tell us about your amazing new book “She’s Unlikeable: And Other Lies That Bring Women Down”.

A: “She’s Unlikeable is a recounting of the experiences in my life that built my resilience and my worldview. It’s honest, candid and vulnerable and ultimately, an opportunity for me to share the good, the bad, and the depends-how-you-see-it moments that made me who I am today. There’s one scene in Indian Matchmaking where I proclaim that I don’t mind if a man does not see me as fit for him as a partner. What’s most important to me is that “I like me.” This book is a testament to a woman who doesn’t have it all figured out but is willing to believe she deserves goodness not only in her partnerships, but in the workplace, in her society and in the world.”

What is the main takeaway you want readers to get from your novel?

A: “I hope readers take away that their own story is one worth telling. When I was researching memoirs, I immediately went looking for ones written by South Asian women. And what I found was surprising – the memoirs, while powerful and inspiring, were about women who had “made it”. They all had accomplished so much by the time they shared their stories. My own memoir is one of a journey that is still ongoing. I don’t have anything tied with a bow neatly and that’s exactly what I’m sharing in Shes Unlikeable.  My hope is that other WOC tell their own narrative while they’re navigating their own path – and not only when they’ve figured it all out or accomplished their biggest feats already.”

Do you think that your experience on Netflix’s “Indian Matchmaking” helped/affected how you created your book?

A: “Of course Indian Matchmaking affected this book but mostly because Indian Matchmaking affected my life. She’s Unlikeable tells the stories of the moments that shaped me, that made me grow and that made me desire to live a life more aligned with my values and beliefs. I could not have written a memoir without including the life lessons learned from my participation on the show.”

If you can choose, who is your current favorite author and why?

A: “My all time favorite author is Kamila Shamsie. Her novels are so powerful and are so beautifully character-driven.”

How important do you think Indian representation is for this industry?

A: “I believe South Asian representation is so important in every industry, especially the entertainment industry. Sharing our stories, our collective struggles and our ongoing triumphs for others to view both within our culture and outside of it is so important.”

Can we expect you to write another book, whether or not a sequel book, in the future?

A: “Most definitely. I foresee myself continuing to share my experiences through my writing in the future.” 

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

A: “Follow my journey on Instagram @aparnashewakramani.”

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.