Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

From Pashas to Pokemon: Coming of age story across different continents

Maaria Sayed speaks about her debut novel From Pashas to Pokemon

From Pashas to Pokemon: Coming of age story across different continents

FILMMAKER and screenwriter Maaria Sayed’s debut novel From Pashas to Pokemon is a coming-of-age story set across different cities - from Mumbai to London - about a girl learning to understand, accept and love.

It is also a sharp commentary on cross-cultural clashes and the transformations in India over 20 years, as the book charts the journey of a young Muslim girl towards adulthood.


Eastern Eye caught up with the accomplished author (who received a positive endorsement from legendary writer Gulzar) as she dwells on her novel, creativity, inspiration and getting a literary heavyweight to write the forward.

What first connected you to creativity?

I would prefer to say that all children are creative, but we lose our creativity as we grow older. For me, it was painting and theatre as a child that quickly evolved into writing. From the age of five I have been 'creative' and simply never stopped.

What inspired you to write a novel?

Some feelings need words, and I was at a moment in life where I was processing my childhood, teenage years and the 1990s. I had just moved to a tiny mountain village in Italy, as I had got married the year before. Suddenly, I was reflecting a lot. I felt I needed to create a way to record some feelings and create situations where I could capture what I was not able to explore.

Tell us about your debut novel From Pashas to Pokemon.

Essentially, you follow Aisha's feelings, stammers, insecurities, judgements, and innocence from childhood until the moment she considers herself a woman. One thing I tried to do by writing in the first person is to allow the reader to feel the journey of this girl without a filter.

Lead inset From Pashas to Pokemon Cover Cover of Sayed’s debut novel 'From Pashas to Pokemon'

Is it based on true incidents and characters?

It is a work of fiction, but certain incidents did happen to me, and I have lived in these places such as Mumbai, Delhi and London. I do not talk about places unless I have spent enough time in them. I believe there is a vibe that one needs to catch because reality is subjective. It is a mix of memories and sensations.

Who are you hoping connects with this book?

Women, girls who are growing up, those who are nostalgic about the 1990s and those who have been through their educational years in London. Of course, those who are in any way connected to Muslim and south Asian culture will understand this book, without really making any effort, because we follow a girl who is from this culture.

What is your own favourite part of this book?

I cannot possibly pick a favourite. I think every episode is precious because it makes Aisha who she is. So, I celebrate the embarrassments, family love, humour, heartbreak and all of it.

How did it feel when Gulzar agreed to write the forward of your book?

I was elated he agreed to read my book - but when he wrote the foreword, I was not just overwhelmed, but incredibly humbled.

What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

I love reading a variety of books. My favourite kind is literary fiction. I enjoy the perspective of women and coloured writers. I guess, I identify more. But, sometimes, I relax by reading writers who explore non-fiction too, especially books related to history, politics, and science. Sometimes philosophy and religion too. I love a good book.

What can we expect next from you?

A second novel, exploring new themes, ideas and worlds. But I will stick to the Indian Muslim woman with her experiences in the west, I guess. It is what I understand.

What inspires you?

Every kind of art, but real-life incidents and observations spark my feelings and push me to actually write.

Why should we all pick up your debut novel?

I do not think you would find another recent work about an Indian Muslim girl who gives you an insight into her innermost thoughts, feelings and fears without a filter, all the way from Mumbai to London and back.

Twitter: @maariasayed89 & Instagram: @maariasayed

More For You

Nitin Ganatra art exhibition

Through abstract forms, bold colour, and layered compositions

thelax.art

Nitin Ganatra debuts first solo art exhibition in London’s Soho

Highlights:

  • Fragments of Belonging is Nitin Ganatra’s first solo exhibition
  • Opens Saturday, September 27, at London Art Exchange in Soho Square
  • Show explores themes of memory, displacement, identity, and reinvention
  • Runs from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM, doors open at 3:15 PM

From screen to canvas

Actor Nitin Ganatra, known for his roles in EastEnders, Bride & Prejudice, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is embarking on a new artistic chapter with his debut solo exhibition.

Titled Fragments of Belonging, the show marks his transition from performance to painting, presenting a deeply personal series of works at the London Art Exchange in Soho Square on September 27.

Keep ReadingShow less
familie

£1 tickets available for families receiving Universal Credit

HRP

Peter Rabbit brings Beatrix Potter’s tales to life at Hampton Court this summer

Highlights:

  • The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure runs at Hampton Court Palace from 25 July to 7 September 2025
  • Trail includes interactive games, riddles and character encounters across the gardens
  • Children can meet a larger-than-life Peter Rabbit in the Kitchen Garden
  • Special themed menu items available at the Tiltyard Café
  • £1 tickets available for families receiving Universal Credit and other benefits

Peter Rabbit comes to life at Hampton Court

This summer, families visiting Hampton Court Palace can step into the world of Beatrix Potter as The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure takes over the palace gardens from 25 July to 7 September 2025.

Peter Rabbit Explore the Kitchen Garden, Tiltyard and WildernessHRP

Keep ReadingShow less
Gary Lineker

The former Match of the Day presenter was voted best TV presenter by viewers at the ceremony on Wednesday

Getty Images

Gary Lineker breaks Ant and Dec’s 23-year run at National Television Awards

Highlights:

  • Gary Lineker named best TV presenter, breaking Ant and Dec’s 23-year run
  • Former Match of the Day host left BBC after social media controversies
  • Netflix drama Adolescence wins two awards, including best drama performance for 15-year-old Owen Cooper
  • Gavin & Stacey takes home the comedy award
  • I’m a Celebrity wins in the reality competition category

Lineker takes presenter prize after BBC departure

Gary Lineker has ended Ant and Dec’s record 23-year winning streak at the National Television Awards (NTAs). The former Match of the Day presenter was voted best TV presenter by viewers at the ceremony on Wednesday.

Lineker stepped down from Match of the Day in May after 26 years, following controversy around his social media posts. Accepting the award, he thanked colleagues and said the prize showed “it is OK to use your platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice.” He added: “It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Arundhati Roy
UN human rights office urges India to drop cases against Arundhati Roy
AFP via Getty Images

Arundhati Roy’s memoir on growing up in mother’s shadow

ARUNDHATI ROY’S forthcoming memoir, Mother Mary Comes To Me, is about the author’s close but fraught relationship with her mother, Mary Roy, whose death in 2022 her daughter has likened to “being hit by a truck”.

Mary Roy, who insisted her children call her “Mrs Roy” in school, belonged to the Syrian Christian community. She does not seem a very nice person.

Keep ReadingShow less
Banksy mural at London’s Royal Courts of Justice

The mural has been covered and is being guarded by security

Instagram/ banksy

Banksy unveils provocative new mural at London’s Royal Courts of Justice

Highlights:

  • A new mural by street artist Banksy has appeared on the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London.
  • The artwork depicts a judge hitting a protester, with blood splattering their placard.
  • It comes days after nearly 900 arrests at a London protest against the ban on Palestine Action.
  • The mural has been covered and is being guarded by security; Banksy confirmed authenticity via Instagram.

Banksy’s latest work at the Royal Courts of Justice

A new mural by the elusive Bristol-based street artist Banksy has appeared on the side of the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London.

The artwork shows a judge in traditional wig and black robe striking a protester lying on the ground, with blood depicted on the protester’s placard. While the mural does not explicitly reference a specific cause or incident, its appearance comes just two days after almost 900 people were arrested during a protest in London against the ban on Palestine Action.

Keep ReadingShow less