Join us for a fascinating Bollywood adventure, from Marrakesh, New York and Barcelona to the ruins of Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, and beyond, led by our expert tour guide – writer, academic and novelist Sunny Singh, who will be in conversation with Words of Colour’s Executive Director Joy Francis, backed by a specially curated Bollywood playlist.

Described by Abir Mukherjee as a ‘A gem of a book and a must for film lovers everywhere’ and an ‘honouring of story and history’ by Nikita Gill, A Bollywood State of Mind (Footnote Press) is a personal, intellectual and emotional journey crossing five continents and 50 years of modern Indian history and cinema, illustrating why Bollywood means so much to so many across the globe.

Born and brought up in a country of film fanatics, Sunny and her friends waited impatiently for the latest releases, listened to the songs on radio and wore clothes inspired by those seen on screen. They learned about India and the world, determined their enemies and friends, and chose their moralities thanks to films.

A Bollywood State of Mind shows how the pioneers and heroes of Bollywood cut across national, linguistic and cultural lines not only in India but in far reaches of Somalia, Peru, Malaysia and Russia.

Dare to be colourful and come ready for a celebration. The event will be followed by a book signing.

About the author: Sunny Singh

Sunny Singh is a writer, novelist, public intellectual, and a champion for decolonisation and inclusion across all aspects of society. In 2017 she launched the celebrated Jhalak Prize for literature by writers of colour. She is also a founder of the Jhalak Foundation that is focused on a range of literary, artistic and literacy initiatives in the UK and beyond.

The author of three critically acclaimed novels – Nani’s Book of Suicides, With Krishna’s Eyes and Hotel Arcadia – was born in Varanasi, India. She read English and American Literature at Brandeis University in the USA before gaining a Masters in Spanish Literature from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi and a PhD from the Universitat de Barcelona.

Sunny lives in London where she is Professor of Creative Writing and Inclusion in the Arts at the London Metropolitan University.