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WORK TITLE: Raashi’s Rakhis
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WEBSITE: https://sheetalsheth.com/
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PERSONAL
Born in Trenton, NJ; married Neil Mody, 2013; children: two.
EDUCATION:Graduated from New York University.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Actor, producer, and writer. Actor in films, including ABCD, 1999; American Chai, 2001; Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World, 2005; The World Unseen, 2007; I Can’t Think Straight, 2008; Three Veils, 2011; Yes, We’re Open, 2012; and I’ll Meet You There, 2020. Also actor in television programs, including Nip/Tuck, The Agency, Line of Fire, Strong Medicine, Royal Pains, NCIS: Los Angeles, Nice Girls Crew, and Blue Bloods. Voice actor in animated programs, including Johnny Bravo and Family Guy. Equality Now advisory board member; SAYA board member; founder of For the Love of Reading; ambassador for Room to Read.
WRITINGS
Has contributed articles to CNN, Parents.com, Thrive Global, and the Daily Beast.
SIDELIGHTS
Sheetal Sheth is an actor, producer, activist, and writer. Sheth has performed leading roles in ABCD and Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World. She turned to writing in 2018, publishing a picture book featuring young Anjali, a seven-year-old Indian American who is finding her place in life while embracing two cultures. Sheth has also contributed articles to CNN, Parents.com, Thrive Global, and the Daily Beast.
In Always Anjali, seven-year-old Anjali receives a bicycle on her birthday. She and her friends look for bicycle license plates with their names on it at the school carnival. While Mary and Courtney find their names, Anjali does not see hers. The vendor is not interested in making her a custom plate and other kids start making fun of her name. Upset, Anjali returns home to her mother, who reassures her that her name is special and has deep meaning. This gives the young girl a new perspective over the difference of her name compared to other kids at school. A Kirkus Reviews contributor admitted that “at times, the prose can be clunky.” The reviewer acknowledged, however, that it is “an affirming read” and “an uplifting tale about embracing what makes us different.”
In Bravo Anjali!, young Anjali excels at her tabla lessons. While many are happy for her, some are not. Her friend, Deepak, makes fun of her behind her back, while others say that the tabla should only be for boys to play. Anjali confronts Deepak, but it doesn’t go well. She then decides to act like she isn’t as good as she actually is. She wants to keep her friendship with Deepak but also enjoys playing the tabla. Her new friend, Tina, tells her to never dim her own light for anyone else. Anjali agrees and works hard to become the best tabla player she can be. A Kirkus Reviews contributor stated: “At times, the text can be forced or stilted, but overall the book is inspiring without being preachy, all while delivering an essential message.”
With Making Happy, Leila wishes that her mother wasn’t ill any more. Anything she tries to do does not work. This makes her depressed. Her father tries to get her to be happier by making a mess and dancing with reckless abandon. This gives Leila an outlet for her emotions and allows her to appreciate the small moments of happiness she finds throughout the day. A Children’s Bookwatch contributor found the story to be “poetic, uplifting,” and “hopeful.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor reasoned that “the metaphors in the book feel unwieldy at times.” However, the same critic called it “a beautifully rendered story about courage in the face of turmoil.”
With Raashi’s Rakhis: A New Celebration of Raksha Bandhan, young Raashi is all set to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu holiday that is filled with color and decorations. Raashi is prepared to gift a bracelet to her brother for protection, as is custom. However, she wants a bracelet of her own. With a loose interpretation from their mother, Raashi’s brother agrees to gift a bracelet to her after she shows bravery in climbing a tree and helping him. A Kirkus Reviews contributor called it “a stilted attempt to put a twist on a time-honored tradition, elevated by charming visuals.” The critic conceded that “the vivid illustrations fairly explode with color and detail.” Booklist contributor Karen Cruze observed that the book offers “timely twists that can bring traditions up to date for today’s kids.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, July 1, 2024, Karen Cruze, review of Raashi’s Rakhis: A New Celebration of Raksha Bandhan, p. 89.
Children’s Bookwatch, March 1, 2023, review of Making Happy.
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2021, review of Bravo Anjali!; June 15, 2022, review of Making Happy; January 15, 2023, review of Always Anjali; May 15, 2024, review of Raashi’s Rakhis.
ONLINE
Asia Society website, https://asiasociety.org/ (January 3, 2025), author profile.
Author Village, https://theauthorvillage.com/ (January 3, 2025), author profile.
Book Riot, https://bookriot.com/ (May 13, 2018), Priya Sridhar, author interview.
Printique, https://www.printique.com/ (January 3, 2025), author interview.
Sheetal Sheth website, https://sheetalsheth.com (January 3, 2025).
WE, https://wemagazineforwomen.com/ (January 24, 2022), Heidi Mooney, author interview.
Sheetal is an award winning actress, author, producer, and activist who burst onto the scene with raves in the groundbreaking film, ‘ABCD’, playing the gutsy lead, a risky and memorable role as a young Indian American girl struggling with the ties of family and tradition.
She broke out and won hearts in ‘Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World’ opposite Albert Brooks, as the female lead, Maya, winning the role after an extensive international casting search. Raised in a small New Jersey city, she discovered her passion for acting in high school and subsequently attended the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. After supplementing her education with a summer in Amsterdam as part of the intensive, International Theatre Workshop studying under renowned acting teachers like Kristin Linklater, she graduated with honors.
Sheetal has starred in over 20 feature films and has earned a loyal, international following. She has become a favorite on the festival circuit for her provocative performances. She won 3 Best Actress nods for ‘The World Unseen’ and 1 for her role in ‘Wings of Hope’, with the former premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival and then going on to win 11 SAFTA’s (South African equiv to Oscars). In 2012, fans voted her ‘Favorite Movie Actress’ in AfterEllen’s Visibility Awards. Her short film ‘Grin,’ which she also produced, picked up several awards on the festival circuit including Best Actress and Best Film. She is in post production on ‘Hummingbird,’ a feature film she stars in and produced.
Sheetal has also appeared on many popular TV shows and lent her voice to iconic shows like The Family Guy. Her voice-over talents extend to films such as Ang Lee’s Life of Pi and to video games like Far Cry. Moreover, Sheetal has contributed pieces to various outlets including CNN, The Daily Beast, and Thrive Global. Her first children’s book Always Anjali was published in May, 2018 to wide acclaim and popularity. The follow up, Bravo Anjali! was published in September, 2021. It was the #1 release on Amazon in two categories. Both books made the USA Today’s best sellers list. This series was the first picture book series that centered a South Asian hero. Penguin Random House has since acquired the Anjali series and is publishing all subsequent books. Her book, Making Happy, was published in Fall, 2022 and is her most personal book to date. It is an ode to self care and mental health.
Sheetal’s career and personal reputation have drawn the attention of companies worldwide. She has represented such brands as Reebok and CHI haircare. She was also the first Indian American to appear in Maxim. Furthermore, Sheetal is known as much as an actress as she is someone who’s outspoken and heavily involved in community outreach. She takes an active interest in politics, she’s served in AmeriCorps (President Clinton’s National Service program), BBBS of LA, and is currently on the advisory board of Equality Now and on the board of SAYA. In 2021, she formalized her work in getting inclusive books to underserved kids with For the Love of Reading, a 501c3. She also regularly speaks on panels and forums internationally and delivers keynotes/talks at festivals and charity galas.
You can see Sheetal on the cover of several magazines including Anokhi, Audrey, Woman International, Seema as well as featured in magazines ranging from Best Life to Venice. Sheetal continues to tackle a wide range of roles and has developed an impressive body of work with an array of challenging and memorable characters in film, television, and theater.
Sheetal Sheth Tackles Mental Health and Talking to Kids About Tough Topics in her New Picture Book
In her new children's book, 'Making Happy,'
One evening, Leila asked softly, “Mama, why did you get sick?”
Mama answered, “I don’t know, love.”
“Is it because you’re strong?” Leila mused.
“Maybe.” Mama smiled. “Probably.”
“But why did it have to be you?” Leila pressed.This conversation is an example of the many questions my young children asked when I was diagnosed with cancer. Never ending “big” questions that really had no answers.
It was Christmas Eve, 2018, when I heard the dreaded words: “You have cancer.” My life would never be the same. My kids were 2 and 4, and they were about to witness their mom going through one of the hardest times of their life. But they had zero understanding of what was actually happening, let alone how to deal with all the feelings that came up for them. Frankly, I didn’t either.
It led me on a mission to find children’s books that dealt with sickness, death, and grief.
There weren’t any.
I kept digging and found a couple, but they were abstract and not the kind of books that I felt met kids where they are. The kind that talk directly and honestly to their hearts. So I reached out to friends and colleagues in the children’s publishing industry and was met by a resounding “we make books about fun things,” “it’s too depressing,” or ”it’s too much for kids to think about.”
I was stunned. All I could think about was how our kids do lockdown drills and have to worry about school shootings and being bullied. But it was too much for them to talk about illness or death? I thought about how they are expected to be resilient and strong but weren’t being taught how.
Have you ever noticed how most of the time when a child starts crying or having a strong emotional reaction to something, an adult usually tries to squelch it? When a child is having a “big” feeling— crying, anger, fright, frustration—we often tell them to calm down. It’s the adult who is the uncomfortable one and doesn’t know how to help the child through it, so it becomes overwhelming for the adult and they just want it to stop. The patterns we are teaching our children in having them suppress their emotions do far more harm than good.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people, ages 10 to 24. We talk about mental health all the time, but yet we don’t make it accessible. It’s expensive and there are too few resources for the average family. We don’t require mental health education in schools like we require P.E. Imagine if we made it the norm. Not only would there maybe not be as much of a stigma around it, but we would model that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. We could give our children tools to work through hard times and strategies on how to take care of themselves. We could teach them that having “big” feelings is not only ok, it’s a good thing.
That’s why I wrote Making Happy, my picture book for kids. I found an editor and publishing company that embraced the narrative and wasn’t afraid to center these conversations. I was grateful that in an endless sea of well intentioned “everything is going to be ok,” “be strong,” and “things happen for a reason,” I found a home that saw that we need to do more for our children and not pretend that scary things don’t happen.
I have no problem talking to my kids about what’s happening in the news and in our communities. In fact, I want to be the one having these conversations with them. Guiding them. They are curious, engaged, and so thoughtful. And I am always floored by their insight. I tell them as much as I think they can handle. I remember that each child is different and know that sometimes the most powerful thing you can say to your child is “I’m scared too but we are going to figure it out together.”
I know my kids are going to learn how to read and how to do math. I know they will be taught how light is created and what happened to the dinosaurs. Academically, they will be fine. But will they be emotionally whole? Socially and emotionally capable of dealing with everything coming at them? Will they be resilient and brave? Will they be fierce and capable of sometimes being the only one in a crowd who says something? Will they be able to weather the multitude of storms that will inevitably come their way? This is what I wish most for them. For them to be resilient, full of kindness, love and compassion, and not afraid to stay true.
We all know that emotions don’t go away just because we want them to. My child’s preschool teacher always said to remember “children are not giving you a hard time…they are having a hard time.”
It’s so hard, but staying in the discomfort with your child is sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for them.
Sheetal Sheth
“There’s no greater joy than when a child stands a little taller or sits a little straighter because you’ve connected with them. It is a privilege to create for children and I take that responsibility to heart. Everyone has a story to tell and my goal is to inspire each child to find theirs. To cultivate their voice and share their hearts in ways only they can.”
Biography
Sheetal Sheth is an award-winning actress, author, producer, cancer veteran, and activist. She is the author of the USA Today-bestselling and award-winning Anjali children’s book series (Penguin Random House), the first picture book series centering an Indian American hero. Her latest book, Raashi’s Rakhis, is the story of a young girl bold enough to start her own traditions. Her book Making Happy won an IPPY and is an ode to mental health and self care.
Sheetal focuses on highlighting traditionally marginalized communities in all of her work and is a fierce advocate for thoughtful representation. Sheth began her career at a time when few South Asians were making their living as actors. Despite being told she’d have to change her name to work, her successful career has trail-blazed paths for other women of color across media. She has starred in over 20 feature films and many TV shows and has earned a loyal, international following. She has delivered talks and keynotes at festivals and charity galas and has had op-eds published on CNN, The Daily Beast, Parents.com, and Thrive Global.
She is one of the founders of the non-profit For the Love of Reading and is an ambassador for the global literacy non-profit Room to Read. She served in AmeriCorps and is currently on the board of SAYA and the advisory board of Equality Now.
Sheetal Sheth
Sheetal Sheth
Sheetal Sheth is an acclaimed actress/producer, author, and activist. She is the author of the popular and award-winning "Anjali" children’s book series (Penguin Random House), the first in this age group featuring an Indian American girl hero. Her latest book, Making Happy is an ode to mental health and self-care and was named one of the best books of 2022. As an actress, she is known for her provocative performances in a wide range of memorable roles on film and television. She has starred in over twenty feature films, many television shows, and has earned a loyal, international following. Sheetal has become a favorite in the independent film world, having won five best actress awards on the festival circuit. Sheetal began her career at a time when few South Asians were making their living as actors. Despite being told she’d have to change her name to work, her successful career has trail-blazed paths for other women of color across media. She has had op-eds published on CNN, The Daily Beast, Parents.com, and Thrive Global. She is one of the founders of the non-profit, For the Love of Reading. She served in AmeriCorps and is currently on the board of SAYA and the advisory board of Equality Now.
Interview with Sheetal Sheth, Author of ALWAYS ANJALI
We talk with author and actress Sheetal Sheth about her new book, Always Anjali.
Priya Sridhar May 13, 2018
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When you’re a kid with an ‘unusual’ name, it can be hard to find a bicycle plate, mug, keychain, or most other tchotchke type things with your name engraved on it. Little Anjali in the book Always Anjali encounters this dilemma when she can’t find a bicycle plate with her name. She asks why her name isn’t “normal,” like everyone else’s.
Author Sheetal Sheth is an acclaimed actress in the United States. Her book, Always Anjali, is about a girl who gets bullied for being ‘different’ and when her parents refuse to change her name, she learns about her roots and finds power in being authentic. Sheetal sat down for an interview with Book Riot, with a pleasant lilt in her voice and good cheer.
“It’s really about a girl who has to embrace that being an individual is her superpower,” she explains.
Sheetal’s childhood and start to her acting career provided inspiration for the book; she first starred in the film ABCD alongside Aasif Mandvi and Madhur Jaffrey. When first entering the business, she was often asked which of her names she was going to change.
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“When I graduated from NYU and started acting professionally, there was so little representation . . .It was shocking to me. The things that were said to me…I was once told “you are the number one choice for this part, but they are uncomfortable with someone of your name playing this part. These things that happen when you’re young, stay with you. It still happens . . .what are we saying? What are we teaching our kids?”
With this reflection, I asked Sheetal if this experience was common-place, the experience of having an unusual name and wishing to change it.
“I have some friends who were bulletproof, but the more common experience was one of agony. Kids are mean and those experiences shape you,” she responds. “Kids will make fun of you in any way. I mean, adults are guilty of it as well. Painting an ethnicity with the same brush. We want to put people in boxes and label them.”
We then talked about Sheetal doing the audiobook for Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld and voice work on the film Life of Pi directed by Ang Lee. Afterworlds also happens to be one of my favorite books about the American Desi (Indian) experience.
“Scott is a wonderful writer,” she agrees. “When the only people telling POC tales are non-POC, it’s a problem. I’d love to get to a place where we don’t have to have this conversation anymore. Scott writing Darcy [protagonist of Afterworlds]. That’s Scott being special.”
We then talked about Sheetal’s film career, and about the recent allegations that have come out of Hollywood. Bollywood in the meantime may be on the horizon, since they have approached her several times. The conversation turns serious when we discuss harassment and assault.
“It’s been a long time coming,” she says about the allegations and accusations. “And even more so as a woman of color. We’ve been living like this for hundreds of years. I think there’s a lot still to come out . . . But men need to be part of the conversation . .. . Nothing will change unless we have an honest discourse with all parties at the table, willing to hear each other.”
Sheetal believes that we can be allies. That there should be due process and that we need to allow a safe place for people to come forward. She also believes in redemption as long as perpetrators have had consequences for these actions.
“If the people are found to be guilty and serve their time, then they deserve a second chance,” she says. “There also aren’t enough people of color and women in office and in higher positions of power. You can’t have change unless we see it from the top. Optics matter. Five of ten [film executives] should be women. That would be a step towards equal representation.”
Going to a lighter topic, I ask about the journey to publication and how Always Anjali found a place at Bharat Babies.
“We pitched a lot of places. The feedback varied and it was really about finding a partner who shared my vision and understood what I was trying to do,” she explains. “I think lessons are better learned through experience. Stories where you root for the characters. I like the subtle. When I read the feedback from Bharat Babies, I was so pleased that they got the nuance. They made the book better with their thoughts. My conversations with the Bharat Babies team excited me. By the way, they’re also all women and they’re hungry. They are willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work. In fact, they were already doing it. I love that energy.
Sheetal has also said there will be a series about Anjali, with Always Anjali being the first. She has the first 4 books mapped out.
“It’s very important to me to have created a character like her. A lot of books [about South Asians] focus on a holiday, religion, or arranged marriage. I wanted to create a character that was just a girl. It’s not just about her race. Why can’t all those books about a kid and their dog be a brown kid?
It started with me curating books for my oldest daughter. You see all these great books and series, but rarely are they centered around a girl of color. We need to hear our stories, we need to see ourselves in books.”
When ask how writing compares to acting, she responds, “Finding the best way to tell the story is the most important thing. Being truthful. Which is very much what I do in my acting life. I like writing and the collaboration with a great team. I loved working through the illustrations with the talented artist on the book, Jessica Blank. And I welcome critical, productive feedback. Then book is better for it.”
I ask Sheetal how she thinks Desi authors can do better at telling their stories, and to increase their presence in American literature.
“I don’t think separating ourselves is helpful. Calling ourselves ‘Desi’ authors. I also think we need to be more organized and supportive. The way we present ourselves, and talk about ourselves, is important. Pitch to companies who align with your vision. But we need to be given the opportunity to be covered, a chance in the marketplace. Give the audience more credit- they want inclusive stories. I know we want our kids to be seeing the full diversity of the world in books. We need to have conversations about bullying, race, and identity- young.”
To close off our interview, I asked Sheetal what her ideal book for a growing Indian girl would be.
“I’m still figuring that out myself,” she admits. “I’m cultivating a library of books for myself and my girls. It’s all about the narrative and the images. And presenting a broad array of characters and experience from different backgrounds and perspectives. Normalizing the inclusive. And if you tell me ‘this is a great book for a girl,’ I’ll probably chuckle and move on. That language makes me crazy.” It’s a question that will remain ongoing, to fill our libraries with books meant for our children and to help them grow.
Always Anjali will enter the world on May 12 2018. Be sure to preorder or pick up a copy!
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Author Interview with Sheetal Sheth
Posted by Heidi Mooney | Jan 24, 2022 | Author Interview | 0
Author Interview with Sheetal Sheth
Sheetal Sheth is an acclaimed actress/producer, author, cancer graduate, and activist. She is known for her provocative performances in a wide range of memorable roles on film and television. She has starred in over 20 feature films and many TV shows and has earned a loyal, international following. Sheetal has become a favorite in the independent film world, having won five best actress awards on the festival circuit. Sheth began her career at a time when few South Asians were making their living as actors. Despite being told she’d have to change her name to work, her successful career has trail-blazed paths for other women of color across media.
Sheetal has represented brands such as CHI hair care and Reebok. Sheth supports traditionally marginalized communities not only through her own pioneering work as an actor and author, but by also appearing at workshops and panels and speaking directly to issues facing those communities. She has delivered talks and keynotes at festivals and charity galas and has had op-eds published on CNN, The Daily Beast, and Thrive Global. She served in President Clinton’s AmeriCorps and is currently on the advisory board of Equality Now. Learn more here: www.sheetalsheth.com
Testimonial about Bravo Anjali!
“My kids and I love ‘Bravo Anjali!’ I wish I’d had a book like this when I was a kid. I never saw myself represented in the books I read as a brown girl learning and performing a classical Indian instrument. It’s full of small, sharply observed moments that caught at my heart for how they detail the myriad ways we make ourselves small and silent. I wanted to cheer for Anjali as she let her light shine in all its glory.” Anoushka Shankar- Sitarist, Composer
This is her interview…
*What is your book about?
Bravo Anjali! is the follow up to Always Anjali. In this installment, Anjali plays the tabla which is something that comes naturally to her. She loves the feel of the drum beneath her fingers and getting lost in the music. But when a boy in her class gives her a hard time for being better than him, she messes up on purpose. When her teacher announces a contest where the winner will get to perform with him at his next concert, Anjali is distraught. Winning the contest would be a dream for Anjali. But it seems like the better she gets, the meaner some of the kids are. In this follow up to the award winning Always Anjali, Anjali realizes that she should never let anyone make her feel bad for being good at something. An important story for all children to remember to ‘never dim their light.’
Why did you want to write this book?
I wrote Bravo Anjali during the height of the #MeToo movement. And then there was the Hillary/Trump election. I was disturbed at the level of misogyny and sexist vitriol I was seeing 24/7. The media didn’t help. I decided I wanted to tackle this, but in kidtalk. How can I bring this conversation to our kids? It’s abundantly clear we need to be having these conversations with our children. Young. It’s the only way we will see long lasting change. So in this book, Anjali plays the tabla, a traditionally male dominated instrument. And she’s the only girl in her class and she’s the best. The boys dont like it. And so the story begins…
What was the most difficult part about writing the book? The most rewarding?
The hardest part was figuring out how to take these ‘bigger themes’ and make them accessible for children. Every age deals with these issues but we don’t talk to kids about it as much. The most rewarding has been the response. The joy and excitement kids are having to have been ‘let in.’ To know they have a safe place to talk about so much that has been on their minds.
*What do you hope other people will take away from reading your book?
Our kids are not too young to talk about anything. Our children are getting gunned down in their own schools for goodness sake. To say they can’t talk about sexism, racism, bullying, etc is pure nonsense. I hope my books allow for conversations with our youngest so that we give them all language to deal with their big feelings.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Lean into everything that makes you, you. Your stories are worthy and necessary for the world.
How long did it take to write your book?
Over a year.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known at the beginning of your writing journey?
Finding the right team for every book takes time. At some point, it’s not about the writing as much as it is finding the person that ‘gets it’ and what your heart is trying to do.
What’s next for you?
More books! More movies! More stories and really more of everything I love!
*How can our readers get a copy of your book?
It is available anywhere books are sold. You can always request it from a local store if they don’t have it. If you want to support indie booksellers, get it here: https://mangoandmarigoldpress.com/products/bravo-anjali
Artist Spotlight | Sheetal Sheth | Author | Actress
Author: Libby - Printique by Adorama
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In the hustle and bustle of the streets of any city or town, artists are quietly working and honing the skills of their craft. A true creator never stops challenging themselves and improving their art. We are carving out a small corner of the internet to showcase these artists, dreamers, designers, and entrepreneurs. This month, we are sharing the story of Sheetal Sheth.
At the core of her story, is a life curated by activism, compassion, artistry and strength. Everyone has a story worth telling, more importantly everyone has a story worthy of bringing to life with print.
Can you share some of the key milestones in your career journey, from your early days in acting to your authorship and activism?
I have been working in community service my whole life. My parents were very active in our local community and set the example for how important service is. I remember when I was in high school, the district enacted a new mandate where you had to complete 60 hours of community service (over 4 years) in order to graduate. It was sadly very controversial and became quite the debate in my town. I remember feeling very disheartened that giving back to your community became a culture war.
As far as my career, it has been 25 years since I have been working professionally and it’s impossible to distill down. But I can tell you that some of the lows were as defining as the highs. Losing jobs because I wouldn’t change my name left as much of a mark on me as seeing my very first film in the theater. When I started out, people like me weren’t cast as the leads in mainstream film. When I look back at my film and TV work, I feel very proud at the broad range of characters and stories I was able to share. Most of my films were the first of their kind for the communities they were representing or the stories we were telling. I am most proud of the bold choices and indie grit behind all of the projects I was involved in.
(12 x 12 Vegan Leather Photo Album with Luster Pages – Printique)
From several pilots that never made it to air to ABCD, American Chai, Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World, I Can’t Think Straight, The World Unseen, Three Veils, Grin, Future States, Family Guy, and so many more…I feel like I am just getting started.
When I created the Anjali series I couldn’t have imagined the welcome it received. It became bigger than I let myself believe. Isn’t that so interesting? You get so used to getting scraps that you get accustomed to not dreaming too big. But the books connected.
Printing your life’s journey in an album or a book can be a powerful and transformative experience. How does curating your memories and milestones in this tangible form impact your connection to your life’s narrative and the way you reflect on your journey?
It brings up a lot and reminds me to be kinder to myself. And also, that I have so much yet to do.
How has your identity and heritage influenced your career choices and creative pursuits?
They go hand in hand. I feel very lucky to have such a strong value system and connection to India. I live very differently than the ‘traditional’ but I give that same value system credit for keeping me anchored.
Diwali is a festival of lights and celebration. How does your family celebrate Diwali, and what does this festival mean to you personally?
Diwali, the festival of lights, is all about the light we all carry and the light we all share with each other. It’s a beautiful time to remind us all to celebrate ourselves in a way that only we can. I grew up making rangolis with my mom in our home and going to the temple every weekend for traditional ceremonial rituals and raas/garba dancing all night. I love creating new traditions with my own kids that feel connected to who we are. I love talking with them about how it feels best for them.
(Diwali Greeting Cards by Printique)
In your book “Always Anjali,” you explore themes of identity and belonging. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the book and its impact on young readers?
I love meeting and working with students. One of the best things I have ever heard was “when I read your books, I feel loved.” There is no better feeling and I get messages daily telling me what these books mean to not just children, but to their whole families.
When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I realized most of the children’s books available weren’t that different from what I had when I grew up. I refused to let my children grow up without seeing themselves as the heroes of books. We are failing our children if we aren’t making sure they are consuming media that reflect the whole world.
(8×8 Photo Tiles by Printique)
As a mother, how do you incorporate your cultural traditions and values into holiday celebrations with your children? Are there any special traditions or stories you pass down to them?
Storytelling is a big part of this. And then also being very honest about how some traditions dont work for me but that they can make their own choices and believe what they believe. It’s all about exposing them to as much as possible so they can be as informed as possible and have big hearts at the core of it all.
(16×24 Metal Photo Print by Printique)
Your journey with breast cancer is both inspiring and courageous. Can you share some insights into how this experience has shaped your perspective on life, work, and advocacy and also about the book “Making Happy”
I wrote the book that I was looking for when I was diagnosed. It’s astonishing to me that whole industries are afraid to talk to kids about the real things that may scare them or make them sad. It’s a part of life and we are failing our kids if we arent giving them guidance and the tools to navigate the hard times. This book is a love letter to anyone struggling and I am grateful it is in the world.
As far as my life, I can tell you that I think about what I want to leave in the world with every decision I make. I know my life can change in an instant, as it has before. And I am very cognizant of what kind of footprint I want to leave behind.
(16×24 Metal Photo Print by Printique)
What advice do you have for individuals facing health challenges or personal setbacks who are looking for strength and resilience to overcome them.
While grief is universal, it is also the most singular experience. There is no one size fits all remedy for anything. But you are stronger than you know and braver and more capable than you can imagine.
Can you share some upcoming projects or initiatives you’re working on that our readers can look forward to?
I have two new books coming out next year, Bravo Anjali and Raashi’s Rakhis. I have a feature film in post production, Hummingbird, that I can’t wait to share. I also will continue my advocacy so if anyone is looking to get involved in any of the organizations I work with, please reach out.
(8×8 Photo Tiles by Printique)
We want to thank Sheetal for opening her home, her creativity and her passion with Printique. Together, we fashioned a 12 x12 Vegan Leather Photo Album with Luster pages titled “Sheetal Sheth – My Way.” We also printed a 16×24 Metal Print with a white, satin finish to hang in her home along with 8×8 Photo Tiles of her artwork from her children’s book. And finally, Sheetal chose Diwali Greeting Cards to send to her friends and family during the celebration.
If you are an artist or know an artist and would like to be collaborate with Printique, drop an email to libby@printique.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sheetal Sheth
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. See Wikipedia's guide to writing better articles for suggestions. (March 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Sheetal Sheth
Sheetal Sheth
Sheth in January 2012
Born Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
Alma mater NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Occupation(s) Actress, author, producer
Years active 1999–present
Spouse Neil Mody (m. 2013)
Children 2[1]
Website sheetalsheth.com
Sheetal Sheth (/ˈʃiːθəl ˈʃɛθ/ ⓘ) is an American actress, author, producer, and activist of Indian descent.
As an actress, she is known for starring opposite Albert Brooks in Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World. She debuted in the film ABCD and has appeared in the films American Chai, I Can't Think Straight, and The World Unseen.
Sheth was the first Indian American to appear in Maxim magazine.[2] She has published op-eds in CNN, The Daily Beast, and Thrive Global. She is also the author of a series of picture books, beginning with the book Always Anjali.[3]
Early life and education
Sheth was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and is a first-generation Gujarati Indian American. Her parents came to the United States from Gujarat, India in 1972.[4]
Although academics were her priority, Sheth also studied multicultural dance[5] and was involved in basketball.[6] Her parents were devout Jains, but they enrolled Sheth in the local Catholic school,[4] which she attended until age 12 when her family moved to Trenton.[2]
Sheth attended Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she was involved in student government, serving on the student advisory board. She received the student government award for her contribution to the school,[7] and was one of two students invited to speak at her commencement.[8] While in high school, Sheth discovered her passion for acting and was accepted to the New York University Tisch School of the Arts.[4]
At Tisch, Sheth studied classic literature, and some of her favorite works included Antigone and The Crucible.[9] She also trained in method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. She spent a summer abroad in Amsterdam as part of the intensive International Theatre Workshop, studying under acting teachers such as Kristin Linklater. Sheth was selected to participate in the Tisch Scholars Program. After graduating from Tisch with honors,[10] Sheth continued her studies. In New York, she studied with Wynn Handman, a founder of The American Place Theatre. In Los Angeles, she attended weekly classes with acting instructor Milton Katselas until he died in 2008.[11]
Career
1999–2005
Sheth made her film debut as the lead in the 1999 film ABCD, starring opposite Aasif Mandvi and Faran Tahir. The film won Best Indie Feature at the Houston film festival[12] and received critical acclaim from the likes of The Hollywood Reporter[13] and Rolling Stone.[14] Sheth was widely praised for her performance.[15][16] Both the film and Sheth's character stirred considerable controversy. "But," Sheth responded, "that is exactly the kind of character I like to play. I want to tell the kinds of stories that people have a strong reaction to, positive or negative. It means it has touched them in some way and then I have done my job."[17]
In 2001, Sheth played a dancer in American Chai. The film won the Audience Award at the 2001 Slamdance Film Festival, with the New York Post describing it as a "slight but sweet film."[citation needed] Sheth went on to perform in a variety of roles in independent film and on network television, including the lead in the film Wings of Hope, for which she won Best Actress at Cinevue Film Festival.[citation needed]
2005–2010
Sheetal Sheth
Sheth on cover of CHI magazine in Summer 2005
In 2005, Sheth starred as Maya opposite Albert Brooks in Brooks' film Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World. Brooks conducted an extensive international search for the ideal actor to portray Maya, and says of Sheth, "Once I came across her, I watched everything that I could. I didn't care to look at anybody else…I just knew I had to put her in the film."[18] The film was shot on location in Delhi and Agra, India.[19] Sony Pictures Entertainment originally carried the film, but Brooks parted ways with them when he refused Sony's demand to remove the word "Muslim" from the title. The film was picked up and ultimately released by Warner Independent Pictures.[20]
Following her success in Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World, Sheth appeared in the recurring role of Martina in the NBC TV series The Singles Table, starring opposite Alicia Silverstone and John Cho. Six episodes were shot, but the series never aired.[21] She also performed in the ensemble The Trouble With Romance and starred in the thriller First Fear opposite Sean Patrick Flanery.
Sheth's work brought her to the attention of the award-winning writer and director Shamim Sarif. Sheth starred opposite Lisa Ray in two lesbian themed films, I Can't Think Straight and The World Unseen, both written and directed by Sarif. I Can't Think Straight won more than ten Best Feature awards at film festivals around the world. The World Unseen premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win four Best Feature awards internationally. The World Unseen, which was shot on location in South Africa, also swept the 2008 South African Film and Television Awards, winning eleven SAFTA's (South Africa's equivalent to the Oscars). Sheth won three Best Actress awards for her performance in The World Unseen.
2010–present
Sheth went on to perform in Why Am I Doing This and starred in Stalemate opposite Josh Randall and Burgess Jenkins, for which she was nominated for Best Actress at the 2011 Staten Island Film Festival. She guest starred in the popular television shows Nip/Tuck, Royal Pains, and NCIS: Los Angeles, and provided the voices for Sumi and Shark in the animated feature film Johnny Bravo Goes to Bollywood, based on Cartoon Network's popular animated television series Johnny Bravo.
In 2011, Sheth starred opposite Mercedes Masöhn and Angela Zahra in Three Veils, which portrays three Middle Eastern women living in the United States. Even before it was released the film sparked intense controversy, and death threats were made against those involved with the production of the film.[22] Three Veils has won numerous Best Feature awards at film festivals internationally.
In 2012, Sheth continued to choose a variety of challenging roles in independent films. She starred opposite Lynn Chen and Parry Shen in Yes, We're Open, a sex comedy exploring open relationships. She again paired with Chen in Nice Girls Crew, which also stars Michelle Krusiec, and starred in The Wisdom Tree, a film blending science fiction, new age, and mysticism. Sheth stepped behind the camera to co-produce Reign, a short film dramatizing how miscommunication can lead to war. She also starred in the film, which was written and directed by Kimberly Jentzen and shot by Oscar-nominated Cinematographer Jack Green. Reign received the Award of Merit from Best Shorts.[23]
Sheth embarked on her acting career at a time when opportunities for South Asians, particularly Indian American women, in the industry were scarce. Her experience taught her that her ethnicity would often influence casting decisions, a factor she had not anticipated given her background and perspective. Many advised her to adopt a more "American" name, and she encountered obstacles when she chose to use her own name for performances. Beyond her acting, Sheth actively supports underrepresented groups, including Asian Americans, by participating in festivals, workshops, and panels. Her advocacy addresses the challenges these communities face within the entertainment industry.[24]
Other projects
Sheth was selected as the spokesperson for CHI haircare products and represented Reebok's New York sneaker in their 2008 international Freestyle campaign.[25] She was also the first Indian American to appear in Maxim magazine.[2][26] CHI says of Sheth, "Grace, artistry, passion and the most compelling elements of every culture – that's the essence of Sheth."[27]
Humanitarian causes
While at New York University, Sheth was selected to be a part of AmeriCorps, a division of the Corporation for National and Community Service created by U.S. President Bill Clinton. Through AmeriCorps, she worked at an inner-city high school, developing progressive lesson plans and activities, tutoring, and dealing with conflict resolution.[28]
She participates in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles as a Big Sister, and also supports and promotes Women's Voices Now, an organization which encourage communities that are under-represented in American media, to make their voices heard.[29]
Personal life
Sheth married Neil Mody in 2013.[30] In June 2019, Sheth revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.[31]
Awards
Winner, Best Actress, Wings Of Hope, Cinevue Film Festival, 2003
Winner, Best Actress, The World Unseen, Gran Canaria Film Festival, Spain, 2009
Winner, Best Actress, The World Unseen, Festival del Mar, Ibiza 2009
Winner, Best Leading Performance, The World Unseen, Out Takes Film Festival, Dallas 2009
Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1999 ABCD Nina
2001 American Chai Maya Choreographer
2001 The Princess and the Marine Layla TV movie
2001 A Pocket Full of Dreams Sanjana
2001 Wings of Hope Kaajal Verma Winner, Best Actress
Cinevue Film Festival, 2003
2003 The Agency
An Isolated Incident (#2.12)
Layla - Jamar
Akil's sister TV series
2003 Beat Cops Gwen Lampoor TV movie
2003 Line of Fire
This Land Is Your Land (#1.11)
Fathima TV series
2004 Strong Medicine
Ears, Ho's & Threat (#4.18)
Shaheena TV series
2004 Indian Cowboy Sapna
2004 The Proud Family
Culture Shock (#3.3)
Radhika TV series (animated)
2005 Dancing in Twilight Nicole
2005 Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World Maya
2007 The Singles Table
Pilot (#1.1)
The Work Dinner (#1.2)
The Housewarming Party (#1.4)
Martina TV series
2007 The Trouble with Romance Nicole
2007 First Fear Maya
2008 I Can't Think Straight Leyla nominated for, Best Actress
gay Film Festival,2008
2008 The World Unseen Amina Harjan Winner, Best Actress
Gran Canaria Film Festival, Spain, 2009
Winner, Best Actress
Festival del Mar, Ibiza, 2009
Winner, Best Leading Performance
Out Takes Film Festival, Dallas, 2009
Winner, Best Actress
Festival del Mar, Ibiza, 2009
Winner, Best Leading Performance
Out Takes Film Festival, Dallas, 2009
2009 Why Am I Doing This? Nira
2010 StaleMate Kayleigh Nominated, Best Actress
Staten Island Film Festival, 2011
2010 Nip/Tuck
Dan Daly (#6.11)
Aria TV series
2011 Three Veils Nikki
2011 Being Bin Laden Nabeelah TV movie
2011 Royal Pains
A Little Art, A Little Science (#3.10)
Raina Saluja TV series
2011 NCIS: Los Angeles
Deadline (#3.10)
Shari Al-Kousa TV series
2011 Johnny Bravo Goes to Bollywood voice of Sumi,
Shark (animated)
2012 Yes, We're Open Elena
2012-13 Nice Girls Crew
Out of Order (#1.1)
Count Chocula of Venice Beach (#1.2)
The Byronic Hero (#1.3)
Hoot N Holla (#1.4)
Castle in the Sky (#1.5)
Sisterhood of the Traveling Fat Pants (#2.1)
The Reluctant Mixologist (#2.2)
Game Day (#2.3)
The Talented Geraldiney (#2.4)
Sophie and the Giant Buttcake (#2.5)
Leena TV series
2012 Reign Fadwa Co-Producer
2012 Brickleberry
Hello Dottie (#1.7)
Dottie TV series (animated)
2012 The Wisdom Tree Dr. Trisha Rao
2013 Blue Bloods
Warriors (#3.15)
Isabelle Nassar TV series
2013 Lips
Audition This! (#2.6)
Rousaura TV mini-series
2014 Futurestates
Sister of Mine
Evelyn Malik, Cammie Malik TV series
2014 Go North Riya Short
2016 Family Guy
Road to India (#14.20)
Padma, Tapeworm (voices) TV series
2020 I'll Meet You There Shonali Independent film
Sheth, Sheetal BRAVO ANJALI! Mango and Marigold Press (Children's None) $19.95 9, 14 ISBN: 978-1-73705-501-3
Anjali is the star of her tabla lessons, but not everyone supports her success.
Her friend Deepak, for example, makes fun of her and talks about her behind her back. It doesn’t help that many people assume that the Indian drumset is just for boys. Anjali tries to cope by confronting Deepak—unsuccessfully—and by pretending that she doesn’t know tabla as well as she actually does. Caught between her friendship and her talent, Anjali is so riddled with frustration that she must leave class in the middle of the day to go to the bathroom. While there, she meets a fifth grader named Tina who tells Anjali, “Never dim your light, girl.” Heeding the older student’s words, Anjali decides to embrace her talent and to celebrate her hard work, and by the end of the story, Anjali is shining bright. Soto’s cheery illustrations depict Anjali’s diverse elementary school and her love of music with equal flair. The book’s message, which feels aimed at young women of color, is both relevant and essential. Laudably, the author does not sugarcoat the consequences of being young, female, South Asian, and unafraid even as she gives Anjali strong support in both her parents and tabla teacher. At times, the text can be forced or stilted, but overall the book is inspiring without being preachy, all while delivering an essential message. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Celebrates shining bright even when others want us to dim our light. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Sheth, Sheetal: BRAVO ANJALI!" Kirkus Reviews, 1 Aug. 2021, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A669986610/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=510b2a00. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
Sheth, Sheetal MAKING HAPPY Barefoot Books (Children's None) $17.99 9, 20 ISBN: 978-1-64686-622-9
All Leila wants is for her family to go back to normal.
But Mama's wigs and scarves are as present as the sickness that surrounds her. Worse, nothing Leila does seems to make it go away, kind of like the sadness and anxiety that sit like an ache in her stomach. But Dad has an idea "to make some happy"--by making a big mess and dancing around the room--and Leila finds new ways of dealing with her jumbled-up feelings. Exploring the complexities that children grapple with when faced with illness in the family, this picture book is ultimately about finding little pockets of happiness. The book could help create a space to talk about illness with children while offering hope in the form of togetherness and empathy. Although the metaphors in the book feel unwieldy at times, the art more than compensates for it. Patterns twist and turn alongside Leila's feelings, weaving a stunning tapestry that finally blossoms onto the pages as Leila finds small moments of joy and understanding amid sadness. The use of color provides subtle cues to the transformation that Leila undergoes. In an author's note, Sheth states that she wrote the book while going through chemotherapy; in an illustrator's note, Le explains that with each book, she works digitally with traditional media and photography and attempts to "use fabrics related to the author's heritage." Leila and her family are brown-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A beautifully rendered story about courage in the face of turmoil. (Picture book. 5-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Sheth, Sheetal: MAKING HAPPY." Kirkus Reviews, 15 June 2022, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A706932961/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=0ec825ff. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
Making Happy
Sheetal Sheth, author
Khoa Le, illustrator
Barefoot Books
www.barefootbooks.com
9781646866229, $17.99, HC, 32pp
https://www.amazon.com/Making-Happy-Sheetal-Sheth/dp/1646866223
Synopsis: When Leila's mother gets sick, lots of things change for her family. But one important thing stays the same: they still have each other, and they know how to find joy and laughter when they need it most!
Critique: The poetic, uplifting story and hopeful ending of "Making Happy" is based on author Sheetal Sheth's own experience battling cancer as the parent of young children. Graced throughout with the charming illustrations of Khoa Le, "Making Happy" is a very special and unreservedly recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 6-10 and dealing with the sensitive subjects of illness and Parent/Child emotions. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Making Happy" is also available in a paperback edition (9781646866236, $9.99).
Editorial Note #1: Sheetal Sheth (www.SheetalSheth.com) is an award-winning actress, author, producer and activist. Sheetal focuses on traditionally marginalized communities in all of her work and is a fierce advocate for thoughtful representation. She has starred in over 20 feature films and is the author of the popular Anjali book series.
Editorial Note #2: Khoa Le (KhoaLeArtwork.com) is a Vietnamese illustrator and author who has won awards and accolades for books published in her home country and around the world. She has a passion for travel, an eagerness to learn about different cultures and a desire to discover the beauty of the world, which she finds immensely inspiring.
Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to copyright restrictions.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/index.htm
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"Making Happy." Children's Bookwatch, Mar. 2023, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A745705871/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=ef71ffd5. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
Sheth, Sheetal ALWAYS ANJALI Random House (Children's None) $18.99 4, 25 ISBN: 978-0-593-64883-4
When Anjali's classmates make fun of her name, her mother helps her see the beauty in it and in her Indian heritage.
On her seventh birthday, Anjali is thrilled to receive exactly the present she'd hoped for: a brand-new bicycle. She takes her gift to the school carnival, where she and her best friends, Mary and Courtney, spot a booth selling license plates for bikes. Although the other girls immediately find plates with their names, Anjali doesn't have any luck. She asks the shopkeeper for help, but he brushes her off. Even worse, an older boy from school overhears the conversation and mocks her name as other kids join in. Anjali returns home in tears and, over dinner, threatens to change her name to Angie. Anjali's mother tells her that her name is Sanskrit and that it comes from India ("Anjali is a gift. The most precious kind. Divine. Just like you!"). The book's message is laudable, and the protagonist is delightfully sparkly. Anjali cuts an endearing, large-eyed figure in Blank's artwork, and the scene in which Anjali's mother explains her name shimmers with colors. At times, the prose can be clunky, and the bullying scenes may upset very young readers. Overall, though, it's an affirming read that will resonate with many readers. Mary is tan-skinned, Courtney is White-presenting, and the community is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An uplifting tale about embracing what makes us different. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Sheth, Sheetal: ALWAYS ANJALI." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Jan. 2023, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A733021400/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=7b58123f. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
Raashi's Rakhis: A New Celebration of Raksha Bandhan.
By Sheetal Sheth. Illus. by Lucia Soto.
July 2024. 40p. Random, $19.99 (9780593707265).
PreS-Gr. 2.
Raashi, wearing big, bold glasses and carrying a craft box filled with rakhis, colorful string bracelets, is ready to celebrate the Hindu holiday of Raksha Bandhan. There's only one problem: the day traditionally celebrates sisters gifting brothers (or boy cousins and friends) the bracelets as symbols of protection and good wishes, not the other way around. However, at a celebration and with the encouragement of her mother, Raashi shares a new way to view the custom, arguing that girls, with their wishes and dreams, deserve rakhis too. Her brother, once reluctant, agrees after his sister bravely climbs a tree to encourage him to make his way down when he is stuck. Soto's sunny color palette of orange and yellow is heavily accented with pops of purple, filling detailed scenes of Raashi's world to cue readers in to the happy atmosphere of this lesser-known touchstone of Indian culture. And, notably, the book includes timely twists that can bring traditions up to date for today's kids, along with a nod to girl power!--Karen Cruze
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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Cruze, Karen. "Raashi's Rakhis: A New Celebration of Raksha Bandhan." Booklist, vol. 120, no. 21, July 2024, p. 89. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A804616020/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=9e43a150. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
Sheth, Sheetal RAASHI'S RAKHIS Random House (Children's None) $19.99 7, 9 ISBN: 9780593707265
A South Asian girl named Raashi and her little brother, Tejas, eagerly await the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan.
On this day, sisters tie bracelets called rakhis to their brothers' and male cousins' wrists. At breakfast, Raashi wonders why only girls tie rakhis on boys. Her mother tells her that traditionally "sisters tied rakhis on their brothers as a symbol to protect them as they went into the world. Back then, they didn't think girls should be doing as much as boys." Raashi doesn't think this is fair, since she has plenty of aspirations herself, and she tells Tejas, "You should look out for me, too!" Later, at the festival, when Tejas gets stuck in a tree, Raashi comes to his rescue. A grateful Tejas wants to tie a rakhi to Raashi's wrist, to protect her as she protected him. They decide to start a new tradition in which boys andgirls can give their siblings and cousins rakhis. Though the premise--putting a gender-inclusive spin on a beloved custom--will appeal to many, the writing is often stiff and may leave readers with the misleading impression that rakhis are meant to protect boys as they venture out into the world. In fact, the bracelets traditionally symbolize boys' willingness to safeguard their female relatives. Still, the vivid illustrations fairly explode with color and detail, creating a fun backdrop; characters are depicted with a variety of brown skin tones.
A stilted attempt to put a twist on a time-honored tradition, elevated by charming visuals. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Sheth, Sheetal: RAASHI'S RAKHIS." Kirkus Reviews, 15 May 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A793537089/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=06327fc9. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.