DATING DIARIES OF A DESI GIRL

Sonya Singh is a former entertainment reporter (CTV, Global, eNews in LA) turned communications professional. Her debut book is an ode to her personal dating experiences, during which she honed the art of writing the perfect breakup email/text. In recent interviews with Elle Magazine and eTalk, she spoke about South Asian women in the entertainment industry and the lack of SA representation there. Which is another reason she wrote this book – she wasn’t seeing enough characters who looked like her in the romance genre.

Sari, Not Sari, a fresh, laugh-out-loud rom-com following the adventures of a successful CEO of a company which helps people manage their relationship breakups who attempts to connect to her South Asian roots while attending an Indian wedding, goes on sale on April 5.

Name: Sonya Singh. My name is actually Stinder Singh. Growing up, my nickname was Sonu or Sonia – like sona (which means gold in Punjabi). When I chose a career as a TV reporter, I was told my Indian name would not sit well with the viewing audience and so I changed it to Sonya to sound more Caucasian.

Currently: I am working on my second book. It’s based on one of the fan favourites in Sari, Not Sari, Manisha Patel. It’s another rom-com and gives you a closer look at the loveable Manisha and the Patel family.

Favourite colour: Purple.

Favourite outfit: Anything that is a two-piece and in purple. A purple lehnga is my favourite outfit.

Favourite Bollywood star: Right now, I have a huge crush on Siddhant Chaturvedi.

Favourite Hollywood star: Riz Ahmed.

Favourite movie: Aaina.

Favourite singers: I love the band Lifehouse – they had a moment with their Hanging by a moment song way back, but I still love their music. I also enjoy anything by Lana Del Ray.

Favourite song: Beqaaboo. Have you seen Gehraiyaan? Sooo good. I’ve literally watched it four times and that song is always on repeat.

Favourite TV show: Never Have I Ever. And... yes, I got addicted to Love is Blind this season. Team Deeps all the way.

Favourite ice cream flavour: Strawberry.

Favourite cuisine: Of course, Indian, but you can also tempt me with all the deliciousness of anything Italian.

Favourite restaurant: My dad’s kitchen! He made the best food!

Favourite sport: Sports? You are more likely to catch me in a library or enjoying local bands or theatre.

Favourite sportsperson: Like an athlete? Ha! I don’t even know how to answer this? But I will say Tom Brady because I read an article saying he always reads The Four Agreements as prep to any Super Bowl, and that book changed my life.

Favourite author: Me Me Me! Ha! Snoop Dogg once said, he thanks himself for all the hard work he has put in, so right now, that’s how I feel.

Favourite activity: A glass of red wine, making pizza, and watching a horror/thriller movie with my partner. We have a Friday night date night rule.

I hang out:  With myself now, and I enjoy the company I keep. I used to have FOMO big time, and I love my friends and family, and I also love to be alone.

I’m freaked out by: Nothing. Nothing freaks me out.

I need: Love and lots of kisses. I mean, that kiss that gives you goosebumps is all I need.

I want to be: Known for creating stories that make people laugh and allow them to see themselves in the pages of my books. I want women to see Sonu and not have to feel like Jessica or Bridget are the only ones they could turn to in times of need when it comes to dating!

My role models: My parents. The reason I write stories is because of them. They could make anyone laugh. Their beauty was in their words.

Tips to save the planet:  Do not litter.

In a perfect world: I will be writing stories for you to read for the rest of my life.

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