Ali Ashhar is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Literature. His writing stint began with his college life as a Literature student. Often curious to know about people, culture, places, and of course life, he has given his thoughts a patron in the form of writing. Apart from writing, he often loves to get lost in nature, delve in spirituality and enjoy watching his favourite football team putting up a great show. He has recently come out with his debut poetry collection, Mirror of Emotions, which is a collection of several poems miscellaneously depicting what a peculiar journey life is.

I chat with him about his book Mirror of Emotions, how the book came to be, book recommendations, and much more.

Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself!

Well, I consider myself an inquisitive soul who’s seeking the definition of life, and everything coming in its way. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Literature. Being an introvert, my aura and art is often honed by inquisitiveness that I follow in solitude.

When did you start writing poetry? Which poets have been your inspirations?

I have been into writing since four years. As far as inspiration is concerned, I believe it to be something that comes from within. But undoubtedly, there are greats like William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, Robert Frost, WB Yeats, Rumi, and Kahlil Gibran whom I look up to.

If you could only describe your poetry book Mirror of Emotions in five words, what would they be?

They would be – philosophy, heartbreak, resilience, faith and healing.

Now tell us a little more about the book! What can readers expect?

This book shall take readers on the erratic path on this journey of life, and readers can expect an exhilarated persona of themselves disentangling the complexities they keep battling with.

What was the moment when the idea of this book first came to be? What made you pursue it?

Well, it was all about following my dream of becoming an author—an idea to compile the miscellaneous poems inspired from my journey, experiences, and inquisitiveness, that inspired me to write and portray my art over the years, believing in the beauty words have always possessed to touch our souls.

What different themes and topics have you discussed in the poems in this book?

There are many, as it’s a collection of all that life encounters us with, but the foremost themes that need to be addressed in today's world, and have also been included in this book, are definitely mental health and healing.

How have you been coping with the current pandemic and what will be the new normal for you post it?

The pandemic is definitely teaching us something everyday – to appreciate our blessings, to cherish our loved ones, to be resilient in tough times, and to be generous towards the deprived and underprivileged. Apart from that, I have worked on my art a lot during this pandemic. So, definitely I am going to value life and the teachings that this pandemic has inoculated within me.

Lastly, are you currently reading anything and do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

I am currently reading Learning How to Fly by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and I would recommend the same as this book is a reflection of one of the noblest minds of India.

The book ‘Mirror of Emotions’ is available online and at your nearest bookstore.