Actor-poet Arunoday Singh’s debut collection of poems is hinged on intimacy and identity

From loving poetry to sharing his words on social media, the actor-poet remains unperturbed about mediums as long as he gets to express himself

All of actor-poet Arunoday Singh’s 146k followers on Instagram would agree that there is a nice ring to @sufisoul—he thinks so as well. But behind the name of the account is a story rooted in the quest to live a life worthy of the Sufi philosophy, he tells The Established. Besides acting, Singh has garnered fans with his poetry that he posts regularly on Instagram. Now, he’s taking his words offline by releasing his first book of poems, Unsung: Poems. A collection of his popular poems and a few new ones, the book offers a glimpse into Singh’s world. The choice of intimacy as a theme is also natural, and the actor-poet seems comfortable with the idea of going where life takes him. Excerpts from a chat with The Established: 

You've been writing poetry on social media for a while now. What finally prompted you to compile them in a book?

The thought of writing a book predated the very creation of social media. I had briefly tried to garner some interest from a few publishers, but they weren't too excited by the idea of a book of poetry. Also, I had to significantly improve and refine my craft before being ready for a book. Meanwhile, I began posting poems on Instagram, primarily just for its ease and instant connection. Penguin Random House India approached me for the book, and I was delighted, honoured, and finally ready to write one.  

How do social media and being an actor affect your poetry, which, in contrast to your public life, is a reasonably solitary world?

There’s no difference because I am all of my life. Actor, poet—it’s all me. The situation may change, but I remain the same. And I’m naturally solitary, even as an actor. I don’t overthink these things; I don’t think of them at all. I’m just me all the time. So, it’s all just one life.

Why is poetry your chosen medium of expression? Were you ever nervous about first putting something so personal on social media and then, in the book, for everyone else to consume?

I’ve loved poetry my whole life. It’s an art I’ve admired and aspired to since I was old enough to read. It’s just a natural part of me.

Social media and my work as an actor have no effect on my poetry. I’m probably a little more insecure about the reception because these days, it’s easier for most to ridicule or belittle rather than support. It’s always nerve-racking to put such deeply personal thoughts out in the cesspool, but it helps stay true to the art, and some people enjoy it. I want to think that my writing stands very firmly and is of sufficient honesty and depth to make a genuine connection with some people. So I hope the fame and the baggage that comes with being an actor don’t add much. But if it does, it matters for the people carrying the baggage. I’d write regardless. Someone else’s opinion could never change that.

What’s your writing process and style like? Are there poets you idolise? Do you remember the first poem you ever wrote?

The process is always to have a notebook at hand. Write down everything when it occurs to you if it sounds like it has depth or potential. Of course, I admire some poets, but I don’t idolise anyone. I don’t remember the first poem I wrote, thankfully.

Why @sufisoul?

There’s no story. It’s an aspiration to find and build a soul worthy of the best of Sufi philosophy. That’s a very clear search for me. Thus, the name. I long to have a Sufi soul. It’s not a title, it’s an aspiration. Also, it sounds good.

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