Kolkata: Penguin Random House India has announced the acquisition and publication of actor and poet Arunoday Singh’s first volume of poetry titled "Unsung", and he calls the feeling nothing less than "surreal".
The "Apaharan" actor in over the moon as he said: "It’s a very surreal thing, something I only ever dreamed of -- actually publishing a book of my poems. I’m elated, and terrified, and proud."
The collection comprises some of his most beloved poems alongside new ones, where he delves deep within the self and probes questions of loss, longing, and healing – all aspects of the human experience.
The book is scheduled to release on June 30 from the Ebury Press imprint.
Through simple and short poems, often handwritten in calligraphy and shared on his Instagram profile @sufisoul, Arunoday Singh’s poetry has indeed got a ‘Sufi’ touch to it. His Instagram account has 140,000 followers who look forward to his readings and poems regularly.
They are intensely piercing when they want to be and yet so calm and soothing.
The book is divided into four sections at large where Arunoday’s poems explore themes of the self, breaking and healing, the search for divinity, and the light and darkness of the spirit.
The book is perfect for not only those who are followers of the @Sufisoul on Instagram but also those who appreciate poetry and have an interest in getting to know themselves better through this medium.
Talking about his collection of poems, the 39-year-old grandson of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and late Congress leader Arjun Singh, said: "It’s a very surreal thing, something I only ever dreamed, actually publishing a book of my poems. I’m elated, and terrified, and proud and grateful that Radhika and the good people at Penguin Random House were crazy enough to do it."
Radhika Marwah, Senior Commissioning Editor & Backlist Publishing Lead, Ebury Publishing and Vintage, Penguin Random House India, said, "Arunoday has a way with verse which is enviable. His poems are deceivingly simple and achingly beautiful, exploring themes of stillness, hurt, healing, the light and the dark.
"Beyond acting, he has made a deep impact in peoples’ lives with his poetry, and we are so proud to publish this gorgeously put together volume. I learnt a great deal from Arunoday about humility, art, perseverance, and general good cheer—I hope this collection of poetry is able to reach a wide and varied audience, captivating many as it transcends through our world."
Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Ebury Publishing and Vintage, Penguin Random House India, said: "At Penguin Random House India, we are keen to publish fresh new voices in poetry, and Arunoday Singh’s book 'Unsung' fits the list perfectly. Seen in a new avatar, Arunoday's poems are evocative, intense, and will stay with you for a long time." (UNI)