Welcome to our interview with Abhir Suri, a young and inspiring author recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Authors of 2024. His debut poetry collection, Sunglasses and Duct Tape, has touched hearts for its raw and honest take on bullying, mental health, and self-expression. Abhir’s journey began during a difficult time in his life, but he found strength in writing and turned his pain into powerful poetry. Today, we’ll hear about what inspired his work, how he manages to balance academics with creativity, and his hopes for readers who pick up his book.
1. How did you come up with Sunglasses and Duct Tape?
Abhir: Sunglasses and Duct Tape was born from a place of pain and frustration. I was dealing with bullying at school—hurtful rumors, isolation, feeling like I had no voice. One night, around 12:30 am, with nothing to distract myself, I started writing. Words poured out, raw and unfiltered, and I kept going through the night and into the next day. Within 36 hours, I had the foundation for the collection.
The opening poem, You Don’t Know Me, is especially personal. I wrote it during a panic attack, triggered by rumours reaching a close friend—someone who means the world to me. Thankfully, they didn’t believe the lies, but the thought of those rumors affecting my life, touching even the people closest to me, was devastating. At that moment, I felt a surge of anger and determination. I was done letting others define my story. That poem became a declaration of who I am, setting the tone for the entire collection.
“Writing became my solace, my way of fighting back. Each poem I penned was a step towards healing, a declaration that I wouldn’t let my bullies define my narrative. I found my voice – not the timid whisper that had been silenced by bullies, but a powerful roar that resonated with authenticity.”
– Abhir Suri on his inspiration behind his book Sunglasses and Duct Tape.
2. Your book Sunglasses and Duct Tape is described as a collection of poems that delve into deep emotional truths. What was your motivation behind writing this collection?
Abhir: The motivation behind Sunglasses and Duct Tape was to find a voice in a time when I felt silenced. The collection emerged from my experience with bullying, which left me feeling voiceless and isolated. Writing these poems became my way of fighting back and reclaiming my narrative. Each poem was a step towards healing and a declaration that I wouldn’t let my bullies define me. I hope this collection inspires others to speak their truth, no matter how difficult it may be.
3. How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your creative pursuits, especially while pursuing your IB Diploma?
Abhir: Balancing my academics and creative projects was challenging, especially with the demands of the IB program. However, I view my art as a necessity rather than an extracurricular. Studying art has changed my way of thinking and looking at the world. It’s also my way of decompressing and finding clarity. I try to be disciplined about my time, dedicating certain hours to my studies and reserving other times for creative exploration. Art, in any form – singing, acting, writing, painting/sketching keeps me grounded, so I always make space for it.
4. What do you hope readers will take away from your poetry in terms of understanding their own identities and emotions?
Abhir: I hope my readers find validation and comfort in Sunglasses and Duct Tape. Bullying, anxiety, self-doubt, and other struggles are very real and can make you feel alone, but I want people to see that they aren’t isolated in their experiences. I hope my poems inspire readers to confront their emotions, embrace their identities, and find their own voices. More than anything, I want them to feel understood and empowered and know that they are not alone.
5. How do you envision your voice as a young author evolving in the coming years, and what’s next?
Abhir: I trust that my voice will evolve as I gain more life experience and learn. Sunglasses and Duct Tape was what 17-year-old Abhir had to say. I know that as I encounter new challenges and experiences – I will explore and address different topics and talk about things I think need to be spoken about. I hope to always retain my ‘authentic voice’ while venturing and documenting my version of the human experience and life! I’ll continue to explore myself and the world through theatre, art, and other creative avenues, now in the United States as I continue my studies there. I’m also working on a second book, although I’m not sure when it’ll be ready. I write whenever inspiration strikes or when life calls for it. Now that my voice has been unlocked, you can expect to hear a lot more from me!
6. What is one issue you think Sunglasses and Duct Tape cover that needs to be further addressed?
Abhir: Mental health is one of the biggest issues affecting young people today, especially children and young adults. There’s just not enough being done in schools and colleges to address mental health challenges. As a recent high school graduate, I’ve experienced the intense pressures of 12th grade—balancing college applications, academic demands, social pressures, and internal struggles. It’s incredibly tough, and I believe it’s harder to be a teenager today than it was 30 years ago. Self-love is essential, and schools, which are essentially second homes for kids, should be the starting point for this change. There is simply not enough being done in schools across the city – including most elite schools in South Bombay. More needs to be done to support mental health and address issues like bullying and anxiety in our communities. Right now, there’s a serious gap.
7. Lastly, what advice would you give to other young writers who are just starting their journey in poetry or any other form of creative expression?
Abhir: My advice is simple—be yourself. Don’t let anyone’s opinions silence you or define who you are. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s so important not to change who you are for anyone or anything. Having a creative outlet, whether it’s writing, singing, dancing, painting, or something else, can be transformative. Creating is a journey of self-discovery, so allow yourself to be vulnerable and authentic. And remember, there’s no “right” way to create. Let your emotions guide you, and your art will find its own voice.
Thank you for joining us for this insightful conversation with Abhir Suri. His journey, from finding solace in words during challenging times to inspiring others through Sunglasses and Duct Tape, is truly remarkable. Abhir’s story is a reminder of the power of authenticity and creative expression in overcoming struggles and connecting with others. Whether it’s through his poetry, art, or future endeavors, it’s clear we’ll be hearing a lot more from him. Stay tuned for his upcoming projects, and don’t forget to grab a copy of his book to experience his powerful words firsthand. Until next time!
