By Rashmita Patel
Q What prompted you to begin writing poetry?
A I was a massive Muhammad Ali (boxer) fan. I knew I could never make it as an athlete, so I thought why not give poetry a go? I’m 17 now, and 15 when I began writing. Poetry is not something which runs in the family, so it did kind of just pop out of the blue.
Q Can you tell us a bit about yourself
A Born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Living in Cambridge since I was 7. I am a full time student at ‘Long Road Sixth Form College’. I also do part-time modelling. I find my educational life rather dull. I am at my happiest when I’m on Radio/TV. It’s really nice to engage with the public, and to share my work with them.
Q How do you start a poem? A I never actually plan to write. I’m very spontaneous, as I only write when an idea pops into my head. This can happen at the most random of times e.g., in the middle of the night, at college, in the shower etc. It takes me about 10 minutes to write a poem, and then I might spend 5 minutes the next day just editing it.
Q At what age did you realise you wanted to write poetry A I was 15. I entered a few competitions, and whichever one I entered, I won (to sound as humble as possible). I won some very nice prizes, especially for a 15 year old e.g., 2012 Olympic tickets, publishing offers, financial prizes etc. I even got the opportunity to share my work with the MP of Cambridge (Julian Huppert). He was rather pleased to see my work, and is now trying his best to get me in touch with the deputy Prime Minister (Nick Clegg), in hope that I can share my work with him also.
Q Who inspired you to write? A Muhammad Ali played a huge part! He was not only a tremendous athlete, but also a great versifier. Being part of an ethnic minority has also inspired me. Writing has given me the perfect platform to help abolish the stereotype of British – South Asians. It makes me extremely proud to know that my published work is purchased by people of all different backgrounds, religions, ethnicities etc.
Q Tell us a bit about how you started out to become a model, what inspired you and who do you model with? A I was scouted on YouTube by a modelling agency, which unfortunately is no longer active. However, I approached other agencies, and they hired me on board. I model for First Step Modelling. It was very nerve-wracking at the beginning, but now I’m used to it and I feel much more comfortable in the environment.
Q How many poems have you published? A I have more than 50 poems published, in over 15 books. My books are available to purchase from renowned stores such as, Waterstones and WHSmith.
Q What message are you portraying to the audience in your poetry? A I like to promote many things e.g., to love one another, don’t bully, don’t hate, don’t stereotype, don’t be shy, fight your fears etc. I also occasionally share the odd romantic verse…But hey, I like to save those lines for later, haha. Anyway, jokes aside, I just want individuals to read my work, and hopefully be inspired to start writing themselves one day. I would like my work to bring communities together, and to teach everyone, “we’re all humans, and have no reason to have any unnecessary conflicts between each other.”
Aukash’s latest book is called ‘Men of Words’ and is available to purchase from major bookstores and libraries across the UK.
