Nikita Gill has become one of the most influential poets and writers of her generation. Through her bestselling books, she's built a global community of millions, using words to help women reclaim their voices, rewrite old stories, and rediscover the power that's always been within them. But it hasn’t been an easy path to success…
In this episode, Nikita joins Anita to talk about leaving India for the UK in pursuit of a dream that many people around her couldn't understand. Going against her family's expectations, she arrived with little more than determination, working as a cleaner and a carer while chasing a career in writing, long before she found her breakthrough in the literary world.
Nikita also opens up about surviving a coercive and abusive relationship, growing up searching for representation as a brown woman in the creative industry, and why rejecting patriarchal expectations has become central to both Nikita's life and her work.
This is a conversation about resilience, feminine power, and having the courage to bet on yourself - even when nobody else can see the future you're fighting for.
Nikita’s new book, Styx: The River is OUT NOW www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Styx-The-River/Nikita-Gill/9781398537194
Content warning: This episode contains discussions about domestic abuse. We know these experiences can be difficult to hear about, so please listen in the way that feels right for you. If you need support, or if this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, you'll find details of organisations that can help below.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247 - nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Women’s Aid - womensaid.org.uk
Stop Hate UK - stophateuk.org/report-hate-crime
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00:00:00 Coming up
00:00:48 Introduction
00:03:15 Welcome & deep breath
00:07:04 Stepping into acting
00:08:17 Childhood & rebellion
00:12:00 Expectations of Nikita
00:13:52 Racism on the birthing table
00:17:35 Defying her parents to leave India
00:21:04 Surviving an abusive relationship
00:29:13 Ancient & Brave ad
00:30:48 Ancient & Brave Weekly Ritual
00:35:21 Finding success & backing yourself
00:39:56 Wanting a soft girl life
00:42:55 Being seen and South Asian women being invisible
00:47:51 Gatekeeping in the arts & ageism on screen
00:51:32 Homecoming to India
00:54:13 Library of Wisdom
00:58:28 Through the portal
00:59:34 Dance playlist
01:00:58 Question from a Sister
01:03:44 Quickfire questions
01:05:55 Outro
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