By MALIK MERCHANT

Simerg’s introduction of “Books by Ismaili Authors” continues with Zain Bandali’s recently published book “Mehndi Boy”. We follow the same Q/A format as our earlier presentations of books that are listed chronologically below. We encourage Ismaili authors from around the world to participate in this series, regardless of when their books were published. See details of the series HERE and submit your responses accordingly to Simerg’s editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.

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“My debut book was nominated for the Silver Birch Express Award, which is a part of The Forest of Reading®, which is Canada’s largest recreational reading program and offers ten reading programs to encourage a love of reading in people of all ages. This means that grade 3 and 4 students across Canada will get to read MEHNDI BOY” — Author Zain Bandali

Simerg’s Interview with Ismaili Author Zain Bandali

Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title of the book? 

Zain Bandali:  I wanted to juxtapose “mehndi” [also known as henna], with something that we often don’t associate with the artform: boys. Mehndi Boy refers not only to the main character Tehzeeb, who becomes fascinated with applying henna on his friends and family, but also serves as an invitation for boys to dare to dream and express themselves on their own terms. 

Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book, and what will we all learn from it?

Bandali: Mehndi Boy is an illustrated chapter book meant for early readers aged 6-11. However, adults would certainly enjoy reading it as it is filled with Ismaili, East African, and South Asian “easter eggs” — hidden features, from illustrations to phrases in the text that are in Kutchi, Gujarati, and Swahili. 

Mehndi Boy boasts a full glossary of these various terms and concepts, and would make an excellent opportunity for children to sit with their elders and go through these references  — some they may be familiar with and some might be brand new!

Simerg: What inspired you to write the book?

Bandali: Growing up, I was often discouraged to put mehndi on during Khushialis [major Ismaili festivals], weddings, and other festivities. The only reason? I was a boy. This rationale never quite sat right with me, so I chose not to pay much heed to it or let it stop me.

Despite the raised eyebrows of uncles at Jamatkhana, I’d grab mehndi cones when they were distributed and practice on myself. Was I any good? That’s debatable. But, I was able to reclaim a part of my history, heritage, and femininity that was buried deep inside of me.

Over the past few years, I’ve been asked to apply mehndi during Navroz, Imamat Day, and Salgirah celebrations at my local Jamatkhana. Doing mehndi for children, aunties, and elders in the Jamat became an act that deepened the connection to my community and has been an honour for me to do. 

Interview continues below

…..Continued

Bandali: It was this binding energy of mehndi, of expression, resilience, and community that inspired me to write Mehndi Boy and invite the next generation to dream — dreams where boys are encouraged to express themselves as they see fit — and like painting or drawing, mehndi is perceived just like any other artform.

Simerg: How can I purchase the book and what are its available formats?

Bandali: Mehndi Boy was published on October 24th, 2023. Please visit the Annick Press website where you can either buy it online or place an order for Mehndi Boy from your preferred local bookstore. The book can also be purchased at Amazon, Indigo, and Barnes and Noble. It is currently available in the following formats: hardcover, softcover, and Kindle.

Interview continues below

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Mehndi Boy Selected Reviews

“[A] fast-paced chapter book, replete with vibrant illustrations . . . This would be a lovely read-aloud, taking readers on an emotional journey along with Tehzeeb.” — Booklist

“Bandali gently and compassionately offers readers a chance to see how to be true to yourself as they follow Tez on his journey.” — The Globe and Mail

“Delightful . . . the world needs more ‘mehndi boys!’” — Vivek Shraya, author of The Boy and the Bindi and God Loves Hair

“I was totally charmed by it.” — Ali Sethi, musician and author

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Simerg: How did you find a publisher for the book?

Bandali: As a debut author, this is my first time being published beyond the occasional poem. In March of 2021, I submitted a brief outline of Mehndi Boy to the Annick Press Mentorship Program, a mentorship program designed to support writers from groups historically excluded from children’s book publishing in North America. Here, I developed the outline into a manuscript and was later offered a contract with Annick Press. All in all, the process took about 2 years. 

Simerg: Did you hire an editor, an illustrator or did you do all the work by yourself?

Bandali: Annick Press was able to secure Jani Balakumar, an incredibly talented artist who brought my vision expertly to life. Jani is a Tamil-Canadian illustrator and 2D animator residing in Toronto, Canada. She has a bachelor’s in animation from Sheridan College where she honed her craft. 

Simerg: Would you like to offer further information about your book?

Bandali: I am pleased to share that my debut book was also nominated for the Silver Birch Express Award, which is a part of the The Forest of Reading®, which is Canada’s largest recreational reading program and offers ten reading programs to encourage a love of reading in people of all ages. This means that grade 3 and 4 students across Canada will get to read Mehndi Boy, a major milestone in my life. I might also note that Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association, called Mehndi Boy a “fast-paced chapter book, replete with vibrant illustrations” and said, “This would be a lovely read-aloud, taking readers on an emotional journey along with Tehzeeb.”

In Mehndi Boy, I wanted to tell a story that questions stubborn gender norms in a kid-friendly way by drawing from my Indo-Tanzanian and Ismaili Muslim identity. It touches on themes of self esteem, anxiety and perfectionism, and the trials of navigating a relationship with an uncle who doesn’t understand his nephew’s artform. It is a story for my inner child — a story that I wish existed when I was younger.

Date posted: November 18, 2023.

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A Request to all Our Readers: Please Support Zain Bandali

Be sure to support new author Zain Bandali on the debut of his book Mehndi Boy. Please visit the Annick Press website where you can either buy Mehndi Boy online or place an order for the book from your preferred local bookstore. The book can also be purchased at Amazon, Indigo, and Barnes and Noble. It is currently available in the following formats: hardcover, softcover, and Kindle.

About the Author

Zain Bandali is an unapologetic author, poet, and diversity advocate. His poetry can be found in multiple publications, and his spoken word has graced stages across his home province of Ontario, Canada. In 2020, he was awarded the Upkar Arora Social Impact Leadership Scholarship for his work creating a grassroots community initiative while an undergrad at the University of Waterloo. Even in his day job as an HR professional at a leading financial corporation, Zain strives to bring the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to everything he does. He is an avid vegetable gardener but cannot always stomach the chili peppers he grows.

We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation.

Calling all Ismaili Authors

We encourage Ismaili writers to introduce their books in a similar format as has been done in the post above. Please also see the series launch article and submit your responses to Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com. All submissions will be acknowledged. If a writer has published multiple books, each book will be highlighted in a separate article, and not combined with other books into one post. All writers should include a brief profile with a portrait photo.

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Links to the Ismaili Authors’ Series (in chronological sequence, oldest article first)

1. “Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity” by Shamas Nanji (featured on February 10, 2021, series start date)
2. “Little One, You Are The Universe” by Zeni Shariff (February 25, 2021)
3. “Memoirs of a Muhindi” by Mansoor Ladha (March 6, 2021, and see also 15 and 21 by the same author)
4. “To Be One With God: Seven Journeys to the Meaning of Life” by Shafeen Ali (March 25, 2021)
5. “Invisible Birthmarks” by Alnasir Rajan (April 13, 2021)
6. “IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE – Portrait of a ‘Cowboy’ Judge” by Azmina Suleman (April 28, 2021)
7. “RSVP Rice and Stew Very Plenty” by Nazlin Rahemtulla (May 28, 2021)
8. “Coughdrops” by Nargis Fazal (June 12, 2021)
9. “The Roots and the Trees” by Nizar Sultan (June 25, 2021)
10. “Faith and Ethics: The Vision of the Ismaili Imamat” by M. Ali Lakhani (July 4, 2021)
11. “Nairobi Days by Shelina_Shariff Zia (July 21, 2021)
12. “Shine Brighter” by Shairoz Lakhani (December 8, 2021)
13. “This is My Life” by Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (February 26, 2022)
14. “Humanizing Medicine – Making Health Tangible” by Dr. Azim Jiwani (March 9, 2022)
15. “A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims” by Mansoor Ladha (June 8, 2022, and see also 3 and 21 by the same author)
16. “Malaria Memoirs: My Life Journey as a Public Health Doctor in Tanzania” by Dr Zul Premji (June 30, 2022)
17. “Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories” by Mahmoud Hirji (September 10, 2022)
18. “Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding” by Shamim Murji (October 27, 2022)
19. “Cooking with Mom” by Rozina Ramji (November 7, 2022)
20. “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance” by Azim Jamal (July 17, 2023)
21. Off the Cuff by Mansoor Ladha (August 3, 2023, and see also 3 and 15 by the same author)
22. Mehndi Boy by Zain Bandali (November 18, 2023)

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Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.

Simerg’s editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.