Forbes India’s Top 10 internet star and well-known sensation Harshita Gupta has turned her tragedy into a moving story of self-discovery and healing. She takes readers on a very intimate journey of love, grief and resiliency in her debut book, Unloved: The Art of Moving On. The book, which was written during her own life-changing time, presents a distinctively Indian viewpoint on grief and healing!shikha duggal
With every stroke of her pen, Harshita poured out the shards of her shattered heart, transforming the agony of lost love into a cathartic masterpiece! The pages became a canvas of emotions, a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of sorrow and acceptance. As words flowed onto paper, the weight of heartbreak slowly lifted, replaced by a sense of purpose and healing. And when the final sentence was penned, she smiled, knowing that her heart, though broken, had found a way to heal—and perhaps, in the process, help his heal too as she prepared to tie the knot with someone else.
While travelling, Harshita Gupta, the digital sensation who has gained popularity for her relatable storytelling and sense of humour, was with us for an exclusive interview, but there’s a special purpose for it! Well, Harshita, who was recently listed among Forbes India’s Top 10 Digital Stars of 2024, has made her literary debut with the release of Unloved: The Art of Moving On. Yes, we definitely recall seeing a book with an amazing cover in Hyderabad as well! “I experienced two distinct cultural nuances while writing this book: I discussed therapy because it is still taboo in India. I have purposefully included a page devoted to therapist therapy after each chapter. I want to use my mental health issues to educate people about the differences between anxiety and panic attacks. Second, this book will help you end relationships without having to tell your parents or cope with social taboos,” Harshita sees a uniquely Indian perspective on grief and recovery.
Through a distinctively Indian vision that strikes a deep chord with her audience, Unloved takes readers on a journey of loss, healing and self-discovery. Anyone negotiating the intricacies of relationships should read Harshita’s book since her voice offers new insights on personal development! “I was writing something really different from my typical Instagram posts. Do I only have a sense of humour on social media? I am well-known for my chatty chatter! However, I wanted to show the world that I am more than just a comedian with this book. As I was writing this book, I realised how vulnerable we all are. Three years ago, the Penguin editor who was following me was surprised to learn that she knew the real Harshita after reading what I had written! She was shocked by what she saw, particularly when I pleaded with a man to stay in my life. My reality is not social media.”
More details about her new book are revealed by the versatile artiste: “The best character development occurs during heartbreaks, when we cease giving way to our feelings. We make an effort to avoid those due to the lack of acceptability. I have therefore made an effort to educate the public on how to deal with heartbreak. Let’s talk about loving oneself! Heartbreak is followed by infidelity. Since I’ve experienced all of this, I could also write about confidence. I had days when I was unable to take rejection. I simply don’t care about people anymore; I don’t dislike them and I don’t wish my ex any good or bad things because I don’t want to give him any. I don’t really think about him. Indifference, not hatred, is the antithesis of love!”
According to one of the stories she told us, “Because of the circumstances that are being created, people in my generation are giving up on love. Can you top the time I gave up on love? It’s the most depressing thing to witness. Love is, as we say, the most exquisite emotion in the world. Rekindling love despite a broken heart is a sign of strength rather than weakness. I want people to love who they are. After a breakup, self-esteem is crucial! I dislike it when people look to their partners for approval.”
We hear from the other end, which leads to some deeper discussions: “It became the national bestseller, which is a big professional success for me. Who could have imagined this? Particularly when it wasn’t even available for purchase. I wanted individuals to know that they are no longer alone during this heartbreak journey by writing this book. I was getting thank-you emails in the Instagram generation. Now beat that. Haha, the Unloved is loved.”
All about empowerment and self-love, the former radio jockey continues, “I recall writing a chapter titled ‘Modern Dating,’ which discussed how millennials, particularly those living in large cities, have no other option but to give in to the modern dating scene. A situationship is a surefire way to end badly! What the hell are you doing by voluntarily accepting uncertainty? Are we not talking about red and green flags a lot these days? Unloving is what we aren’t being taught! My book serves as a plan for leaving your failing romantic relationship with dignity, respect and grace.”
Writing about heartbreak may be extremely difficult and intimate. Did she find any particular chapters especially difficult to write? The comedy content creator shares her insights on navigating the same. “While writing the book, I was getting ready for my wedding. In the morning, I had to decide what I would wear to my wedding and by nightfall, I was back to finishing this book. I found this to be difficult! As I continued to write, I had to go over a lot of memories again, which was really hard for me (she pauses and continues the interview). Naturally, my wedding is meant to be a really joyous occasion, but I had to balance conflicting expectations. I found the book’s first three chapters to be the most challenging!”
Finally, we listen to her say, “I am a pretty strong individual who doesn’t constantly cry about my circumstances. I always look for the good! Although it was the worst decision I made in 2009, moving to Bombay taught me self-satisfaction and value for money. During those days, I reached my lowest point as a professional! I’ve cited myself as referring to the “other woman” quite openly in the book. To come out of this, I required a lot of therapy.”
