Occupation Novelist, writer Name Rekha Waheed Ethnicity Bengali | Nationality British Language English Role Novelist | |
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Alma mater School of Oriental and African Studies Subject Arranged marriage in the Indian subcontinent, Bengali wedding, British Bangladeshi, British Asian women Books My Bollywood Wedding, Saris and the City Education University of London, SOAS, University of London | ||
Rekha Waheed Rahman (Bengali: রেখা ওয়াহিদ রহমান; née Waheed; born 19 June 1975) is an English novelist and writer of Bangladeshi descent. She has written four novels including 2004's The A-Z Guide to Arranged Marriage, and 2010's Saris and the City and My Bollywood Wedding.
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Early life
Waheed was born in Shepherd's Bush, London, England to parents of Bangladeshi origin. She completed her MSc in Economic Development at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and during her time there she held the position of treasurer of the Islamic Society.
Whilst pursuing her passion for writing she travelled the world as a corporate consultant. However, she soon caught the attention of a literary agent delivering public readings at the Harrow Writers' club.
Career
In October 2005, Waheed's debut novel The A-Z Guide to Arranged Marriage was published by Monsoon Press. In April 2010, her second novel Saris and the City was published by Little Black Dress, followed by her third novel Adam Akbar – Master of Poverty by Perfect Publishers in June 2010, and then her fourth novel My Bollywood Wedding by Little Black Dress in December 2010. Waheed's natural writing style is first-person narrative. Her distinct style has been described as "bridging the gap between old world traditions with new world savvy".
In June 2005, Waheed co-founded Monsoon Press Publisher with Rabina Khan. Through Monsoon Press, she works with the Arts Council and Penguin to raise the profile of British Ethnic and Muslim literature. She has previously worked as a columnist for Bangla Mirror and sat on the board of Women in Publishing. In addition, she has worked voluntarily as a treasurer for a Bengali community organisation. She is currently represented by MBA Literary Agency.
In 2006, Waheed read at the London Literacy Event. In 2007, she read at the Spitalfields Literacy Event. In 2006, she was cited by Asian Woman magazine as one of the "Faces to Watch" and one of the fastest rising British Asians in media. She is regular guest on BBC Asian Network, women's programmes, and literary and social events to debate social issues affecting British Asians in the west.
Personal life
Waheed is a Muslim.