With warmth, wit and just the right dose of cheek, Nadia Cassim delivers Not Another Samoosa Run! – a heartfelt novel about love, faith, family expectations, and what it means to write your own story … even when others have one ready for you.
“In Tasneem’s close-knit Muslim Indian community, the stigma of divorce is a heavy burden, and her mother insists on finding her a new husband, even if it means orchestrating a traditional ‘samoosa run’. When Tasneem meets Aadil, a spark ignites, and the pair strike a deal. A pretend engagement to get their families off their backs. But the plan soon gets complicated … because one of them is hiding a life-changing secret.”
While readers are loving Tasneem and Aadil’s twisty, witty tale, we were just as fascinated by the woman who wrote it. We caught up with Nadia Cassim – a multifaceted creative, artist, financial advisor, mom, and former magazine editor – to chat about writing from the heart, unlearning perfection, and why humour might just be our greatest survival tool.
“The title wasn’t something I had planned from the beginning.”
Nadia’s novel has readers hooked with its bold title, but it wasn’t her first choice.
“The book went through two other working titles. Each changed with a new draft. When the publisher asked me to come up with something more in line with the ‘samoosa run’ featured in the story, I had a hard time letting go of the last title. But I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.”
After pacing her bedroom for over an hour, inspiration struck. Not Another Samoosa Run!
“Cheeky. Catchy. And it encapsulated the idea of being tired of all the same expectations and scripts.”
Stories rooted in reality
For Nadia, the novel is deeply personal. Not autobiographical, but emotionally true. “I love writing from a place of knowing. I’ve always felt that doing so adds authenticity to a narrative.”
Like her protagonist, Nadia is divorced, fiercely independent, and well-acquainted with the tension between tradition and self-truth.
“It’s always a challenge to balance what’s expected of you with what’s right for you and to find humour in it. But it’s important that we do.”
That humour, by the way, wasn’t planned. “I did laugh while writing some of the scenes. Particularly, Aadil’s visit to a spiritual healer happened rather unconsciously. I’ve learned to laugh through difficult situations, so perhaps my natural way of coping found its way onto the page.”
From rebel to writer
Look closer, and it’s clear Nadia has always told stories that challenge gently but purposefully.
“I suppose it has always been my intention to explore and, to some extent, expose the kinds of issues modern Muslim Indian women face in traditional households and communities.”
A rebel against convention, she’s no stranger to the margins. “There’s always the fear of being ostracised in my community for expressing views that differ from the majority, but luckily for me, I’ve been on the outskirts for quite some time already.”
Interestingly, Tasneem wasn’t always the star. “In the earlier drafts, the main character was actually Aadil. But over time, Tasneem’s voice took over. She had the potential to make a much greater impact on the page.”
And if readers walk away with just one thing? “To choose yourself, over and over again.”
No writing degree. Just a spiritual nudge.
Nadia’s publishing journey didn’t begin in a creative writing workshop – it began with a moment of clarity in 2019.
“After a very difficult personal year, I embarked on a spiritual journey that opened my eyes to a deeper sense of purpose.”
She turned to her childhood for answers. “What did you love doing then? What brought you joy? For me, it was reading, and the dream of one day writing something meaningful.”
Then came a Facebook post … a Kindle writing competition. “It was so out of the ordinary that I took it as a sign.”
Magic, mess and midnight drafts
Nadia’s writing process? Pure intuition. “Midnight magic for sure. I’m an intuitive writer, so once the idea or words feel right deep down in my soul, it simply flows.”
She’s an admirer of Jane Austen. “Oh, my word … I’d be so embarrassed for her to read my book!” she laughs. “She’s the queen of prose, and I’m but a humble peasant in comparison.”
And when it comes to short stories vs novels? “Short fiction is a lot more difficult,” she admits. “With a novel, you have more freedom. But it also demands discipline to finish and revise.”
Mothers, daughters, and a legacy of strength
Nadia dedicated her novel to her mother – a force in her life and an early example of courage.
“She’s a strong woman. Someone who stood up to authority and defied convention at a time when it wasn’t easy to do so.”
Her mother’s unwavering support gave her room to dream. “She’s always supported my dreams. When I told her I wanted to write a book, she didn’t even blink.”
Now, as a mother of two daughters herself, Nadia hopes her girls take more than plot from the process. “I hope what they take is the importance of perseverance.” And from the story itself? “Marriage is not the solution to your problems. Gain independence first. Know yourself fully before entering a serious relationship. I think they’ve picked up on this by now … I’ve been telling them for years. They’d just roll their eyes and say, ‘We know, Mom, we know!’”
A creative soul through and through
From founding a modern Muslim women’s magazine to painting and fiction writing, Nadia’s creative path hasn’t been a straight line, but every step has brought her closer to herself.
“My heart has always belonged to the arts. Bringing something into being from a place beyond the physical is what makes me happy. What gets me up every day.”
So, what does home mean to her? “Being at home within yourself draws the right people to your kitchen table. Those who truly appreciate you. It’s the moments you share with the right people that make a place truly special and meaningful.”
If Not Another Samoosa Run! is about choosing yourself again and again, then Nadia Cassim is living proof that it’s never too late to begin. With heart, honesty and humour, she’s writing her own script … and we’re so glad she’s letting us read along.
Nadia’s samoosa recipe for self-discovery (excerpt from the book)
The dough
3 cups resilience; self-reflection (as needed); a generous pinch of discernment
Sift together resilience and discernment, and make into a stiff dough using self-reflection. An inexperienced cook may find that adding a teaspoon of curiosity to self-reflection will help form a more workable dough.
Filling (enough for a dozen lifetimes)
500g thoughts; 2 hours yoga; 1 teaspoon grounded empathy; ½ hour journalling; ½ teaspoon strength; 1 tablespoon meditation; 1 bunch of flowers (arranged in a pretty vase); 2 tablespoons healthy boundaries; 2 tablespoons confidence; 1 tablespoon adventure; sprinkle of edible glitter
Wash and drain through. Braise in frying pan on high heat for five minutes, then add journaling, strength, meditation and grounded empathy. Take deep breaths. When the mixture is aromatic, add yoga and simmer on low heat until all hurt has evaporated. Add flowers and healthy boundaries. Cool until room temperature, then add bite-sized pieces of confidence and adventure. Sprinkle with edible glitter.
Assembly
Gather wise elders and supportive friends. Fill samoosas around a table decorated with joy, laughter and love.
Enjoy in peace with a good cup of chai.
Get your copy of Not Another Samoosa Run! from Exclusive Books for R320.
Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Image: DCJ ART STUDIO.
