PVPF 2024

Interview With Maulik Pancholy, Author of “Nikhil Out Loud”

Nikhil's stage fright in the book is a way to address that it can be scary to get up in front of a group.
on Jun 29, 2023

Maulik Pancholy is an award-winning actor whose career has spanned hit television shows (Only Murders in the Building, 30 Rock), animated favorites (Phineas and Ferb, Sanjay and Craig), the Broadway stage, and films. He is the co-founder of the anti-bullying campaign Act to Change. He lives in New York with his husband Ryan and their dog Arlo. His debut novel, The Best at It, was a Stonewall Honor Book.

Frontlist: What inspired you to write "Nikhil Out Loud" and explore the themes of identity, acceptance, and homophobia?

Maulik: The inspiration for "Nikhil Out Loud" came from a specific incident during my book tour for my debut novel, "The Best at It." Both of my books showcase Indian American protagonists who identify as LGBTQ+. During the tour, I had the opportunity to visit a middle school in Ohio, where I addressed an audience of 700 students. When I revealed that my book centered around a boy beginning to explore his homosexuality, a wave of applause erupted from the crowd. I shared how Rahul Kapoor, the protagonist in "The Best at It," grappled with feelings of being different and yearned for acceptance. To my surprise, hands began shooting up across the auditorium as kids eagerly wanted to share their own experiences of feeling different. It was an incredible visit that solidified my belief in the transformative power of storytelling to ignite meaningful conversations.

However, my elation was short-lived. Three days later, a group of parents voiced their anger over an openly gay author visiting their children's middle school. They succeeded in shutting down school assemblies and launched a barrage of hurtful comments about my visit on the internet. Soon, students from that school reached out to me on social media, seeking guidance on how to improve the situation. This experience sparked a profound realization: Where were the voices of these kids? Who was listening to them?

And so, I penned "Nikhil Out Loud," a poignant tale centered around a thirteen-year-old, gay Indian American boy who embarks on a journey to discover the power of his own voice. Alongside his friends, he learns that advocating for oneself can take various forms, be it through artistic expression, heartfelt conversations with their family, or even taking a stand at the microphone.

Frontlist: The book addresses the topic of stage fright and its impact on Nikhil's life. Why did you choose to explore this particular issue, and what message do you hope readers will take away from it?

Maulik: Many kids have something to say, but it can be terrifying to stand up and say it. And I think this can be for many reasons: fear of rejection, worry about "not getting it right," or because young people have been taught not to speak out against others. Nikhil's stage fright in the book is a way to address that it can be scary to get up in front of a group. Part of what he learns, though, is that even if that anxiety doesn't fully go away, if what you have to say is important to you, it can help you deal with that fear.

Frontlist: The book touches upon the theme of using art as a means of activism and self-expression. How do you believe Nikhil and his friends' actions in the story can inspire young readers to make a difference?

Maulik: One of the most gratifying aspects of my school visits is witnessing the creativity of young minds as they write their own stories, film short movies with their phones, or create visual art and theater pieces. Whenever I encounter these aspiring artists, I never miss the opportunity to emphasize the importance of their narratives in the world. Each of them possesses a distinct perspective that no one else can replicate, and their personal stories must be shared.

However, I need more than merely conveying this message; they must witness it in action. My fervent hope is that when they witness Nikhil and his friends' profound impact on their art, it will serve as a catalyst, inspiring them to continue cultivating their own artistic expressions.

Frontlist: The book has been praised for portraying middle school life and the authenticity of the characters' experiences. How did you ensure the story resonated with young readers and captured the essence of the middle school journey?

Maulik: This is an excellent question! I've had the privilege of visiting numerous schools during my book tour, and I always make a concerted effort to listen to the children truly. I strive to understand their interests and how they navigate the world around them. Hearing that readers are connecting with these aspects of my latest book brings me great joy.

Furthermore, while writing this story, I delved deep into my middle school experience. It became an investigative journey, unearthing emotions and immersing myself in that realm of both innocence and self-discovery.

This is one of the aspects I truly cherish about writing for this age group. For many of us, this transitional stage is when we start questioning our role in the world and discovering our authentic selves. In "Nikhil Out Loud," our protagonist is a voice-over actor grappling with his thirteen-year-old voice undergoing changes. Symbolically and literally, this voice transformation signifies his entry into young adulthood and the beginning of his journey to define his identity.

Frontlist: "Nikhil Out Loud" addresses the challenges of navigating multiple identities, including being a teenager, an actor, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. How did you approach exploring these overlapping identities and their impact on Nikhil's self-discovery?

Maulik: There is a common thread that strings Nikhil's multiple identities together, and for me, that's: what is the story Nikhil wants his life to be about? As he steps into young adulthood, will he blindly listen to his nana or have the courage to question him; as an actor, will he only tell someone else's story, or will he use his art to tell his story; and as a gay teen, will he disappear into the cartoon character he plays to great acclaim, or will he step up to the microphone as himself?

Nikhil unabashedly being his authentic self – living out loud, if you will – is the glue that binds the different aspects of his story together.

Frontlist: "Nikhil Out Loud" sheds light on the impact of conservative ideologies and homophobia on LGBTQ+ individuals. Can you discuss the significance of addressing these societal issues in literature and the potential for stories like Nikhil's to create empathy and understanding?

Maulik: There is a powerful concept in middle-grade literature known as "mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors," eloquently described by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop. She emphasizes the profound impact it has on young individuals when they see themselves reflected in the mirror of a book, providing a deeply validating experience. Dr. Sims Bishop also highlights the importance of offering children windows into the lives of characters who are different from them, as it fosters empathy.

Furthermore, she suggests that stories should serve as sliding glass doors, enabling us to move effortlessly between diverse worlds and better understand one another.

Across the globe, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to fight tirelessly for our rights, striving for equal treatment and acceptance. Through my books, I aim to let young readers know that they are seen, heard, and that they belong. They are equal in every way. I fervently hope that by incorporating more LGBTQ+ characters in the stories surrounding us, we can cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and understanding.

As Nikhil discovers in this book, art possesses incredible power. I wholeheartedly believe that it has the capacity to effect meaningful change.