She is a simple, next-door south Indian homemaker who you’ll find in any apartment, being a busy wife and mother, juggling between her daily priorities. Her daily chores are her life, and light up her neighbourhood with friendliness. She is easily approachable and stands first in line to help people around her.
Q.1 Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
A. I am a secret naturist who loves to live without clothes, and I practice it religiously within four walls. I also connect with other naturists across the world in an attempt to familiarise this lifestyle with people who are unaware of the same.
Q.2 When should we expect your next book? What will it be about?
A. My memoir is a story from my birth till the launch of my book. So I'm only 2 weeks beyond my book now! I don't know how to write anything beyond my own life. But my next big dream in life is to visit Cap d'Agde in France, which is a naturist village. It’s a small town where nudity is allowed everywhere.
You can walk naked in the streets, travel in cabs, visit supermarkets for shopping, dine naked and do everything without clothes. Be it a post office, a pharmacy, eating joints, ice cream parlours, the beach and everywhere, you can access in nudity. If I visit there, you can see my next book, The French Fling of A Secret Naturist!
Q.3 Your book opens the door to a deeply private lifestyle. What made you finally decide to write about your naturist journey?
A. I started being naked because I liked it. Then I continued it as a body positivity experience. But my main aim was to bring this lifestyle to the knowledge of many, who never even heard of it.
Q.3 Your book opens the door to a deeply private lifestyle. What made you finally decide to write about your naturist journey?
A. I started being naked because I liked it. Then I continued it as a body positivity experience. But my main aim was to bring this lifestyle to the knowledge of many, who never even heard of it.
Meeting people one-to-one was my way of doing things, but I felt that writing my story would reach the entire world. There are so many conservative societies like our country across the globe. A book felt like the right move.
Q.4 Was there ever a moment you felt like scrapping the idea of this book due to fear of judgment or backlash?
A. Though I had a lot of conflicts within before I started writing, I never had any idea of scrapping it once it was on the move. I realised there will be backlash and judgment about this lifestyle, and I was ready for it. But I also know that it will be an eye-opener for many.
Q.5 How do you navigate the duality of being a wife, mother, and a naturist—especially when your family isn’t fully aware of your identity?
A. I have clearly defined a line, or built a wall, I would say, between the textile world and the naturist world. With the help of my naturist friends, I am able to juggle seamlessly between these dual lives & I am successful so far. Though there is always a chance of the wall crumbling, I put my best effort to hold on to this without any trouble.
Q.4 Was there ever a moment you felt like scrapping the idea of this book due to fear of judgment or backlash?
A. Though I had a lot of conflicts within before I started writing, I never had any idea of scrapping it once it was on the move. I realised there will be backlash and judgment about this lifestyle, and I was ready for it. But I also know that it will be an eye-opener for many.
Q.5 How do you navigate the duality of being a wife, mother, and a naturist—especially when your family isn’t fully aware of your identity?
A. I have clearly defined a line, or built a wall, I would say, between the textile world and the naturist world. With the help of my naturist friends, I am able to juggle seamlessly between these dual lives & I am successful so far. Though there is always a chance of the wall crumbling, I put my best effort to hold on to this without any trouble.
Apart from my personal phone number, I have a separate phone number for naturist activities, and that phone is always kept in a naturist apartment where we conduct all activities. I use dual login on my laptop, one for personal and the other for naturism work. These are my ways and means to manage both sides.
Q.6 What was the most emotionally challenging part of writing this memoir?
A. Writing about my father’s demise and the recovery path was emotionally challenging for me. This part took a lot of time, gave me mood swings while writing, and it was evident to others around me. I had to go through the pain again, as if it happened yesterday. I had to personally gather myself again while writing this part.
Q.7 In a country where modesty is deeply ingrained in culture, how do you deal with internalised shame, if at all?
A. I am a modest girl in day-to-day life, and I respect the culture and values in the textile world. I never appear in revealing clothes outside, my thighs are never seen, and if I bend down among others, my hands automatically attempt to cover my cleavage.
Q.6 What was the most emotionally challenging part of writing this memoir?
A. Writing about my father’s demise and the recovery path was emotionally challenging for me. This part took a lot of time, gave me mood swings while writing, and it was evident to others around me. I had to go through the pain again, as if it happened yesterday. I had to personally gather myself again while writing this part.
Q.7 In a country where modesty is deeply ingrained in culture, how do you deal with internalised shame, if at all?
A. I am a modest girl in day-to-day life, and I respect the culture and values in the textile world. I never appear in revealing clothes outside, my thighs are never seen, and if I bend down among others, my hands automatically attempt to cover my cleavage.
I am choosy about dressing well without being an eyesore for others. While this is my life outside, I never felt any shame to be naked at home and among other naturists. I walk with my head held high in approved naturist places without any shame and have been nude in front of hundreds of people so far.
Q.8 Do you think India is ready for open conversations about naturism—or are we still far from that level of acceptance?
A. India is ready for open conversations on naturism, but no one is willing to talk. I see that as the main roadblock. A few years back, our country was not willing to talk about gay, lesbian, sexual orientation or kinks.
Q.8 Do you think India is ready for open conversations about naturism—or are we still far from that level of acceptance?
A. India is ready for open conversations on naturism, but no one is willing to talk. I see that as the main roadblock. A few years back, our country was not willing to talk about gay, lesbian, sexual orientation or kinks.
But now, we see inclusivity everywhere, and major corporations have departments to help them. There are pride marches on the roads, people proudly announcing that they have a physical relationship with the same gender. Even the law has approved of sexual relations with the same gender. We see web series on OTT and a separate genre for this. In that case, why does naturism have to be frowned upon?
I am just saying that I like to be naked, and being a naturist doesn’t even involve the consent of a second person, but no one talks about it. If the voice comes from the right people, and falls in the right ears, I am sure this will receive acceptance in future, but not very soon.
Q.9 What would you say to people who instantly associate naturism with sexuality and taboo?
A. Unfortunately, naturism is instantly linked with sexuality by many. People think naturists are open to sex with anyone, and some feel that they are mentally troubled. I would like to say that naturists are normal people.
Q.9 What would you say to people who instantly associate naturism with sexuality and taboo?
A. Unfortunately, naturism is instantly linked with sexuality by many. People think naturists are open to sex with anyone, and some feel that they are mentally troubled. I would like to say that naturists are normal people.
Naturism is not always about being naked among others or visiting naturist destinations. If someone likes to be naked when alone, they are naturists. What naturism does to you cannot be explained in words. It is like yoga or meditation, and only when you practice it you will know what it does for you.
To understand it better, I invite people to experience it. Also, many confuse naturism with exhibitionism. While naturists shed clothes as they want to be naked, exhibitionists shed clothes for others to see them naked. A little online research and trying to have a personal experience can clear the doubts easily.
Q.10 Have you ever faced harassment or safety issues while practising naturism offline? How do you protect yourself and your community?
A. I’ll say that I’ve been lucky so far! No major harassment offline, but I’m cautious. I stick to private spaces like a naturist paradise, close friends’ home or naturist resorts in Thailand.
Q.10 Have you ever faced harassment or safety issues while practising naturism offline? How do you protect yourself and your community?
A. I’ll say that I’ve been lucky so far! No major harassment offline, but I’m cautious. I stick to private spaces like a naturist paradise, close friends’ home or naturist resorts in Thailand.
My community protects itself with clear rules: non-sexual vibes only, respect first. We vet newcomers, keep events discreet, and lean on groups like NAT for safe havens. Vigilance is my shield in our conservative community.
Q.11 There’s visible guilt and secrecy throughout the book—do you feel freer after writing this memoir, or is the burden still the same?
A. Actually, my fear has doubled after writing the book, worrying about the knowledge of my book reaching my husband or other close people who don’t know my life behind the wall.
Q.11 There’s visible guilt and secrecy throughout the book—do you feel freer after writing this memoir, or is the burden still the same?
A. Actually, my fear has doubled after writing the book, worrying about the knowledge of my book reaching my husband or other close people who don’t know my life behind the wall.
But my family and relatives are concealed in a cocoon, and they don’t have access to many things happening in the world. They all restrict themselves to a limited circle, and this helps me to breathe freely.
Q.12 Did you ever fear that your child or husband might one day find out? How would you explain it to them if they did?
A. I always have this fear, more than my husband, that my daughter might find out one day. When she grows up and accesses the internet, I don’t know what she will stumble upon. If at all they find out, that will be the worst day in my life, and I will have no explanation. Hence, I pray every day that this should never happen until I am alive.
Q.13 Have you received any reader responses that deeply moved or surprised you?
A. Many people told me that it helped them to discover a naturist in them, who thought it was abnormal to be so. Some told me they tried it for the first time by watching themselves naked in the mirror or sleeping nude for the very first time, which surprised me.
Q.12 Did you ever fear that your child or husband might one day find out? How would you explain it to them if they did?
A. I always have this fear, more than my husband, that my daughter might find out one day. When she grows up and accesses the internet, I don’t know what she will stumble upon. If at all they find out, that will be the worst day in my life, and I will have no explanation. Hence, I pray every day that this should never happen until I am alive.
Q.13 Have you received any reader responses that deeply moved or surprised you?
A. Many people told me that it helped them to discover a naturist in them, who thought it was abnormal to be so. Some told me they tried it for the first time by watching themselves naked in the mirror or sleeping nude for the very first time, which surprised me.
A response which moved me said this way, “my heartbeat raised when you walked into Neha, your passion scenes made me delight myself (masturbate), your travelogue was like I was there in Thailand & the demise of your father made me shed tears on the pages”.
This moved me a lot as I was able to bring out all the emotions of a human being through my writing. I smelled success in this reader's response.
Q.14 You credit your friend Neha with introducing you to this path. What role do female friendships play in your healing and identity?
A. Female friends play a major role in my naturist journey. I have met so many conservative women who discovered a naturist in them. While they love to be naked, they don’t even have the guts to stand naked in front of their husband, fearing judgment. I could relate to their feelings, and I helped them unwind.
Q.14 You credit your friend Neha with introducing you to this path. What role do female friendships play in your healing and identity?
A. Female friends play a major role in my naturist journey. I have met so many conservative women who discovered a naturist in them. While they love to be naked, they don’t even have the guts to stand naked in front of their husband, fearing judgment. I could relate to their feelings, and I helped them unwind.
The majority of my female naturist friends practice only with me, and nothing beyond. We meet regularly and stay naked for hours, which is soothing and gives peace. It is easier to explain to women than men, and far easier to answer their questions and even try experiencing with them, as it calls for fewer or no precautions.
Q.15 Was there a particular scene or chapter that was especially hard to let the world read?
A. Oh, yes! It was about my sexual intimacy. I never thought about it when I started writing. When I reached the point where I encountered physical intimacy, I couldn’t decide whether I should include it or not. Actually, I excluded it and moved on.
Q.15 Was there a particular scene or chapter that was especially hard to let the world read?
A. Oh, yes! It was about my sexual intimacy. I never thought about it when I started writing. When I reached the point where I encountered physical intimacy, I couldn’t decide whether I should include it or not. Actually, I excluded it and moved on.
But then I realised that it is an integral part of my daily life. I also figured out that many people feel naturists are sexually incapable people, and using naturism as an alternate channel for letting it out. I wanted to give clarity on this opinion. But it was hard for me to put the scenes in writing.
I wanted to talk about it, but it shouldn’t sound explicit. And my mentor advised me, “Pooja, your intimate scenes should feel like the smell of biryani for readers, not the taste of it. Let them visualise the scenes and you don’t get into fine details”. And that helped me to write those intimate experiences in a subtle way.
Q.16 Would you ever consider fully coming out to the world? If not, what holds you back the most?
A. This conflict became a daily routine for me a few months before, but once I decided to write the book, I had no idea of coming out of the naturist world. I want to enjoy this lifestyle as much as possible every minute of my life, and the joy that I am able to introduce this to many people holds me back from staying a naturist.
Q.17 Did you have any rituals, habits, or routines that helped you write this book?
A. I used to write down a structure of events at a particular period in my life in a notebook. Then I will sit and put a lot of arrow marks here and there about content to include and exclude.
Q.16 Would you ever consider fully coming out to the world? If not, what holds you back the most?
A. This conflict became a daily routine for me a few months before, but once I decided to write the book, I had no idea of coming out of the naturist world. I want to enjoy this lifestyle as much as possible every minute of my life, and the joy that I am able to introduce this to many people holds me back from staying a naturist.
Q.17 Did you have any rituals, habits, or routines that helped you write this book?
A. I used to write down a structure of events at a particular period in my life in a notebook. Then I will sit and put a lot of arrow marks here and there about content to include and exclude.
After that piece of paper looks well done, I start typing the chapter on my laptop. My habit is to write one chapter at a stretch and keep fine-tuning it again and again. Ritual is to do this thing when I am naked, and the entire book was written in the nude.
Q.18 What legacy or impact do you hope The Great Indian Naturist leaves behind?
A. Whether I stay as a naturist for long or not, this book will live forever until the world lasts. So I am happy that I have sown the seed for naturism acceptance in India and probably after many years our country also might show inclination towards this. And I wish this impacts many more countries across the world.
Q.19 Is there a chapter or line that you’re most proud of?
A. “Guilt’s faded, not gone. I’m human, after all, but I see now: this bare life’s no sin, it’s my truth, fearfully and wonderfully made”.
This line is from my epilogue. Throughout the book, I was struggling with guilt as a sinner. But I convinced myself that my bare life is no sin, but truth. This also resonates with my faith that human beings came into existence without clothes, as they were meant to be that way. Sin and guilt added clothes, and not the other way around.
Q.20 Share the experience of your writing journey so far.
A. Apart from my study books and the Bible, I have never read any book in my life. This helped me to write in my own voice, and I didn’t carry the influence of any book or author.
Q.18 What legacy or impact do you hope The Great Indian Naturist leaves behind?
A. Whether I stay as a naturist for long or not, this book will live forever until the world lasts. So I am happy that I have sown the seed for naturism acceptance in India and probably after many years our country also might show inclination towards this. And I wish this impacts many more countries across the world.
Q.19 Is there a chapter or line that you’re most proud of?
A. “Guilt’s faded, not gone. I’m human, after all, but I see now: this bare life’s no sin, it’s my truth, fearfully and wonderfully made”.
This line is from my epilogue. Throughout the book, I was struggling with guilt as a sinner. But I convinced myself that my bare life is no sin, but truth. This also resonates with my faith that human beings came into existence without clothes, as they were meant to be that way. Sin and guilt added clothes, and not the other way around.
Q.20 Share the experience of your writing journey so far.
A. Apart from my study books and the Bible, I have never read any book in my life. This helped me to write in my own voice, and I didn’t carry the influence of any book or author.
I started putting a few incidents together as one chapter and ended up writing 84 chapters. My friends told me that’s a lot and asked me to shrink it into 8 to 10 chapters because that’s the way books are written. But I refused and wanted to carry my own style.
And I believed whatever I wrote was right. They suggested sharing the final script with proofreaders and editors, but I wasn’t willing for that either. I designed my own cover in PowerPoint and felt good. Everything about The Great Indian Naturist, I did it myself, and I loved this journey.
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