Both Not Half
Redefine What It Means to Talk about Mixed-Raced Identity
Dive into a thought-provoking journey with Both Not Half: A Radical New Approach to Mixed Heritage Identity by actor Jassa Ahluwalia.
A journey to self-discovery. For over twenty-five years, Ahluwalia grappled with the label of being “half Indian, half English,” despite his fluent Punjabi and rich cultural heritage. Feeling caught between two worlds, he embarked on a transformative quest to challenge the binary narratives surrounding mixed-race identity.
Working toward an inclusive future. In this powerful memoir book, Ahluwalia uncovers the historical roots of modern mixed identity, bravely deconstructing inherited binaries and challenging passive acceptance of societal norms. Through his personal experiences and insights, he advocates for a more inclusive meaning and nuanced understanding of identity.
Inside this book, you’ll find:
A rallying cry for living and belonging in a divided worldThought-provoking insight that invites you to reconsider the meaning of inclusivity and diversity, prompting reflection on the labels we assign and the narratives we perpetuateA space to challenge your preconceptions, broaden your understanding, and embrace the beauty of diversity
If you liked A Different Mirror, Maybe I Don't Belong Here, or Natives, you’ll love Both Not Half.
Jassa Ahluwalia
Jassa Ahluwalia is a British actor, writer, filmmaker, and trade unionist. Born in Coventry to a white English mom and a brown Punjabi dad in 1990, he attended school in Leicester and was raised in an extended family environment. He spoke English in the playground and Punjabi with his grandparents and spent various summer holidays in India. He came to prominence as Rocky in the hit BBC Three series Some Girls, followed by starring roles in Unforgotten, Ripper Street, and Peaky Blinders.
Jassa created the hashtag #BothNotHalf to explore mixed identity in light of his own British-Indian heritage. His TEDx talk on “How Language Shapes Identity” has clocked up over 170k views, and his BBC One documentary Am I English? won an Asian Media Award in 2022.
