Not just brown, not just Indian

'NOT JUST BROWN, NOT JUST INDIAN', is a series of photoshoots by Mathushaa Sagthidas showcasing the multiplicity of South Asian women and culture

'NOT JUST BROWN, NOT JUST INDIAN', focuses on the lived experiences and beauty of some really incredible South Asian women as well as celebrations, traditions and history of south Asian countries from a female perspective. As an Eelam Tamil Woman, like most other south Asians, the assumption is made that I am Indian. As if that's the only country to exist in South Asia and I feel our cultures and traditions are classed as one. I was made to feel that my 'appearance' didn't seems to fit the expectation of what some outside and even with in the South Asian community believed a Tamil woman should be. Working with South Asian woman from their respective countries, I wanted show parts of their stories and culture from an authentic perspective - to give them a space and chance to celebrate who they are and everything they have been raised around; especially during South Asian Heritage Month to really amplify these stories.

- Mathushaa Sagthidas

Afghanistan 🇦🇫

Art Direction & Styling @ha_ida

Make Up @saida_hoss

Models @fariaaa_r @susansherifi @farhat_draws @adria.pawz

Bangladesh 🇧🇩

Art Direction @waheeda_art @asaaaa._.zz @waheedarahmanmair

Styling @asaaaa._.zz

Make Up @voidinayah @in.eye.yar

Models @waheeda_art @waheedarahmanmair @asaaaa._.zz @mariakayum_ @tartine___

India 🇮🇳

Art Direction @radhika.photos