Tastes Like Shakkar | By Nisha Sharma

My thoughts

Narrative and Plot

Tastes Like Shakkar is the second book in the If Shakespeare Was an Auntie series and is loosely based on Much Ado About Nothing. The story was easy to follow as a standalone, even though I haven’t read the first book, Dating Dr. Dil. I’m always biased towards romances that offer both male and female POV chapters, and this one did a great job establishing separate worlds for both Bunty and Bobbi. (Yes, I caught the name pun—an ode to the golden age of Bollywood romance, and I appreciate it!)

The plot had a lot going on. At times, it felt like the focus shifted away from the romance and the gradual development of the relationship. I’m not qualified to say how authentic the Punjabi cultural representation was, but it definitely reminded me of those grand Bollywood romance films full of family dynamics—in a good way. It rekindled the nostalgia of the movies I grew up watching and saw as peak Bollywood.

Characters and Conflicts

When you’re retelling a classic, there are certain limitations on where you can take the story. Tastes Like Shakkar does a good job of establishing the desi characters and creating conflicts that would resonate with a desi audience.

Both Bobbi and Bunty had clear character arcs. Even though I was left wanting a bit more depth, the chemistry between them was strong—it was definitely steamy. The ensemble cast added colour and value to the story, bringing in humour and heart.

Conclusion

When you’re retelling a classic, there are certain limitations on where you can take the story. Tastes Like Shakkar does a good job of establishing the desi characters and creating conflicts that would resonate with a desi audience.

Both Bobbi and Bunty had clear character arcs. Even though I was left wanting a bit more depth, the chemistry between them was strong—it was definitely steamy. The ensemble cast added colour and value to the story, bringing in humour and heart.

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