Who really is Asian Sherlock?

If you’re an undergraduate student at CU, you have probably heard his name, or seen him around campus in his detective cap and trench coat. You know his celebrity nickname, but what do you actually know about him?

Asian Sherlock, also known as Narrendra Martosudarmo, is a published author of three dragon books with an interesting backstory. If you really got to know him, you might find that the man behind the coat is just a sensitive guy with a head full of fantasy, looking for somebody to love. The Tab sat down with the 21-year-old English major from Jakarta, Indonesia to learn more.

So, what’s up with the outfit?

Basically, I bought it from Nordstrom Rack like two years ago. This scarf is my Grandma’s. The hat was my Grandpa’s. My Grandma told me that I am a spitting image of my Grandfather, and also because we both like Sherlock Holmes—I probably got that from him. Basically, it’s a tribute to both of them.

So you love Sherlock Holmes. Have you read all the books and seen the movies?

I prefer to watch the TV series—the one with Benedict Cumberbatch, but I also like the one with Robert Downey Jr.

How often do you actually wear the outfit?

Eh, quite a lot. Usually during the day, and also at night if I’m going out, because it can be a bit cold and windy. Basically every week. I like it. Out of all the clothes I have tried, these actually fit me.

How did the name Asian Sherlock originate?

To be honest, the entire Sherlock thing was unintentional. I still don’t know who started the whole thing. I understand where the Sherlock part comes from, but the Asian part I’m not sure people know that I am actually part Asian. I know that my physical appearance suggests that I am Asian, but I am mixed blood – Indonesian and European. So not entirely Asian, though the Asian genes are a bit more dominant.

Do you remember the first time someone called you Asian Sherlock? And how did you respond?

I think it was my sophomore year, like Spring 2014 people started calling me that. I was a bit confused at first, but then my friends explained that I had become one of the most recognizable names at CU and I was like, oh okay, I guess I’ll just go with the flow.

Do you like being known as Asian Sherlock?

Yes! It’s an honor to share the same name as one of the greatest fictional characters of all time. I also write dragon books. And of course, Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) plays a huge, menacing dragon in The Hobbit, which is kind of meant to be.

Nice. What do you do on your weekends?

I try to think up new ideas for my stories if I have time. I hang out with friends if they are free.

What happens when you come into parties?

I walk in like “hey” and they’re like “SHERLOCK!” They shake my hand, say “you’re the man” and ask if they can take my picture. I’m like, “yeah, sure.”

So you do enjoy the fame?

Oh yeah, I do.

And you’re not offended by it at all?

Not really. Although, I have heard that some guys are kind of jealous of all the attention I get. Sometimes I get kicked out of the party, probably because guys are either drunk or jealous. Or maybe they’re just drunk.

Probably. So you’ve already published some books. When does your next book come out?

Yes, I’ve already published three and the fourth one I am planning this summer, probably before my sister gets married. Then there will be a fifth book. I am planning to write a total of six, and they are all in the same series.

What is one thing people don’t really know about you?

That’s an interesting one. I feel that they do know that I love dragons and I love watching movies, especially Marvel movies – anything connected with dinosaurs, dragons, and fantasy. Well… one thing is that people think that I get with a lot of girls, because of my fame, but in reality, I have never been in a relationship before. My mom and dad have each other, my sister has her fiancé, and my other siblings have dated people before, so of course they have more experience than I do. I am kind of wondering what a relationship is like. Being with someone who cares for you a lot. And of course you have that great feeling when you help a girl through any emotional time…

What else? I sometimes play soccer, a bit of badminton and bowling. I was also the unofficial mascot of my high school.

So you wore the Asian Sherlock outfit in high school, as well?

Yeah. People think that since I’m a celebrity, I come from a great background. But to be honest, my childhood was a bit rough. My parents and family love me, but in my primary and middle high school years, I was sort of an outcast and I was bullied.

Because of the outfit?

No, because of my small stature.

I was, of course, the dinosaur and dragon geek. But when I wrote my first book, people started to respect me and look up to me. In the high school pecking order, I was in the bottom. But then when I published my first novel in the last year of my high school, I basically became the most popular guy. Of course, many of the characters in my books are based off my friends. At first they were skeptical, but after reading it, they started to ask me, “Uh, Narrendra? Can you make my character have a bigger role in the series?”

What are your plans for the future—with the outfit, and the writing?

Well, you know, I’m doing just doing what I like. After a while of wearing the outfit, I realized it helps me shape who I am, and I like becoming really well known.

Why did you choose to go to CU?

Because my older sister used to be here. It’s a really nice place under the Rocky Mountains, has four seasons.

Did your grandfather, or anyone else in your family, write?

No, actually, I’m the first one. I’m basically the first Indonesian writer who writes in English.

Does your family know about your fame?

They do, and they encourage me. All my cousins and uncles joke that it’s a good way to find a girl.

Would you ever write about yourself?

Sometimes I think about it, but I am worried about people’s negative attitudes. In the past, at first they were kind of bullying me, but now they are OK. To record myself in a book – I don’t want to make things complicated.

Interesting. Is there anything else you want people to know?

After my dragon series, I am thinking about writing another series of novels, in which the main character is a Saber-toothed Tiger, and his friends will be a wooly mammoth, a snow leopard, a badger and an owl.

If you had to pick one animal as your favorite, which one would it be?

Oh that’s a tough one—I like A LOT of animals. It’s between a Saber-toothed tiger and a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Or even a dragon—like the one in The Hobbit, Game of Thrones or How to Train Your Dragon. All of those inspired me to write my novel, in addition to Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Avatar and others.

Where is the best party you’ve ever gone to at CU?

I can’t really decide. Usually the ones with big crowds and when a lot of people that say hi to me and take pictures with me.

There you have it, folks! Say hi to this chill guy if you see him on campus or around the hill.
Instagram: @narendramartosudarmo
Snapchat: @nama6700