Salman Rushdie just turned 78. What has the ‘Midnight's Children' author been writing lately?
'What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.' The words sum up Salman Rushdie. We all know him for Midnight's Children, the book that made him famous, and The Satanic Verses, the novel which caused global outrage and forced him into hiding for years.
Rushdie chose to continue writing no matter what. Even after making it through a brutal knife attack in 2022 that made him blind in one eye, he did not step back. Many authors in his place would have completely stopped after such a traumatic event. But his passion did not wither. Here's a look at five of Rushdie's most recent works.
'We would not be who we are today without the calamities of our yesterdays.'
Salman Rushdie's most recent work is his memoir, Knife, written after the 2022 knife attack that nearly ended his life. He shows us his trauma and his will to still write. It's honest and it's witty. Unlike his earlier memoir Joseph Anton, this one is written in the first person, making it feel much more personal. Knife is a record of survival and a bold statement on the freedom to speak and write. It gives us rare insight into Rushdie's mind, and shows his unwavering dedication to the written word, even when writing itself becomes an act of defiance.
In 14th century South India, nine-year-old Pampa Kampana witnesses her mother walk into 'the bonfire of the dead'. She is blessed with magical powers and a mission to build a world where no woman suffers as her mother did. She builds Bisnaga, a kingdom meant to uplift women in a patriarchal world. Victory City is an imaginative tale about power and the stories that shape civilisations. With beauty and emotion, Rushdie revives a forgotten empire and the extraordinary woman who dreamed it into existence. It's vintage Rushdie, yet strikingly fresh in its voice.
This is a collection of essays and speeches written by Salman Rushdie. From Cervantes to Kafka, he explores the writers who shaped his thinking, while tackling themes like censorship, migration, politics and the power of imagination. We get to see what Rushdie thinks of other writers' writing, how their ideas and style show the times they lived in. It shows his thoughts on storytelling and rapidly changing world. With clarity and wit, Languages of Truth is a celebration of literature and a bold reflection on the cultural shifts of our time.
Quichotte is a television obsessed, slightly delusional travelling salesman who falls hopelessly in love with a TV star he has never met. Determined to win her heart, he goes on a journey across America with his imaginary son. He faces everything from the opioid crisis to cultural absurdities. But Quichotte isn't acting alone here. He is actually the creation of Sam DuChamp, a struggling writer in the middle of a personal breakdown. The lines between Sam DuChamp, the author and his character blur, as both try to complete their parallel quests. It is a surreal, moving reflection on identity. Inspired by Cervantes' Don Quixote, Rushdie writes a satire of modern America, one that is between reality and illusion. If you enjoy thought provoking books that are entertaining as well, then Quichotte is a must-read.
Nero Golden, a billionaire from Bombay, arrives in New York. And what is a billionaire without secrets? With him come his three sons, still trying to understand who he really is. They settle into The Gardens, an elite, enclosed community in Greenwich Village, and instantly disrupt the lives of those around them. Their story is told by René, a filmmaker who becomes fascinated by the Goldens and finds in them the perfect material for his next project. From Nero's romance with a mysterious Russian to the reveal of long-buried secrets, the Goldens' world begins to crack. And, so does the nation around them. This book shows a family and a nation on the verge of transformation. If you're into family dramas and then this is a must-read.
(The writer is an intern with indianexpress.com)
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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
20 years on, Salman Rushdie's ‘Shalimar the Clown' reimagined for the French with Delhi artist's vision
Twenty years after India-born British-American writer Salman Rushdie's Shalimar the Clown was first published in 2005, its French folio Shalimar le clown that released last month has on its cover an artwork by Delhi-based artist Mukesh Sharma. 'Salman Rushie and publisher Antoine Gallimard approached me after seeing this work on my Instagram. I was told that Salman Rushdie had really liked it and asked the publishing house (Gallimard) to get in touch with me for it to be used on the cover of the book. A lot of correspondence followed and Salman Rushdie also asked for more of my works to see, but they finally decided on this work as it was suitable for this particular book.' Speaking about the 2018 acrylic on canvas titled Revitalising Memory, Sharma elaborates: 'Like a lot of my other recent works, here too I use elements from the keyboard to ponder our relationship with technology. The representation that looks at myth, memory, identity also also borrows from Indian miniatures and traditional stories from the Panchatantra to comment how in several scenarios it difficult to distinguish between who is the puppet and who is controlling the strings, who is riding and controlling whom.' Rushdie's eighth novel, which took nearly four years to complete, the layered narrative details the murder of Max Ophuls, former US ambassador to India, by his Kashmiri-Muslim driver who calls himself Shalimar the Clown. The story spans across continents, including Kashmir, France and the United States, and reflects how personal histories are influenced by larger political decisions. Rushdie has shared a close relationship with the Indian art world, with his friends including the likes of Nalini Malani and the late Vivan Sundaram. He also shared a long friendship with the late artist Bhupen Khakhar. While Rushdie immortalised him in his book The Moor's Last Sigh through a character inspired by him – that of an account with the soul of an artist – Khakhar painted a portrait of Rushdie titled The Moor, incorporating elements from his book. Khakhar also made a set of five woodcuts and three linocuts for a limited edition based on two stories by Rushdie.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
From Salman Rushdie to Mira Nair: Where these 9 Indian-origin global media and literary icons studied
Indian-origin writers, poets, and media personalities have left an indelible mark on global storytelling — from reshaping modern fiction to redefining how marginalized voices are heard. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What's often overlooked is how their academic journeys helped shape their perspectives, sharpen their language, and fuel their global influence. Here are 9 Indian-origin literary and media icons — and the schools and universities that helped launch them into the world stage. Salman Rushdie A towering figure in global literature, Salman Rushdie is known for blending magical realism with deep political and historical themes. Notable works: Midnight's Children , The Satanic Verses Education: School: Rugby School, UK Rugby School, UK University: King's College, University of Cambridge – BA in History Rushdie's classical British education combined with his South Asian roots created the perfect storm for his postcolonial and magical realist fiction. His time at Cambridge exposed him to historical frameworks that would shape the narrative structure of Midnight's Children . Jhumpa Lahiri Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has redefined diaspora fiction with her elegant, introspective storytelling. Notable works: Interpreter of Maladies , The Namesake Education: Undergrad: Barnard College, Columbia University – BA in English Literature Barnard College, Columbia University – BA in English Literature Graduate: Boston University – MA, MFA, and PhD in English and Comparative Literature Lahiri's deep academic grounding in English literature, followed by formal creative writing training, allowed her to develop her precise style — one that powerfully explores diaspora identity. Arundhati Roy Arundhati Roy is both a celebrated novelist and a fearless activist, using her voice to challenge injustice through fiction and non-fiction alike. Notable works: The God of Small Things , The Ministry of Utmost Happiness Education: Schooling: Corpus Christi School, Delhi Corpus Christi School, Delhi College: Delhi School of Architecture Roy's background in architecture taught her how to structure space and story — evident in her complex, multi-layered narrative style. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Her formal training gave her an artistic eye and an activist's soul, both of which define her work. Amitav Ghosh A global literary figure, Amitav Ghosh is known for weaving history, politics, and ecology into sprawling, ambitious novels. Notable works: The Ibis Trilogy , The Shadow Lines Education: Undergrad: St. Stephen's College, Delhi – History St. Stephen's College, Delhi – History Postgrad: Delhi School of Economics – MA Delhi School of Economics – MA PhD: Oxford University – Social Anthropology Ghosh's work is deeply informed by his academic journey across history and anthropology. His novels are meticulously researched, and his educational foundation allows him to write richly about colonialism, trade, and climate. Kiran Desai The daughter of celebrated author Anita Desai, Kiran made her own mark in the literary world with a Booker Prize-winning novel at just 35. Notable works: The Inheritance of Loss Education: Undergrad: Bennington College, USA Bennington College, USA MFA: Columbia University – Creative Writing Desai studied creative writing at some of the top literary programs in the U.S., developing a quiet, nuanced voice that explores displacement, immigration, and postcolonial identity. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni A poet, novelist, and academic, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is known for blending mythology and feminism into stories that resonate globally. Notable works: The Palace of Illusions , The Mistress of Spices Education: Undergrad: University of Calcutta University of Calcutta Postgrad: Wright State University (MA), University of California, Berkeley (PhD in English) Divakaruni's fusion of mythology and feminist storytelling is backed by decades of literary education. Her writing bridges East and West, offering Indian narratives to a global audience with poetic precision. Mira Nair An award-winning filmmaker, Mira Nair has brought Indian stories to international audiences with emotional depth and social commentary. Notable works: Monsoon Wedding , The Namesake Education : Undergrad: University of Delhi – Sociology University of Delhi – Sociology Graduate: Harvard University – Visual and Environmental Studies Though primarily known as a filmmaker, Nair's roots are in storytelling and social analysis. Her studies at Harvard helped her merge documentary realism with cinematic narrative — a style seen in her adaptations of literary works. Fareed Zakaria Fareed Zakaria is a globally recognized political commentator and journalist, known for his intelligent, balanced analysis of world affairs. Notable works: The Post-American World , In Defense of a Liberal Education Education: Undergrad: Yale University – BA in History Yale University – BA in History Graduate: Harvard University – PhD in Government Born in Mumbai, Zakaria pursued history at Yale, where he was editor of the Yale Political Monthly and a member of the prestigious Scroll and Key society. He later earned a PhD in government from Harvard under the mentorship of Samuel P. Huntington. His elite academic training in political theory and international relations laid the foundation for his globally respected journalism. Meera Syal An accomplished writer, actress, and comedian, Meera Syal's work explores the British-Asian experience with humour, empathy, and sharp social insight. Notable works: Anita and Me , Goodness Gracious Me (TV) Education: University: University of Manchester – English and Drama With a degree in both literature and performance, Syal blends comedy, cultural commentary, and emotional depth in her work. Her education helped her develop a unique voice in both literature and screenwriting that resonates with diasporic audiences. Education played a powerful role in shaping the worldviews and voices of these literary and media icons. Whether through literature, screenwriting, poetry, or journalism, their words continue to travel across cultures — reflecting their roots and reimagining the future.
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Indian Express
Salman Rushdie just turned 78. What has the ‘Midnight's Children' author been writing lately?
(Written by Taniya Chopra) 'What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.' The words sum up Salman Rushdie. We all know him for Midnight's Children, the book that made him famous, and The Satanic Verses, the novel which caused global outrage and forced him into hiding for years. Rushdie chose to continue writing no matter what. Even after making it through a brutal knife attack in 2022 that made him blind in one eye, he did not step back. Many authors in his place would have completely stopped after such a traumatic event. But his passion did not wither. Here's a look at five of Rushdie's most recent works. 'We would not be who we are today without the calamities of our yesterdays.' Salman Rushdie's most recent work is his memoir, Knife, written after the 2022 knife attack that nearly ended his life. He shows us his trauma and his will to still write. It's honest and it's witty. Unlike his earlier memoir Joseph Anton, this one is written in the first person, making it feel much more personal. Knife is a record of survival and a bold statement on the freedom to speak and write. It gives us rare insight into Rushdie's mind, and shows his unwavering dedication to the written word, even when writing itself becomes an act of defiance. In 14th century South India, nine-year-old Pampa Kampana witnesses her mother walk into 'the bonfire of the dead'. She is blessed with magical powers and a mission to build a world where no woman suffers as her mother did. She builds Bisnaga, a kingdom meant to uplift women in a patriarchal world. Victory City is an imaginative tale about power and the stories that shape civilisations. With beauty and emotion, Rushdie revives a forgotten empire and the extraordinary woman who dreamed it into existence. It's vintage Rushdie, yet strikingly fresh in its voice. This is a collection of essays and speeches written by Salman Rushdie. From Cervantes to Kafka, he explores the writers who shaped his thinking, while tackling themes like censorship, migration, politics and the power of imagination. We get to see what Rushdie thinks of other writers' writing, how their ideas and style show the times they lived in. It shows his thoughts on storytelling and rapidly changing world. With clarity and wit, Languages of Truth is a celebration of literature and a bold reflection on the cultural shifts of our time. Quichotte is a television obsessed, slightly delusional travelling salesman who falls hopelessly in love with a TV star he has never met. Determined to win her heart, he goes on a journey across America with his imaginary son. He faces everything from the opioid crisis to cultural absurdities. But Quichotte isn't acting alone here. He is actually the creation of Sam DuChamp, a struggling writer in the middle of a personal breakdown. The lines between Sam DuChamp, the author and his character blur, as both try to complete their parallel quests. It is a surreal, moving reflection on identity. Inspired by Cervantes' Don Quixote, Rushdie writes a satire of modern America, one that is between reality and illusion. If you enjoy thought provoking books that are entertaining as well, then Quichotte is a must-read. Nero Golden, a billionaire from Bombay, arrives in New York. And what is a billionaire without secrets? With him come his three sons, still trying to understand who he really is. They settle into The Gardens, an elite, enclosed community in Greenwich Village, and instantly disrupt the lives of those around them. Their story is told by René, a filmmaker who becomes fascinated by the Goldens and finds in them the perfect material for his next project. From Nero's romance with a mysterious Russian to the reveal of long-buried secrets, the Goldens' world begins to crack. And, so does the nation around them. This book shows a family and a nation on the verge of transformation. If you're into family dramas and then this is a must-read. (The writer is an intern with
