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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- 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
25-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
What solution does Delhi's Central Ridge have for restoration
'I shouldn't presume that you all know what ruttputty means. Some would use it to describe the ratatat of a car, for example, or a washing machine that's on its last legs. But it is a word I grew up with. When I looked it up on Google, it cited a dictionary saying that Salman Rushdie used the word in Midnight's Children, using it to describe something that is ramshackled, rundown, or dilapidated,' says filmmaker and environmentalist Pradip Kishen. Kishen was the guest speaker for the Living Landscapes series, initiated by architect, writer and photographer Anuj Srivastava, which was started in 2024. The previous talks by experts were themed on the Aravalli Biodiversity Park, the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, the Lodhi Gardens, the India International Centre gardens, as well as the monsoon gardens of Rajasthan. On June 18, complementing Kishen's talk was a panel discussion with architect and urban designer KT Ravindran, environment and forest analyst Chetan Agarwal, moderated by Srivastava. Kishen's association with the Ridge goes back four decades. At the start of his presentation was a blue 'ruttputty' car covered with green creepers which was a dystopian analogy of the Central Ridge (C Ridge). While most of Delhi's citizens would be familiar with this woodland, the purpose of the talk was to track the degeneration over the years and the recent rehabilitation of its native ecology. The Ridge covers about 850 hectares, with half of it controlled by Delhi's forest department. Kishan spoke of William P Mustoe, the Superintendent of Horticulture Operations as part of (Edwin) Lutyens' cabinet, who designed New Delhi. It was Mustoe who proposed the invasive Neltuma Juliflora (Vilaiti keekar), an alien but sturdy tree. At the time, the question of the hour was to decide the location of the Viceroy's House. Viceroy Hardinge settled on the construction of the present-day Rashtrapati Bhavan in a stretch of land (or here, a forest) which overlooks the entire city. By 1912, as Delhi was being planned, the Ridge came to be known as an 'amenity forest'. It was, at its core, meant to resemble the countryside the British were used to and make them feel at 'home'. It got the status of a reserved forest in August 1914 and an area of 450 hectares was marked for planting. A Punjab-based forester, Richard Parker, records the resilience of the native shrubs. Kishan held the opinion that restoration using natural regeneration could have worked instead of introducing new plants such as jamun and sheesham which require moisture and deeper soil, which the C Ridge was incapable of providing. Currently, the Ridge is rife with encroachments. Kishan, though, is hopeful of transforming as was done in the Mangarbani forest, in Haryana, with the dhau. A 'habitat specialist', it is capable of growing on steep slopes, can regenerate from its own stem, and grows sideways as well, forming green carpets along a rocky terrain. During the panel discussion, Ravindran spoke of the further degradation that came with the metro construction. It led to the never-ending debate upon the tradeoff between preserving natural ecology over development. Agarwal spoke of the importance of informed opinions for restoration and revival of the now lost natural vegetation. The experts collectively felt the only recourse was judicial and citizen action complemented by protection bodies that could work towards a masterplan for the C Ridge that would be a more solution-oriented way. Hia Mehra is an intern with the Indian Express
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 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
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Scotsman
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia by Sam Dalrymple review: 'alert to the details'
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... To convey the scope and subtlety of Sam Dalrymple's book, rather than refer readers to the subtitle – 'Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia' – it is better, I think, to sketch the outline of stories which encapsulate its capacity to fray and unpick preconceptions. Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru in conversation at the All-India Congress committee meeting at Bombay, 1946 | Getty Images In 1929-31 Gandhi travelled the breadth of 'British India'; from Aden (now in Yemen) to Rangoon (now in Myanmar, formerly Burma). In an interview he conducts, Dalrymple records that Mohammad Zaul Hassan says 'I was born in India, grew up in Bangladesh, became a citizen of Pakistan, now I'm British'. Salman Rushdie may have given the Partition of 14-15 August 1947 an almost mythic significance in his Booker winning Midnight's Children, but it is clear from this book that the whole situation was far, far more complex than a singular event. The message is more mess than messianic moment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Even in introducing his five partitions, Dalrymple is precise. The first is the partition of Burma from India; linked to both Bamar separatism and Hindu concerns about the integrity of the holy and ancient 'Bharat'. But, as he notes, the Straits Settlement and the Somaliland Protectorate occurred beforehand (in 1867 and 1898): the five here have been chosen not just for being post-World War One (which saw the dismantling of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires), but after the introduction of Indian Empire passports. It is ironic that this bureaucratic formality went hand in hand with its own disintegration. Sign up to our FREE Arts & Culture newsletter at The second partition was the ongoing divestment of the Arabian Peninsular states (including Aden). The third, which created West and East Pakistan, is the one that is now most associated with 'Partition', although the fourth – the partition of Princely India, with some 565 entities, including Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad, and Mysore, deciding whether to ally with Pakistan or India – is perhaps the most significant in terms of power dynamics. Finally, there is the 1971 secession of East Pakistan to become Bangladesh. This vast amount of material is handled admirably, particularly since Dalrymple keeps the hypotheticals in full view at the same time. None of the outcomes was pre-ordained or inevitable, and the contingencies are as informative. There are reasons why Bhutan, Nepal and Oman kept their independence while Sikkim, Nagaland and Junagadh did not. Both Nehru and Aung San contemplated the possibility of an Asiatic Federation, including Sri Lanka as well. The levels of brinksmanship are astonishing – one possible outcome, since 1974, has been nuclear, yet even without that, mass displacement, starvation and old fashioned brutality had done more than enough. Dalrymple, incidentally, should be commended for being very careful about the contested use of the word genocide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The nuancing of imperial history has been more of the most welcome features of modern historiography. On one hand, the subcontinent shows the ideological assertions of almost primal historicity. The definition of an ideal and ancient Hindu 'Bharat' both coalesces and excludes; even Pakistan's name, coined by Rahmat Ali and originally 'Pakstan', was both a partial acronym of Panjab, Afghania, Kashmir, Sindh and Baluchistan and a reference to the Persian word for pure. Some of these ideas are novelised in Gurnaik Johal's Saraswati, a fiction which might be slightly over-determined, but in its Calvino-esque braiding of stories is markedly more ambitious than most debuts. The insistence on aboriginal unity is offset with political theoretical problems about the right to separate: if secession is good enough for one area, why not for another? We are accustomed here to such arguments being deployed in terms of, say, Shetlandic or Orcadian independence. On the subcontinent this was exacerbated in the Princely States, where, for example, Jammu and Kashmir had a Muslim majority population and a Hindu ruler, Maharajah Hari Singh; while Hyderabad had a Hindu majority population and a Muslim ruler, the Nizam. It was in Kashmir that a Scottish officer, William Brown, decided to mutiny to prevent the areas, particularly Gilgit province, joining India. With 'three bottles of gin inside us', he and Jock Mathieson 'became uncontrollably hilarious… [and] created a terrific disturbance', raised the Pakistan flag and saw off the emergent 'United States of Gilgit'. Neighbouring Hunza and Nagar toyed, it was claimed, with succession to Russia instead. Despite the immensity of the canvas, Dalrymple is alert to the telling detail and the revealing anecdote. Although I particularly liked the monkeys purportedly trained to throw hand grenades, Dalrymple cleverly has his cake and eats it with such material. It is too good to not include the Nawab of Junagadh, with his 800 dogs, each with their own servant, and the ostentatiously lavish wedding for his favourite Roshana, to a Labrador called Bobby, even if, as he points it, it is not true. Of course, such orientalism is essentially a literary phenomenon, and the fact that such stories were told tells is more than the stark reality. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dalrymple is especially good at providing pen portraits of the key players – Jinna, Nehru and Aung San, as well as Gandhi, Menon, the Mountbattens and less well known figures like Naga nationalist Zapu Phizo. These state-level players are supplemented by written and oral people's histories. It is always an incomprehensible irony to me that we indulge in so much phony nostalgia for Empire in this county, and know so little of the Empire. As Kipling said, 'What do they know of England who only England know?' There ought to be a mammoth, epic, television series: but more The Hollow Crown rather than The Crown, please.
News18
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
AI No Threat To Authors, Says Salman Rushdie, 'Until It Can...'
Last Updated: Rushdie, who was speaking at the renowned Hay Festival in Wales, revealed that he has a simple benchmark for the safety of human authorship At the renowned Hay Festival in Wales, celebrated author Salman Rushdie shared his signature sharp and humorous insights on the hotly debated topic of artificial intelligence's impact on creative writing. Known for his wit and pointed commentary, Rushdie, the acclaimed author of 'Midnight's Children" and his recent memoir 'Knife", reassured writers that they need not worry, at least for now. His simple benchmark for the safety of human authorship? The day a robot successfully crafts a genuinely funny joke. 'I've never tried AI," Rushdie said to the audience with a grin. 'I pretend it doesn't exist. It has no sense of humour; you wouldn't want to hear a joke from ChatGPT." He underscored his viewpoint, stating definitively, 'If there's ever a moment when ChatGPT writes a funny book, I think we're in trouble." This appearance at the Hay Festival was one of Rushdie's most significant public engagements in the United Kingdom since the brutal stabbing attack he suffered in 2022, which left him blind in one eye. Despite this traumatic event, his characteristic resilience and sharp intellect were evident as he addressed contemporary issues in literature and technology. In 1989, Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie's death over alleged blasphemy in his novel The Satanic Verses. Following this, Rushdie went into hiding under British protection and later settled in New York, in the United States. The book was banned in 20 countries. Numerous killings and bombings have been carried out by extremists who cite the book as motivation, sparking a debate about censorship and religiously motivated violence. On August 12, 2022, while about to start a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York, Rushdie was attacked by 27-year-old Hadi Matar, who rushed onto the stage and stabbed him repeatedly, including in the face, neck, and abdomen. Matar was pulled away before being taken into custody by a state trooper; Rushdie was airlifted to UPMC Hamot, a tertiary trauma centre in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he underwent surgery before being put on a ventilator. On October 23, 2022, his agent reported that Rushdie had lost sight in one eye and the use of one hand but survived the murder attempt. The assailant, Hadi Matar, was sentenced in a New York court for the attempted murder of Rushdie. The author later said he was 'pleased" that the man had been handed the maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. (With agency inputs)
