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Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Even if a gun is pointed at me, I have to write': Banu Mushtaq opens up about mental health struggles, next literary piece
Speaking about her mental health struggles over the last two years, Banu Mushtaq, who won the International Booker Prize 2025 for Heart Lamp in May, said her next literary piece, an autobiography, would be published towards the end of the year. 'There was a lot of backlash for what I wrote and my views. I had to face a lot of testing times. So many people tried to prevent me from writing even a single word, and I faced it all. Also, within the last two years, I suffered so much – a huge loss, about which I cannot tell you right now because all of it is written in my autobiography that is about to be published in December,' she said at a panel discussion on Heart Lamp at Kiran Nadar Museum in New Delhi on Monday. 'After these two years – with the help of a psychiatrist – I regained my mental health, came out of my fears, got a lot of courage, and started writing once again,' Mushtaq said. The panel, chaired by Penguin India editor Moutushi Mukherjee, also included Deepa Bhasthi, who translated the book from Kannada. Banu Mushtaq, who delved deep into the socio-political realities of Muslim communities in southern India, used melodrama, simple language, and culturally significant Urdu terms, concepts and beliefs in her stories, to outline the plight of oppressed women, marginalised communities and question the deeply ingrained patriarchal hegemony in society. By detailing the subtle power structures working within domestic spaces and scrutinising the gaping emotional scars inflicted on the downtrodden by patriarchy, lack of education and empathy, Mushtaq's stories provide a cathartic realisation to readers. But Mushtaq, being a lawyer and activist, is also deeply aware of the discontent and disagreements that may arise from different sections of the country due to her writings and fight for justice. She said: 'It is India wherein communal tensions are prevailing. With my writings, I might offend a Muslim or a Hindu. To both of them, I am responsible for all the backlash that they can cast against me. I am 77 now, my children are all settled and I am in such a state of mind that if at all they point a knife or gun at me, even then, I have to write. I have to be the voice of the marginalised; I have to tell the truth to this society.' Mushtaq believes that justice is served in two tiers in India. One is through the courts of law and the other through social justice. As society is ruled by patriarchy, women don't get any relief from social justice. She pointed out examples such as the jama'at, gram panchayat and even homes where justice is not given. However, women receive justice in courts. She said: 'There is a big difference between our social norms and constitutional values. Constitutional values guarantee equal rights, liberty and a right to be heard, whereas social justice denies all these things to a woman.' Deepa Bhasthi said that even though Heart Lamp contains a lot of references to Islamic laws, Ramayana and so forth, not adding footnotes or glossary was a conscious decision while translating: 'The whole point is to not cater to the Western audience. I don't see why we have to do that. We have never been catered to. When we read Western books, whether it is in translation or written in English, we have had to learn their references and popular culture elements. Now that there is Google, they can learn too.' Mehrun, who attempts suicide but finds the will to live again for the sake of her children in the story 'Heart Lamp'; Ashraf, who suffers grave injustice not only from the community but also from the jama'at, and loses her daughter Munni as a result of her husband Yakub's cruelty in 'Black Cobra'; and the mutawalli saheb in 'Fire Rain', who denies his sisters their property rights and kicks his wife Arifa for sleeping in the hall. These are all testimonies of Mushtaq's consciousness that is profoundly sensitive to the unjust treatment received by women, and also her attempts to awaken humanity to the dark realities around them. While concluding the discussion, Mushtaq compared the condition of Indian society in her teenage years and the present, saying, 'The present situation is far worse than my younger days. Now patriarchy is getting institutionalised. Even though women are allowed to read, go for higher studies, get jobs and are having good earnings, the society which dictates and directs them, which subjugates them, is highly patriarchal. The khap panchayat, jama'at, and even the entire society says, 'You should be an obedient servant. Nothing should go out of your home. Keep the secrecy.' Patriarchy is even more powerful today, and it must be properly addressed with the help of civil society.' Aishwarya Khosla is a journalist currently serving as Deputy Copy Editor at The Indian Express. Her writings examine the interplay of culture, identity, and politics. She began her career at the Hindustan Times, where she covered books, theatre, culture, and the Punjabi diaspora. Her editorial expertise spans the Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab and Online desks. She was the recipient of the The Nehru Fellowship in Politics and Elections, where she studied political campaigns, policy research, political strategy and communications for a year. She pens The Indian Express newsletter, Meanwhile, Back Home. Write to her at or You can follow her on Instagram: @ink_and_ideology, and X: @KhoslaAishwarya. ... Read More
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Motherhood, minus the filter: 4 candid books by Bollywood moms
(Written by Kaashvi Khubyani) In a world where motherhood is idealised, Bollywood moms are turning the pages. These celebrity authors have exchanged the red carpets with real talk, narrating their parenting journeys with honesty, wit and wisdom. From pregnancy cravings to postpartum transitions, their books offer a refreshing take on what it means to raise a child in the limelight while keeping it deeply personal. Here are some must-read books by Bollywood moms that go beyond the glamour and bring you closer to the emotional, physical, and mental rollercoaster of motherhood. By Kareena Kapoor Khan with Aditi Shah Bhimjyani Publication: Juggernaut Publication Available in: Paperback (392 pages)- Rs. 699 Kareena Kapoor's book is a trimester-by-trimester pregnancy guide co-authored with doctors and experts. From swollen feet to cravings and body image struggles, she keeps it real. With chapters on fitness, mental health, self-care, and mom guilt, Kareena makes space for both vulnerability and strength. In her work she discusses postpartum struggles- body changes, lack of sleep and breastfeeding. Backed by nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, she shared easy-to-follow diet tips emphasizing the importance of home cooked food. She also offered maternity style tips for moms-to-be while giving her own insights on how she styled her bump and stayed confident. With all the warmth and wit, this book encourages women to own their pregnancy their way. By Soha Ali Khan Publication: Penguin India (Penguin Random House India) Available in: Paperback (256 pages)- Rs. 299 Soha's essays offer glimpses into her life as a mother to daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu. Her reflections on balancing Nawabi legacy with modern-day parenting are subtle yet sharp. Her writing style is part sarcastic and part soulful which makes you laugh even as she gives gentle insights about motherhood. She touches on navigating 'new mom' insecurities- what to feed the baby, when to travel, what products to use- acknowledging how confusing motherhood can be. In her work, she appreciates how her husband Kunal Kemmu has been a hands- on father and highlights the importance of shared parenting responsibilities. The tone of the chapters is light-hearted yet insightful, filled with relatable anecdotes. By Tahira Kashyap Khurrana Publication: Juggernaut Publication Available in: Paperback (168 pages)- Rs. 299 Tahira, writer-filmmaker and wife of Ayushmann Khurrana, serves up a hilarious ride through the chaotic mess that is motherhood. Her book busts the myth of the 'perfect mom.' It's filled with deeply personal anecdotes that normalize mommy meltdowns, making you feel seen and safe. The book unpacks seven deadly sins- guilt, anger, envy, lust, pride, gluttony, sloth as candid chapters. She highlights the importance of self-love and individuality due to postpartum societal obsession like the pressure to shed baby weight. Sharing anecdotes, Tahira embraces her flaws with humor and warmth making the chapters feel relatable. With all the sarcasm and sass in her work, she provides a handbook for real motherhood. By Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Luke Coutinho Publication: Ebury Press Available in: Paperback (288 pages)- Rs. 350 Though not strictly a parenting book, Shilpa's co-authored work speaks to moms trying to maintain balance- for themselves and their children. With tips on Indian superfoods and natural eating, this book is about maintaining well-being. It also reflects how motherhood reshaped her own approach to diet, fitness and family health. Her book points at inculcating healthy food choices at a young age in so as they can stay for a lifetime. She advocates eating unprocessed foods- brown rice instead of white, homemade ghee and fresh juices. Shilpa's voice sound as relatable and grounded as she shares what she cooks at home, what her son eats and how food is an emotion in Indian households.
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
From The Namesake to Vanity Fair: 6 books that inspired Mira Nair's films and series
Filmmaker Mira Nair has long brought stories of identity and migration to the screen, some adapted from renowned literary works. As her son, Zohran Mamdani, makes headlines after defeating Andrew Cuomo in New York City's mayoral primary, it is worth revisiting the books that shaped Nair's cinematic legacy. From postcolonial satire to diaspora, these six books explore themes of belongingness. They continue to resonate with readers across generations—a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of identity and culture. From Calcutta to Cambridge, The Namesake follows the life of the Ganguli family. Ashoke Ganguli, an engineer, adapts to his new life. While, his wife Ashima remains emotionally attached to home. Their son is named Gogol, after a Russian writer. Gogol's name, much like himself, is an identity in limbo, never fully American, never truly Indian. Adapted into a film by Mira Nair of the same title, this novel shows the discomfort of belonging nowhere and the slow, aching journey toward becoming your own person. A biting portrait of ambition and hypocrisy of British society. Vanity Fair (Wordsworth Editions Ltd, 720 pages, Rs 435) shows two women on opposite ends of the moral scale. Becky Sharp, an orphan, with wit and ambition. And, Amelia Sedley, her sheltered, sentimental schoolmate. This book lays bare a society obsessed with status, exposing its vanity through the rise and fall of its unforgettable characters. Vanity Fair is a perfect portrayal of a world so obsessed with status that ambition is the only way up. No wonder Mira Nair chose to bring this book to screen. The true-story Disney film The Queen of Katwe (Scribner, 245 pages, Rs 1,324), directed by Mira Nair, is based on a book by Tim Cothers. In the slums of Katwe, Uganda, where finding food is a daily struggle, Phiona Mutesi discovers an unexpected lifeline- chess. She is taught by a war refugee turned coach. Our protagonist learns the game barefoot on a dirt floor. And she rises to become a national champion by age fifteen. The Queen of Katwe is the powerful true story of a girl who defies every odd stacked against her, proving that greatness can come from the unlikeliest places. Told as a monologue in a Lahore cafe. This novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist (Penguin India, 168 pages, Rs 250) shows the life of Changez, a Pakistani man who once chased the American dream. Then he begins to question everything after the 9/11 attacks. Changez begins to feel the slow erosion of identity and belongingness in a post-9/11 world. Adapted into a thriller by Mira Nair, it is a sharp and deliberately unsettling book. It poses a serious question- What happens when the world no longer sees you as one of its own? Set in the newly independent India of the 1950s, A Suitable Boy (Aleph Book Company, 1,552 pages, Rs 1999) is part love story, part political story. Lata Mehra, a young woman navigating family pressure and personal desire as her mother, Rupa Mehra, searches for a suitable husband for her. Sprawling across four interconnected families, the novel weaves together love, caste, religion and politics. It's a story of ordinary lives caught between tradition and change. Mira Nair adapted this into her BBC series of the same title. A mysterious royal claim, a crumbling palace and a reporter drawn into the story. The New York Times article The Jungle Prince of Delhi by Ellen Barry, follows the strange story of Begum Wilayat Mahal, who declared herself the queen of Oudh in the 1970s. She demanded lands from a kingdom that no longer existed. Barry's bond with Wilayat's son, Cyrus, leads her deep into the family's world. Through interviews and investigation, Barry reveals a tale shaped by Partition and a desperate need to belong. A haunting true story, which is now being adapted into Mira Nair's new series. (The writer is an intern with
Mint
24-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Engage with your work fully, whatever it might be: Hachette India MD Riti Jagoorie
Somak Ghoshal Riti Jagoorie, the first woman set to take on a CEO-level role in a multinational publishing firm in India, speaks about her vision for the company and the future of publishing Hachette India MD Riti Jagoorie says she will focus on building local publishing. Gift this article On 12 June, Thomas Abraham, Managing Director of the India chapter of the multinational publishing firm Hachette, announced his retirement after 18 years. Since 2007, when he joined Hachette after leaving his role as CEO and President of Penguin India, Abraham has steered the company from an Rs8 crore company to an Rs100 crore thriving publishing house. As he moves on, Riti Jagoorie, Vice-President of Product and Marketing at Hachette, will be taking over as Managing Director from January 2026. On 12 June, Thomas Abraham, Managing Director of the India chapter of the multinational publishing firm Hachette, announced his retirement after 18 years. Since 2007, when he joined Hachette after leaving his role as CEO and President of Penguin India, Abraham has steered the company from an Rs8 crore company to an Rs100 crore thriving publishing house. As he moves on, Riti Jagoorie, Vice-President of Product and Marketing at Hachette, will be taking over as Managing Director from January 2026. Arguably the first woman to take on a CEO-level role in the India arm of a multinational publishing firm, Jagoorie has a lot on her plate. She started her career at Scholastic in 2005, where she ran the Book Club channel for three years before moving to Hachette as a Product Manager. 'Books are my passion and this was my calling," Jagoorie says. '[The Twilight series] was taking over the world when I joined Hachette and I saw first-hand what a massive bestseller can do. That fad lasted many years and then Gone Girl arrived and with it a spate of psychological thrillers. Right now, it's the BookTok bestsellers that are ruling the roost." While big ideas continue to drive the non-fiction list, 'what has remained constant is that we are primarily a back-list driven market," Jagoorie adds. In an email interview with Lounge, she discussed her new role and the future of publishing. Edited excerpts. As you step into your new role at Hachette India, what are your priorities? I want to ensure that we continue to deliver profitable growth. I would like to focus on building our local publishing programme and increase its contribution to the top-line revenue. We have had many commercial successes and critically acclaimed titles across genres, and I would like to continue that while also gunning for some big acquisitions. Speed to market, optimising the supply chain and moving as much as we can to local printing will also be a priority for me. It's good for the business and for the environment. Engaging with our readers directly whether through consumer fairs or building communities will also be a key area. I will ensure that we continue to work closely with bookstores across the country. Curation is so important for a publisher with the depth of range we have, and real discoverability happens only in a bookstore. That ecosystem is imperative to growing readership. You are the first woman to have a CEO-level job at an international trade publishing house in India. What changes do you hope to see for women in publishing leadership? Book publishing as an industry generally has a strong representation of women in senior roles (certainly Hachette has had that) and there are many indie entrepreneur publishers who are women. Thomas Abraham (the outgoing MD) has made it a point to emphasize that while they're delighted that I happened to be a woman for its representational importance, the board doesn't go in for quotas and it was the best person for the job that was the key driver of the appointment process. So, I'm happy to believe that it was an equal opportunity appointment. That said I'm not blind to the glass ceiling that exists in the workforce here and in other industries and if my story as a woman who has worked her way up to the top job is seen as positive symbolism and as something that others can emulate, I'll gladly take that. This milestone means a lot—it's taken a lot of work to get here. I strongly believe in 'owner mentality' which is one of the key pillars of Hachette: you must engage with your work fully, whatever area it might be. The Indian publishing industry is navigating shifts in digital readership, regional languages and AI tools. What emerging trends excite you most? I am glad to see the interest in translated works of fiction and non-fiction. It gives us the opportunity to widen the scope of our publishing and include narratives from different cultures and languages. The sway that social media holds over the younger generation of readers has driven the sales of certain genres like romance and fantasy. Cosy crime has seen an uptick and it's wonderful to see readers embrace a series like The Bangalore Detectives Club that fits right in. The popularity of shows and films, like Dune, The Wheel of Time and Bridgerton, has led to a surge in sales of the books these are based on. One of the biggest challenges we face is piracy. We have been working towards combating it, but it will need a concerted effort from the publishing industry to eliminate it. Navigating a rapidly changing tech landscape and workplace dynamics will need an open but informed approach. What are some editorial directions you're keen to expand? I am very keen on expanding our narrative non-fiction list, especially history, politics, current affairs and business. Our fiction list has a mix of all genres be it literary fiction, science fiction fantasy, horror, crime, historical fiction and romance, and we will continue to publish in these areas. I am also keen on publishing diverse voices from across the country and exploring different subjects. I would like to publish the heavy hitters (in terms of revenue) and also leave some room for the 'passion' projects—that's what makes publishing fun after all! We entered the picture books segment last year and that will be a focus area while we continue to publish fiction and non-fiction for children of all ages. We've started the Reference division recently and have published books under the iconic Chambers brand and launched series like Quick and Concise. We will be expanding the list while building the right distribution channels for it. Tell us about some of your favourite authors and books. There are far too many! I grew up reading Enid Blyton and then graduated to Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Georgette Heyer. I love Tintin, Calvin and Hobbes, and the Asterix comics. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Manjula Padmanabhan, Philip Pullman, Shehan Karunatilaka and Sarah Waters are some of my favourite writers. I love a good thriller: The Devotion of Suspect X (Keigo Higashino), The Talented Mr Ripley (Patricia Highsmith) and After the Crash (Michael Bussi) are some favourites. I am a film buff and love books on films and filmmakers. Hitchcock by Francois Truffaut and Ingmar Bergman's memoir The Magic Lantern are my top two. I also love children's books—Taranauts by Roopa Pai, Moin and the Monster by Anushka Ravishankar and Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Maus and Persepolis are my favourite graphic novels. Also read: MTR Restaurants' Hemamalini Maiya is a custodian of food history Topics You May Be Interested In
United News of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
IIM Kozhikode Reports 100% Growth in Women Enrolment for Executive Postgraduate Management Programme
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 18: Marking a major milestone in gender diversity, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode has seen women's participation in its two-year Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) rise to 26 per cent—a 100 per cent increase over the past three cohorts. The increase reflects a growing aspiration among women professionals to pursue advanced management education at one of the country's most respected institutions. This sharp rise in participation follows IIM Kozhikode's strategic efforts to increase inclusivity and expand access to leadership education for working professionals. Women now account for over a quarter of the current cohort, a development celebrated by Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode recently during a recent masterclass on 'Mindful Leadership' in Bengaluru. The event, attended by senior professionals from across the country, showcased the institute's commitment to attracting diverse talent from various sectors. In this interactive session, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee delved into the importance of the concept of Mindfulness and how awareness and clarity of thought and action prove to be decisive for managers making informed choices. The admission for the upcoming 18 th batch is currently underway, and learners can apply here. Prof. Chatterjee highlighted the EPGP's evolving approach to learning—one that prioritises accessibility, innovation and real-world application. 'This has been our vision from the beginning. We are proud to see women increasingly choosing IIM Kozhikode's EPGP as the destination to build leadership capability. Our aim is to continue enhancing women's representation across all our academic programmes,' he said. Prof. Chatterjee also unveiled his new book ' 1 Minute Wisdom', a compilation of leadership and life lessons at the event, published by Penguin India. Ranked second among IIMs in India and 22nd in the Asia-Pacific region in the QS Executive MBA Rankings 2025, IIM Kozhikode has solidified its position as a leading choice for mid-career professionals. The 15th batch of the EPGP recently graduated with a record-breaking 615 learners. The programme continues to draw learners from India's major metropolitan cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata. Urban enrolment has surged from 51% in the 13th batch to 67% in the 17th batch, indicating a broader awareness of the programme's value in preparing professionals for leadership roles that span functions and industries. The institute has also seen increased enrolment from candidates with non-engineering backgrounds—rising to 25% of the batch cohort — as professionals from sectors beyond technology seek to strengthen their management acumen. This diversification reflects the widening appeal of IIMK's curriculum among professionals seeking to transition into strategic and leadership positions. 'With over 5,000 professionals having progressed since inception, EPGP has been instrumental in shaping domain experts into strategic decision-makers. The industry-agnostic nature of the programme, combined with our distinguished faculty and real-world pedagogy, continues to draw a diverse cohort year after year. Our strong public and private sector partnerships, along with platforms like IIMK LIVE—our entrepreneurship development centre—provide learners with unmatched exposure, opportunity and a launchpad for innovation and growth. These elements have allowed the programme to evolve rapidly and remain highly relevant in today's dynamic business environment,' he added. The Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management continues to attract professionals from a variety of domains such as IT, aerospace, public sector, education, manufacturing, finance, energy and consulting. Around 30% of the current cohort comprises individuals with six to nine years of professional experience, indicating strong interest from mid-level managers aiming to accelerate their career growth. Admissions are now open for the 18th batch of the Executive Postgraduate Programme in Management. The curriculum combines core subjects such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Operations and Human Resources with contemporary electives like International Business, Corporate Accountability, and Digital Transformation. Delivered through a combination of live online sessions, case discussions, assignments and industry projects, the two-year programme also includes three one-week campus and international immersions through its global collaborations. Learners benefit from guidance by distinguished IIMK faculty and senior industry leaders, as well as lifetime access to a professional alumni network of over 13,000 members across sectors and geographies. About Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode ( The fifth IIM to be established by the Government of India in 1996, IIMK started its academic journey in 1997 with its flagship Postgraduate Program (PGP). The Institute is on a high-growth trajectory today, offering the widest range of academic programs in the field of management education. These include Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD), Executive PG Programmes, Management Development Programmes and Faculty Development Programs. IIMK set up a Satellite campus at Infopark, Kochi, in 2013, dedicated to Executive Education. IIMK also has the unique distinction of launching a PhD (Practice Track) programme for working professionals, besides bringing in new dynamic courses like a one-year Post Graduate programme in Business Leadership (2019), MBA in Finance, and MBA in Liberal Studies & Management (2020). The institute is also home to IIMK LIVE a first-of-its-kind startup incubation programme, the Indian Business Museum and six other Centres of Excellences encompassing diverse areas. IIMK is ranked 3rd as per NIRF India Rankings 2024: Management. The institute also made its global debut for its flagship MBA and EMBA programme in the 2020/21 QS World University Rankings. In 2023, IIM Kozhikode also broke into the Top 100 in the Financial Times Ranking for Master's in Management (MBA) and gained 9 spots in 2024 to reach global #68. The Institute also attained global rank #70 in the FT Open Enrollment Programme for 2024. The Institute is globally accredited by EQUIS (EFMD) and AMBA (UK).
