Jaipur Literature Festival is finally here. And as a book-lover, the thrill of coming face to face with my favourite writers, hearing them talk about the creation of their books and getting them autographed is heaven on earth. This annual festival held in the pink city of Jaipur is a five-day literary extravaganza with book readings, discussions at Diggi Palace, Jaipur. All set to begin today, it will go on till January 28. It is the perfect way to unwind and explore the best in literature. From Javed Akhtar to Jeffrey Archer and Gulzar, distinguished authors will take the stage to talk about their journey to success. The one thing that makes me a fan of literature festivals is the warm and comfort the event represents, everyone is excited about the same things as you and even the most famous writers are welcoming enough to take some time out and interact with their fans.
If you are planning a weekend getaway to this paradise of pages, then I’ve made the perfect itinerary for you! The event has often various programs going on at the same time at different parts of the palace, which makes it difficult to decide which speaker you should be attending. Which is why I sat down to pick out the most exciting sessions from the Jaipur Literature Festival 2019, which you just can’t miss!
24th January
Source: Instagram
Because We Are: A Portrait of My Father
Father-daughter duo Gulzar and Meghna Gulzar talk about their words and her latest book, Because He Is… which explores Gulzar’s journey. The event is moderated by author, Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri of Icons From Bollywood fame.
Time: 11:15 – 12:15 AM
#Tharoorisms
Member of the Parliment and internet sensation, Shashi Tharoor gets into a conversation with editor, Mihir Swarup Sharma about his ideologies fondly known as Tharoorisms.
Time: 3:45 – 4:45 PM
25th January
Source: Instagram
Morning Music
What better way to start your Friday morning with Usha Uthup’s heartwarming music.
Time: 9:15 – 9:50 AM
Jiya Jale: Stories Behind the Songs
Lyricist and writer, Gulzar and writer, producer, Nasreen Munni Kabir get into a conversation with the Managing Director of Teamworks Arts, Sanjoy K. Roy about the stories behind their art.
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Jan Nisar and Kaifi
Poet, lyricist and screenwriter, Javed Akhtar sits down with his wife and actress, Shabana Azmi, authors Pavan K. Varma and Rana Safvi discuss the heritage of iconic poets and screenwriters, Jan Nisar and Kaifi Azmi.
Time: 12:30 – 1:30
26th January
Source: Instagram
Call Me by Your Name
The Call Me By Your Name author, Andre Aciman gets into a conversation with The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay author, Siddharth Dhanvant Shangvi.
Time: 11:15 – 12:15 PM
For Abba, With Love
Actress Shabana Azmi talks about her famous father, Urdu poet, Kaifi Azmi in conversation with author Rakhshanda Jalil.
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Heads You Win
Famous author Jeffrey Archer talks about stepping into politics and his latest book with Barkha Dutt.
Time: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
27th January
Source: Instagram
Before and After Pi
The Life Of Pi author, Yann Martel in conversation with Bombay-based author Jerry Pinto about how his life has changed after the best-selling novel.
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Healed: Life Learnings from Manisha Koirala
After surviving ovarian cancer, actress Manisha Koirala talks about her journey to Sanjoy K. Roy, the Managing Director of Teamworks Arts.
Time: 11:15 – 12:15 PM
Make Love Not Scars: Being Reshma
Acid attack survivor, Reshma Qureshi, activist Ria Sharma and the founder of the NGO Make Love Not Scars (MLNS), Tania Singh sits down to discuss the issue of violence against women with the journalist, Namita Bhandare.
Time: 1:40 – 2:20 PM
28th January
Source: Instagram
What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape
The session has the author of What We Talk about When We Talk about Rape, Sohaila Abdulali in conversation with the journalist, Namita Bhandare.
Time: 11:15 – 12:15 PM
Calling Sehmat
The author of Calling Sehmat, the book that inspired the Bollywood film, Raazi, Harinder Sikka talks about the book with Sanjoy K. Roy.
Time: 1:40 – 2:20 PM
Auld Lang Zyne – Bite Bitayein Performance by Isheeta Ganguly
Isheeta Ganguly, the renowned writer, director of THREE WOMEN & a Tagore fusion singer, will perform alongside Auld Lang Zyne – Bite Bitayein, Arranged by Pritam, to close the 12th edition of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival.
Time: 6:20 – 6:40 PM
If you are a fan of unconventional music, the festival also has a Jaipur Music Stage initiative taking place at Hotel Clarks Amer post the sessions at the Literature Festival every day. Check out the details here.
Featured Image: Jaipur Literature Festival
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