What to Attend at Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest
- Featured Lifestyle
Zara Flavia Dmello- 43 minutes read
As Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest celebrates its 15th anniversary, it promises to be a compelling gathering of words, ideas, and inspiration. Held at the iconic NCPA in Nariman Point from 15-17 November 2024, the festival will host over 125 writers, speakers, and thinkers from 13 countries, offering three days of discussions, performances, and workshops that cover everything from poetry and history to business, travel, science fiction, and more.
If you’re attending on Day 3, don’t miss the awards ceremony—an opportunity to witness the recognition of outstanding works in fiction, non-fiction, business, and publishing. It’s the perfect chance to celebrate the achievements of today’s literary voices and stay connected with the brightest minds in the field.
For over a decade, Literature Live! has been a hub for readers and creators alike to engage with some of the world’s most influential authors, poets, and thinkers. From icons like Anita Desai and Salman Rushdie to contemporary voices such as Amitav Ghosh and Geetanjali Shree, the festival has consistently brought remarkable literary talent to Mumbai’s stage.
To help you make the most of this year’s festival, here’s a curated list of must-attend events, workshops, and sessions. If you’re in town looking for something to keep busy this weekend, prepare for a weekend full of literary conversations that will inform, inspire, and spark new ideas.
Day 1 – November 15, 2024
The Greatest Showman
Subhash Ghai launches Karma’s Child, followed by a conversation with Imtiaz Ali
Bollywood buffs must take note: Subhash Ghai, the iconic director whose films have defined drama and spectacle, is here to share his journey from an outsider to an industry titan. Joined by acclaimed director Imtiaz Ali, Ghai will dive into the stories behind his cinematic vision, offering insights into the dreams and struggles that shaped his career. This session promises more than just a recount of films; it’s an invitation to step into the mind of a creator who brought grand narratives and unforgettable moments to Indian cinema. For anyone captivated by the magic of movies, this is an unmissable chance to peek behind the scenes and hear directly from one of Bollywood’s greatest showmen.
When: November 15, 4.40pm-5.40pm
Where: Tata Theatre
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A Provocative Palette
Discussion about the radical imagination of FN Souza
Few artists have stirred both admiration and controversy like F.N. Souza, whose works reveal a raw, unfiltered view of human nature and societal norms. In this session, Janeita Singh and Kamini Sawhney, guided by Asad Lalljee, explore Souza’s complex legacy as discussed in F N Souza: The Archetypal Artist. Often unsettling, sometimes bewildering, Souza’s art captures a fearless exploration of themes that many shy away from. From his striking depictions of humanity’s more primal instincts to his bold challenges to accepted ideals, Souza’s canvases remain a fascinating study of an artist unafraid to resist his audience’s comfort zones.
When: November 15, 4:40pm-5:25pm
Where: Little Theatre
Book In Focus
A staged reading of The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, followed by an open discussion
To mark the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s death, The Metamorphosis has been chosen as this year’s Book In Focus at Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest 2024. The story of Gregor Samsa, a salesman who wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect, is both surreal and deeply human. This reading, chaired by Hrishi K, will be followed by an engaging discussion that explores Kafka’s themes of alienation, societal pressure, and the struggle for identity. The event also features a unique movement performance by Readings in the Shed, highlighting Samsa’s internal conflicts, while a visual installation offers an immersive experience of Kafka’s world.
When: November 15, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Where: Godrej Theatre
Day 2 – November 16, 2024
Many Strings To His Bow
L. Subramaniam in conversation with Kamala Ganesh
For most musicians, mastering one genre is a lifelong pursuit. But then, there are those like L. Subramaniam, whose curiosity and passion push them to explore far beyond their roots. With a foundation in Carnatic music, Subramaniam has spent his career blending sounds from Hindustani, jazz, and Western classical music, creating something uniquely his own. In this conversation, he’ll share his journey of musical exploration, including a groundbreaking approach to merging two seemingly disparate concepts: the Indian raga and Western harmony. This innovative framework aims to bring Indian compositions to Western orchestras, bridging two worlds of music and opening up endless possibilities.
When: November 16, 10:30am-11:15am
Where: Godrej Theatre
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Who Is Raising Whom?
A discussion on new hacks from new parents
How many mums and dads have found themselves scrolling through “gentle parenting” accounts on social media, wondering if the era of “because I said so” has truly faded? How many times have they debated the right screen time limits, only to find no answers in their own upbringing? If you’re a new parent curious about the evolving parent-child dynamic, join Neha J Hiranandani and Ruchita Dar Shah as they unpack their own parenting journeys, mothering books, challenges, and philosophies for raising the newest generation. This session, chaired by Sunita Wazir, dives into modern parenting’s practicalities, from tech to communication, and may just help you rethink some of those daily parenting dilemmas. The game has changed since the 2000s and these three women help you stay up to date.
When: November 16, 10:30am-11:10am
Where: Little Theatre
Sowing The Seed
Workshop on how to write a riveting opening paragraph
Writers know the struggle: the first paragraph can make or break your story. It’s the hook, the promise of what’s to come, the key to grabbing the reader’s attention and pulling them in. In this workshop, David Aliaga will guide participants through the art of crafting that all-important opening. From mapping the context of the story to the delicate balancing act of intrigue and clarity, Aliaga will share tips for writing a first paragraph that sets the stage for everything that follows. This session isn’t just for beginners—it’s for anyone who’s ever found themselves staring at a blank page, knowing that the right opening is the hardest part to get right. Writers will leave with a sharpened sense of how to create a compelling lead, and, of course, a freshly written opening to share.
When: November 16, 11:30am-1:00pm
Where: West Room 1
The Queer Writers’ Room
A creative showcase by young South Asian LGBTQIA+ writers
When it comes to discussing queerness in literature, we’re often quick to point to Western voices, overlooking the depth and scope of LGBTQIA+ narratives emerging from the South Asian subcontinent. In this showcase, four young writers—Dia Yonzon, Mesak Takhelmayum, Rukman Ragas, and Sara Haque—bring fresh perspectives from the motherland, and interweave their queer identities with faith, culture, and tradition. Part of an anthology to be published by Penguin Random House India, and supported by The Queer Muslim Project and The International Writing Program, this performance promises to challenge conventional storytelling and spotlight queer voices. For those eager to explore South Asian stories beyond the familiar, this session is an invitation to discover what’s been simmering on the fringes of literature.
When: November 16, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Where: Little Theatre
Wanderer Still
Pico Iyer in conversation with Shobhaa De
Travel isn’t just about destinations; for Pico Iyer, it’s the space in between—the meeting point of cultures, of self-discovery, and of transformation. As one of the world’s most acclaimed travel writers, Iyer’s books have taken readers on journeys both external and internal. His exploration of far-off lands is paired with a profound reflection on the human condition, offering more than just an account of a place—it’s a reflection on who we are when we leave behind the familiar. In this session, Shobhaa De will unravel Iyer’s reflections on the paradox of travel: how we venture out to lose ourselves, only to find something deeper in the process. If you’ve ever wondered about immersive, slow travel truly means, this is a chance to hear directly from the mind of a man who has spent decades wandering the globe—and, in many ways, never really left.
When: November 16, 5:10pm-6:10pm
Where: Tata Theatre
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Cooking Up A Storm
A discussion on Dalit recipes and the politics of Indian food
The Indian cuisine has long been shaped by Brahminical ideals, where food practices are not just a matter of taste but also of power. While food can be a warm testament to community and joy, caste hierarchies have also made it incredibly violent and divisive. This session led by Bhushan Korgaonkar and Shahu Patole, delves into a path-breaking cookbook that offer recipes of Mahar and Mang communities alongside an exploration on the politics of food and representation in India. Through this discussion, chaired by Shubhra Chatterji, Korgaonkar and Patole will shed light on how though food perpetuates oppression for Dalit groups, it can also act as a tool for reclaiming identity and heritage.
When: November 16, 6:15pm-7:00pm
Where: Godrej Theatre
Celebrating Women: The Shashi Baliga Memorial Session
Launch of Ila Arun’s Parde Ke Peechhey, followed by a conversation
Join a star-studded gathering that celebrates the journey of one of India’s most versatile artists, Ila Arun. The celebrated singer, actor, and director discusses her remarkable career that spans music, theatre, and film right from her roots in the arid landscapes of Rajasthan to her rise in Mumbai’s competitive entertainment industry. In this session, chaired by Gaurav Sharma, Arun will share her path to becoming a pioneer for women in the arts and award-winning actor Vidya Balan will offer her perspective on Arun’s impact on the industry, particularly in shaping female narratives. This conversation promises to be a celebration of women’s strength, creativity, and the power of breaking boundaries, with both Arun and Balan exemplifying the transformative impact of female talent in Indian entertainment.
When: November 16, 7:25pm-8:25pm
Where: Tata Theatre
Day 3 – November 17, 2024
Rotary Writing For Peace Award
Presentation of award to Urvashi Butalia followed by a conversation with Sameera Khan
The Rotary Writing for Peace Award honours those who have dedicated their lives to spreading peace and championing marginalised voices. This year’s awardee, Urvashi Butalia, a feminist scholar and activist, has made significant contributions to social justice and historical truth with her feminist publishing house Zubaan and her book The Other Side of Silence. In this session, Butalia will be in conversation with Sameera Khan, discussing her journey as a writer, and reflecting on the importance of giving a platform to the silenced. Together, they will explore how literature goes hand in hand with activism in their fight to speak truth to power.
When: November 17, 11:30am-12:15pm
Where: Godrej Theatre
Fresh Ink
Discussion on navigating our evolving literary landscape
The rules of the literary world are shifting. What once defined success—literary prestige, slow-burn narratives, or traditional publishing routes—no longer holds the same weight. In this conversation, Chandrahas Choudhury, David Aliaga, and Maddalena Vaglio Tanet, chaired by Antoine Lewis, explore how the changing demands of the digital age have influenced both readers and writers. How can emerging voices connect with an audience that craves instant content, yet still seeks depth? Do fragmented narratives and shorter forms signal the future, or is the shift simply a response to changing technologies? From India to Europe, these authors offer fresh insights into how young writers can carve their path in a world where attention is fleeting, but the desire for meaningful connection remains timeless.
When: November 17, 12:30pm-1:15pm
Where: Little Theatre
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Pinning The Location
Workshop on mastering the language of place in creative nonfiction
In this hands-on workshop led by Darius Stewart, writers will discover how to transform locations into vivid characters that add depth to their narratives. Whether you’re crafting a memoir, travelogue, or any form of creative nonfiction, understanding how to evoke the essence of place is essential. Writers often struggle with grounding their stories in a way that feels real and immersive. Stewart will guide participants through techniques that bring locations to life—by using sensory details, a strong sense of atmosphere, and a captivating prose style. Expect insightful excerpts from experts, and leave with practical tools to make place an integral part of your storytelling.
When: November 17, 1:30pm-3:00pm
Where: West Room 1
Echoes Of Empire
A conversation on colonialism’s legacy from Ireland to India
Join Jane Ohlmeyer and William Dalrymple, chaired by Dinyar Patel, as they explore the enduring legacy of European colonialism. This session delves into how Ireland functioned as a testing ground for Britain’s imperialist strategies, laying the foundation for the exploitation and violence that would later define its colonial rule in India. The discussion will then reflect on the ongoing presence of colonial structures in modern global institutions, highlighting the ways in which this repression has evolved but still influences contemporary power dynamics.
When: November 17, 2:15pm-3:15pm
Where: Experimental Theatre
Big Stories For Small Readers
Workshop on writing for children
This workshop, led by Maddalena Vaglio Tanet, arrives shortly after Children’s Day on November 14, making it a timely exploration of the profound influence childhood reading has on shaping our lives. Children’s literature is not just an avenue for imagination; it’s a radical creative process that challenges writers to communicate complex ideas in simple, impactful ways. This session, supported by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai, will delve into the significance of children’s books in various publishing markets, and the enduring power they hold to shape young minds.
When: November 17, 4:00pm-5:30pm
Where: West Room 1
