The Jaipur Literature Festival 2018 is all set to begin on the 25th of January, and with it, comes the promise and expectation of listening to distinguished people talk about their work and the troubles that plague today’s society. The upcoming event will play host to over 250 writers from over 35 countries, and with such a wide assortment of speakers, it could be difficult to choose which talk you would like to attend. No cause for concern, because we have compiled a list of accomplished people who will make it worth your while.
1. Anurag Kashyap
Who he is: Bollywood director, writer, and producer
Claim to fame: Directed the critically acclaimed films Black Friday, Dev.D, and Ugly.
What to look forward to: Controversies have followed him through his journey in tinsel town, starting from his very first film, Paanch, which has still not be released. So you can expect a no holds barred conversation from him at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2018, on his adventures and misadventures in Bollywood.
When and where: 26th January, 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM, at Samvad.
2. Hamid Karzai
Who he is: Former President of Afghanistan
Claim to fame: Became Head of State after the previous Taliban government was overthrown post the September 11 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York.
What to look forward to: Taking over from the tumultuous Taliban regime, Karzai guided Afghanistan for nearly a decade through turbulent times and has survived numerous assassination attempts on him, which is what you can expect him to elaborate on at the event.
When and where: 26th January, 02:30 – 03:30 PM, at the Front Lawn.
Also read: 11 Tips For Making The Most Of Your Visit To JLF 2018
3. Helen Fielding
Who she is: Novelist and screenwriter
Claim to fame: Author of the bestselling novel Bridget Jones’s Diary, and its sequels.
What to look forward to: Her novel on a single woman’s personal and work-related struggles in London captured the imaginations of millions in the late 20th century, and Bridget Jones also found herself being portrayed in Hollywood. The Jaipur Literature Festival 2018 will see Fielding talk about her experiences about bringing the much-loved character to life through her writing.
When and where: 27th January, 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM, at the Front Lawn.
4. Amy Tan
Who she is: Novelist and essayist
Claim to fame: Author of the critically acclaimed novel The Joy Luck Club.
What to look forward to: Her vivid description of the lives led by Chinese Americans living in the USA in her novel earned her much critical acclaim, and was even made into a Hollywood movie. The insight was also evident in all her subsequent novels, and will also form the central core of her speech at the event.
When and where: 27th January, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, at Charbagh.
5. Michael Ondaatje
Who he is: Novelist, poet, and editor
Claim to fame: Author of the bestselling novel The English Patient.
What to look forward to: After his most famous work was made into a film starring Ralph Fiennes, his fourth work, Anil’s Ghost, concentrated on the civil war that raged Sri Lanka during the 1980s. Critically acclaimed for his dissection of ethics and human rights violations, the Jaipur Literature Festival 2018 will see him speak about his thought process and vision whilst writing the novel.
When and where: 29th January, 03:45 – 04:45 PM, at Samvad.
6. Rupi Kaur
Who she is: Poet and illustrator
Claim to fame: Author of the acclaimed anthology milk and honey.
What to look forward to: The Canadian poet of Punjabi descent is a strong advocate of feminism, equality, and awareness of domestic abuse; all themes that can be found in her debut anthology. Her talk will focus on all these issues that plague the modern, post-truth world, and it is bound to be an eye-opener for many.
When and where: 25th January, 05:15 – 06:15 PM, at the Front Lawn.
7. Sujatha Gidla
Who she is: New York City subway conductor
Claim to fame: Author of the critically successful novel Ants Among Elephants.
What to look forward to: Gidla operates the busy subway train in New York City, the first Indian born woman to do it. An impressive feat, and add to it the fact that her debut novel has created many a ripple for its scathing exposé on the treatment of ‘untouchables’ and casteism in ‘modern’ India. No surprises if her talk at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2018 also creates more ripples.
When and where: 29th January, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, at the Front Lawn.
8. Michael Rezendes
Who he is: Investigative journalist
Claim to fame: Investigated and reported the cover-up of sexual abuse in the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.
What to look forward to: The film, Spotlight, shined the… well, spotlight, on a sexual abuse racket pervading the Roman Catholic archdiocese in Boston. Mark Ruffalo played the part of Rezendes, the intrepid Boston Globe journalist who helped uncover the illicit activity. So gear up for a riveting session that will concentrate on his hunt for the truth.
When and where: 28th January, 02:30 – 03:30 PM, at the Front Lawn.
9. Manoranjan Byapari
Who he is: Writer
Claim to fame: Noted Dalit writer in Bengali.
What to look forward to: The Bengali rickshaw puller gained recognition as an influential writer who shed light on the trials and tribulations faced by the Dalits and other marginalized minorities. The Jaipur Literature Festival 2018 will serve as an effective platform for him to raise his speech for the downtrodden in the country.
When and where: 25th January, 03:45 – 04:45 PM, at the Durbar Hall.
10. Zakir Hussain
Who he is: Tabla player (Hindustani classical)
Claim to fame: Multiple award-winning music maestro.
What to look forward to: He is one of the most eminent and most well-known musicians in India. Do you need any other reason to look forward to his session? His talk will center on how music has influenced and shaped his career and his life, and how it can shape yours too.
When and where: 25th January, 02:30 – 03:30 PM, at the Front Lawn.
CONCLUSION
The Jaipur Literature Festival 2018 offers a myriad of opportunities to listen to some of the most distinguished personalities from various walks of life as they impart their experience and wisdom. So if you yearn for enlightenment or just want to listen to how people have overcome various struggles, this is the place to be.
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