8 Speakers You Cannot Miss at Jaipur Literature Festival 2016

It’s that time of the year again, when bookworms frantically plan their itineraries for a weekend graced by the who’s-who of literature at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) from 21 – 25 January.  But with over 100 speakers, ranging from Nobel laureates and Booker winners to debut authors and local language writers, things can get a little bit intimidating if you don’t know where to start. So if this is your first time at JLF (or even if it isn’t), here’s our pick of a few speakers you should definitely catch this year: 

1.  Margaret Atwood

She’s the biggie this year at JLF, by which we mean she’s this year’s keynote speaker. A Man Booker winner, Atwood is one of the most celebrated writers of our generation, with her work ranging from fiction, poetry to critical essays. Her MaddAddam trilogy is currently being adapted for HBO. 

One book to read before JLF: The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian novel set in a future Christian totalitarian regime.

2.  Stephen Fry

Another super-celebrity actor, writer, comedian who will grace JLF this year is Stephen Fry. He’s famous for his hilarious acting roles (mostly with his longtime friend Hugh Laurie of House fame) in Blackadder, Jeeves and Wooster and A Bit of Fry & Laurie. He’s also written several (mostly humorous) books and documentaries.

One show to watch before JLF: The Emmy-Award winning Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive.

3.  Alexander McCall Smith

If you are a fan of mystery and you haven’t read Smith’s The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, you’re missing out! This Scottish author has written several popular series including The Sunday Philosophy Club and 44 Scotland Street, and his session is bound to be as warm, witty and heartwarming as his writing.

One book to read before JLF: The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, the first of Smith’s beloved series about the all-woman detective agency in Botswana, Africa. 

4.  Marlon James

This year’s rising star, James is a Jamaican author whose A Brief History of Seven Killings has won him the 2015 Man Booker Prize. 

One book to read before JLF: A Brief History of Seven Killings, about the attempted assassination of Bob Marley.

5.  Meera Syal 

You might remember her from The Kumars at No. 42 or Goodness Gracious Me. This talented actor and playwright is the author of books like Anita and Me and The House of Hidden Mothers.

One show to watch before JLF: A few episodes of the hilarious The Kumars at No 42. 

6.  Anuja Chauhan

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This advertising guru is often hailed as the queen of romantic-comedy fiction.  Besides having crafted brand taglines like ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’ and ‘Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai’, Anuja is also the author of four bestselling novels including The Zoya Factor and The Pricey Thakur Girls.

One book to read before JLF: The Pricey Thakur Girls, the hilarious story of the lives and loves of four young girls growing up in 1980s Delhi.

7.  Ronnie Screwvala​

From pioneering cable TV in India to creating and heading UTV, from formulating India’s first daily soap, Shanti, to producing stellar films like Rang De Basanti and No One Killed Jessica, Ronnie Screwvala has done it all! He has been named one of the Most Influential People of the 21st Century by Esquire and has authored a book, Dream With Your Eyes Open. 

One book to read before JLF: His autobiography Dream With Your Eyes Open that chronicles his journey and offers advice to young professionals looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

8.  Laxmi Narayan Tripathi

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Tripathi is a transgender rights activist, actress and dancer, who is the first transgender person to represent Asia-Pacific in the UN. She was one of the people instrumental in the Supreme Court’s recent judgment recognizing the ‘third gender’. Her session is bound to be interesting and informative. 

One book to read before JLF: Tripathi’s autobiography, Me Hijra, Me Laxmi.

If you’re on the lookout for up-and-coming talent, who are sure to provide a fresh zing to the JLF this time around, here are the 5 authors you should watch out for.

To catch the whole list of speakers and the schedule, go here.

Looking for things to do in Jaipur when you’re not attending the Lit Fest? Here you go. 

Want to spend all your money on books? Here’s how to do Jaipur on a budget. 

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Jaipur (flights and hotels here) this month for a heady dose of culture!