SALMAN RUSHDIES

Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie CH FRSL, born on June 19, 1947 in Bombay, is an acclaimed Indian-born British-American novelist renowned for his intricate blending of magic realism with historical fiction. His literary works often explore the intricate connections, disruptions, and migrations between Eastern and Western civilizations, predominantly set on the Indian subcontinent. Rushdie rose to prominence with his second novel, "Midnight's Children" (1981), which not only won the Booker Prize but also earned recognition as "the best novel of all winners" on two significant occasions.

However, Rushdie's literary success was overshadowed by controversy following the publication of his fourth novel, "The Satanic Verses" (1988). This book sparked outrage within the Islamic world, leading to a fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran, calling for Rushdie's execution. The novel's perceived irreverent depiction of Muhammad triggered numerous assassination attempts and death threats against Rushdie, culminating in a stabbing incident during a lecture in 2022.

Despite the challenges posed by the fatwa, Rushdie's contributions to literature have been widely recognized. He was knighted in 2007 for his services to literature and has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Booker Prize and the Austrian State Prize for European Literature. Rushdie has also been influential in academia, serving as a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University and being elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Beyond his literary achievements, Rushdie has been an outspoken advocate for free expression and has taken stances on various political and social issues. He has supported movements against the niqab and advocated for gun control in the United States. Rushdie has also been critical of religious extremism and has spoken out against human rights violations in regions such as Kashmir. Additionally, he has been actively involved in initiatives supporting marginalized groups and has been a vocal critic of political leaders such as Imran Khan and Narendra Modi.

In his personal life, Rushdie has been married five times, with his first four marriages ending in divorce. He has undergone surgery to correct a medical condition affecting his eyelids and has been residing in the United States since 2000. Rushdie's multifaceted life and career reflect a commitment to artistic expression, social activism, and intellectual inquiry.

REFERENCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salman_Rushdie