The two-time National Award-winning actor, filmmaker and producer fielded questions on the lack of a godfather in cinema, the casting couch phenomenon and her earlier life as a single unmarried mother…reports Asian Lite News
“I wouldn’t have written the book if I weren’t successful,” quipped veteran Indian actor Neena Gupta about her 2021 memoir Sach Kahun Toh: An Autobiography as she sent a houseful of fans into peals of laughter at the Sharjah International Book Fair happening at Expo Centre Sharjah.In a freewheeling conversation with journalist Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Neena Gupta regaled a rapt audience with a humorous,sardonic yet matter-of-fact take on her unconventional life and the Indian Hindi film industry.
Gupta, who was accompanied by her husband Vivek Mehra, refuted that it was a searing account of the ups and downs in her life “because it is dangerous to speak the truth”. “I haven’t revealed the most vulnerable part of my life though I have always been honest about the way I behave, dress, or eat. But because of my profession, the press made me look like someone else,” said the actor, who is best known for her 2018 movie Badhai Ho.
The two-time National Award-winning actor, filmmaker and producer fielded questions on the lack of a godfather in cinema, the casting couch phenomenon and her earlier life as a single unmarried mother. “Most of my life I worked for money because I had no money,” she opened up. National awards did not bring her many offers, and “if it weren’t for Badhai Ho, I would still be doing smaller roles”, she stated. Regarding her daughter Masaba, whose OTT release Masaba Masaba became a big hit, Gupta said she had dissuaded her from the field.
The actor said that she had chosen Covid to pen her witty and unapologetically funny memoir; the time was also right because some of her close kin had passed away and the revelations would no longer matter to them. She said she had “some good memories” about Masaba’s father cricketer Vivian Richards. Her advice to fans was to “move on in life whatever happens”.
Sach Kahun Toh (meaning To tell the Truth) chronicles Gupta’s extraordinary personal and professional journey – from her childhood days in Delhi, through her time at NSD, to moving to Bombay in the 1980s and dealing with the struggles to find work. It details the big milestones in her life, and a successful second innings in Bollywood. A candid, self-deprecating portrait of the person behind the persona, it talks about her life’s many choices, battling stereotypes, then and now.
Through their literary prowess, new authors are crafting tales that challenge conventional notions of time and space while honouring the richness of African heritage…reports Asian Lite News
As part of the cultural programme curated by the 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, the spotlight was cast upon the esteemed Nigerian Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka. In an engaging discussion, Wole Soyinka and the distinguished Sudanese poet, Alim Abbas, captivated the audience with their enlightening discussion titled ‘Exploring Afrofuturism: Reimagining Black Identity and Culture in Contemporary Literature.’
panel discussion titled ‘Exploring Afrofuturism: Reimagining Black Identity and Culture in Contemporary Literature.’’ during the 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair
In a room filled with literary enthusiasts, the two authors explored how Africa should be portrayed in the rapidly growing world of literature. The session began with the moderator setting the stage, emphasising the emerging movement within contemporary African literature, which envisions a future that is firmly grounded in a reimagined and redefined sense of identity and culture.
Celebrating resilience and cultural dynamism
This movement, known as Afrofuturism, is, in the words of Wole Soyinka, “encapsulating a visionary blend of science fiction, historical fiction, and magical realism, serving as a conduit for the exploration and reimagining of the black experience.” By weaving elements of technology, ancient traditions, and a deep-seated cultural pride, Afrofuturist writers carve out a unique space where the past, present, and future converge in exhilarating ways.
Through their literary prowess, new authors are crafting tales that challenge conventional notions of time and space while honouring the richness of African heritage. These academic pioneers infuse their works with a vibrant tapestry of mythologies, folklore, and cutting-edge technological innovations, constructing a narrative landscape that celebrates resilience and cultural dynamism.
Expanding on this concept Soyinka said, “Within the realm of Afrofuturism, the exploration of identity takes the helm, delving into the complexities of what it means to be black in a rapidly evolving world. Through their protagonists, these writers navigate themes of displacement, cultural erasure, and the quest for self-discovery, offering a lens through which readers can reflect on the multifaceted nature of the African experience.”
Storytelling: A vehicle for transformation and empowerment
Alim Abbas, on the other hand, noted that the impact of Afrofuturism extends beyond the realms of literature and permeates various art forms. He further pointed out that the infusion of futuristic elements into traditional African aesthetics has sparked a global renaissance, fostering a sense of empowerment and cultural pride among individuals of African descent.
Abbas gave the audience his perspective of the emerging genre saying, “Afrofuturism stands as a testament to the power of storytelling as a vehicle for transformation and empowerment. By embracing the boundless potential of the imagination, Afrofuturist authors continue to redefine the narrative of black identity and culture, forging a path toward a future that is both technologically advanced and deeply rooted in the essence of African heritage.”
UAEBBY launches 14th Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s literature at LBF 2022
Held as part of Sharjah’s Market Focus programme, UAEBBY also unveiled a new online platform that facilitates ease of registration and application…reports Asian Lite News
The 14th iteration of the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature has been announced at the 49th London Book Fair (LBF), in the presence of Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), and Founder and Honourary President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY). A new and improved online platform of the award was also launched at the international book fair.
These announcements are part of UAEBBY’s participation at LBF 2022 where Sharjah is being celebrated as Market Focus. The region’s leading award that celebrates excellence in Arabic children’s literature, is organised by the UAEBBY and sponsored by Etisalat.
The launch event was also attended by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, who is heading the Sharjah delegation at the book fair; HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA); and Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY.
Registrations for the Etisalat Award are now open for content creators, authors, illustrators and publishers of children and young people’s literature worldwide, who can submit applications online through the award’s new online platform.
New design
The online platform is designed using the latest technologies to ensure ease of registration and application. It enables easier management of entries to each category, including adding, deleting, or modifying data without the need to re-register.
The new online platform will also allow the jury to review and read the entries online, add their feedback and evaluate the books before their official meetings, all aimed at saving time and effort and ensuring more accurate results.
Remarkable success
Abdulaziz Taryam, CEO, Advisor and General Manager of Etisalat – Northern Emirates, said: “Supporting the award underscores our unwavering commitment to collaborate with our partners to build a creative generation and offer quality content that meets the needs of our communities and contribute to promoting children and young people’s book industry.”
Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, said that the launch of the 14th Etisalat Award at LBF 2022 where Sharjah is being celebrated as Market Focus, marks yet another achievement in fulfilling the vision of Sharjah’s cultural project. She added that the award has succeeded in supporting the book industry with quality books for children and young people, thus empowering the younger generation to build a better future for their communities.
“Since its inception 13 years ago, the Etisalat Award has honoured some of the best literary works and is committed to achieving its goals to promote Arab children’s literature globally and improving its competitiveness at international forums and events. We hope that the award will continue to provide quality books to enrich children’s libraries and contribute to achieving the emirate’s aspirations of investing in the younger generations to expand their learning and knowledge,” Al Aqroubi added.
The value of the award is AED 1.2 million and is distributed across five different categories. Each category is awarded AED 180,000, distributed equally between the publisher, author and illustrator; except in the Young Adult Book category where the amount be divided between the publisher and the author.
In addition, AED 300,000 is allocated to the Warsha programme which organises the Etisalat Award Workshops for Children’s Books. Launched in 2013, the programme aims to discover a new generation of Arab talent, and encourage their creative capacities in writing books that are deeply rooted in the local Arabic culture while meeting international standards.
The first in-person London Book Fair, one of the world’s biggest publishing trade fairs, kicked off in London on Tuesday after suspensions due to the COVID-19 pandemic since 2019. The Fair, which was launched in 1971, is set to run until Thursday with more than 900 exhibitors. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was offered in virtual format last year.
Sharjah receives Guest of Honour title for Guadalajara International Book Fair 2022
The emirate of Sharjah has received the official ‘Guest of Honour’ title for the 36th edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL 2022…reports Asian Lite News
The emirate of Sharjah has received the official ‘Guest of Honour’ title for the 36th edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL 2022), in celebration of Emirati and Arab culture and its eminent authors, writers and intellectuals. As the first city to represent Emirati and Arab culture at a book fair in Mexico, the Guest of Honour status also recognises the achievements of the emirate’s prestigious cultural project.
Sharjah receives Guest of Honour title for Guadalajara International Book Fair 2022
HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), received the title from HE Manuel Gerardo Talavera, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru, during a ceremony held at the conclusion of the 35th edition of FIL in the presence of Raúl Padilla López, President of FIL; Marisol Schulz Manaut, General Director of FIL; and a host of authors, publishers, and media personalities. Peru is the Guest of Honour at the 2021 edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair.
The Guadalajara International Book Fair is the most important cultural event of its kind in Latin America and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Mexico and the region. Sharjah has been a participant at FIL for a decade and is the only representative of Arab culture in south America.
HE AHMED AL AMERI, CHAIRMAN, SHARJAH BOOK AUTHORITY: “Under the directives and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate has been leading cross-cultural communication with nations across the world, introducing the Arab culture and literature, and highlighting the distinguished Emirati works. Today, it is enough to say: we are from Sharjah, as the emirate has become a synonym for books, literature, and knowledge internationally.”
The SBA Chairman added: “Participating in FIL 2022 as Guest of Honour is an opportunity to introduce Latin America to Emirati and Arab cultures, especially as there has been an overwhelming interest amongst Spanish-speaking visitors to know more about Arab literature and its prominent intellectuals.”
He continued: “In Sharjah, we believe that relationships built on a foundation of books, arts, and knowledge between two cultures, two countries, and two civilisations have a profound impact and historic value that transcends time.”
The SBA Chairman said: “Cross-cultural communication opens us to world cultures but what really matters are the results and impact of this communication. We realise that getting to know and understand each other is a long process that begins by first identifying commonalities. It is then taken forward through collaboration and constructive cooperation and finally, we can realise the fruitful goals that are in the best interests of our communities and countries.”
As the FIL 2022 Guest of Honour, Sharjah will present a vibrant cultural programme featuring seminars and discussions, showcase traditional Emirati art and craft, in addition to traditional shows presenting traditional Emirati song and dance, and highlighting the Arabic culture through various art forms.
RAUL PADILLA LOPEZ, PRESIDENT, FIL: “With Sharjah’s presence as Guest of Honour at FIL 2022, we are looking forward to highlighting the rich Arabic culture and the valued diverse heritage of the region to our audiences here. Sharjah is the best symbolic representative of the culture and identity of the vast Arab world, and its presence will enrich the book fair, support the cultural exchange between us and the Arab nations, and pave the way for constructive dialogues between Mexican and Arab intellectuals and writers.”
HE Manuel Gerardo Talavera, Ambassador of Peru to Mexico, said: “We are delighted to meet Sharjah here in Mexico and appreciate the immense cultural contributions undertaken by the emirate, under the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah, which has reinforced its leading status on the global cultural scene. The pioneering initiatives of the emirate has strengthened relations and cultural exchanges amongst nations.”
He added: “FIL was a unique opportunity to showcase our culture and learn more about Emirati and Arab cultures through Sharjah’s participation. We are looking forward to meet again with the UAE in Peru to build on our relationship and forge new partnerships.”
Al Ameri presented the Peruvian Ambassador with a traditional Emirati coffee pot and cups adorned with Tally patterns designed by the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council.
During its participation in FIL 2022, Sharjah will hold dialogues with Mexican authors, publishers, and intellectuals, and organise meetings with publishers from Latin America to exchange expertise and advance knowledge-based sectors.
Sharjah receives Guest of Honour title for Guadalajara International Book Fair 2022
Sharjah receives Guest of Honour title for Guadalajara International Book Fair 2022
Bose, who started his journalism career with London Broadcasting Corporation (LBC) in the late 1970s, also discussed cricket, its future and how India has come to dominate world cricket…reports Asian Lite News.
A 62-page monograph on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, originally launched in the UK in February, was unveiled at the Sharjah International Book Fair here for a wider audience.
Written by British-Indian journalist-turned-author Mihir Bose, the book, “Narendra Modi: The Yogi of Populism”, has been described as “a fascinating and original take on one of the most interesting political leaders of our age”, by David Smith, Economic Times editor of The Sunday Times.
During an hour-long interactive session on Thursday at the Sharjah Expo Centre where the 11-day festival is being held until Saturday, the BBC’s first sports editor told how he first got the idea of first writing the book after coming across a graffiti in 1981 in Mumbai’s Kemps Corner that read: “Mrs Gandhi save the Hindus.”
“That was the start of the idea that you have lost your country and that you needed someone to salvage it. (Donald) Trump used it, Boris Johnson has used it and so has (Narendra) Modi,” said Bose while comparing the former US President’s ‘Build the Wall’ narrative with Modi’s ‘Build the Temple’ before elaborating on why he thought the Indian Prime Minister’s playbook for winning elections provided a template for both Trump and Johnson.
“There’s this strong belief that India was once a great nation and that the greatness that was lost because of misadministration by previous government for decades is now being reclaimed by Modi’s government,” Bose said while talking about Modi and contemporary India.
Bose, who started his journalism career with London Broadcasting Corporation (LBC) in the late 1970s, also discussed cricket, its future and how India has come to dominate world cricket, based on his book “The Nine Waves: The Extraordinary Story of Indian Cricket”.
“I would have loved for India to go on and win the ICC World T20 here in UAE but sadly that isn’t to be anymore and I will have to update my book with those disappointing results,” he said while referring to India’s string of poor performances in their group matches that saw them lose to Pakistan, first time in a world cup game, and then New Zealand before crashing out of the tournament.
Talking about the proliferation of T20 and 100-ball cricket, Bose said: “T20 is a nice appetizer but Test cricket to me is the main course. Yet we do need the appetizer and it only enhances overall skills.”
SIBF concludes on debates about digital age of educational publishing
The discussions were attended by Bodour Al Qasimi, President, International Publishers Association (IPA); and publishing professionals representing the global industry…reports Asian Lite News
The 11th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) Publishers Conference concluded today (Tuesday) with exciting debates and discussions on a new era of educational publishing being steered by the digital age, and the resulting opportunities and challenges emerging for industry stakeholders.
SIBF concludes on debates about digital age of educational publishing
The discussions were attended by Bodour Al Qasimi, President, International Publishers Association (IPA); and publishing professionals representing the global industry.
Representatives of the five projects that were selected for the 2021cycle of the Africa Publishing Innovation Fund (APIF) – a joint $800,000 four-year grant programme funded by UAE-based Dubai Cares and administered by the International Publishers Association (IPA) – discussed how the funding is transforming lives of children and local communities and addressing key challenges in the African publishing ecosystem.
APIF: Supporting literacy, book access, and library restoration in Africa
Moderated by Wanjiru Koinange, author and Co-Founder of Book Bunk in Kenya, the session titled ‘Surfacing African Publishing Innovations: The African Publishing Innovation Fund’, explored how the fund is helping provide critical literacy, livelihood, and life skills to poor and rural communities across the continent.
Alison Tweed, Chief Executive, Book Aid International, UK, described how APIF helped transform three shipping containers into fully equipped libraries in Dunga, a rural community of 76,000 in the Zanzibar region of Tanzania. “It has been extraordinary to see the changes it is bringing to children and families, many of whom are experiencing a library for the first time. With different players contributing to different aspects of the project, it is having a broader impact in library development.”
By providing funding for 8 community libraries in Rwanda, APIF has boosted access to digital learning solutions and strengthened critical literacy skills in children unable to attend schools, said Catherine Uwimana, Book Development Expert, Save the Children International. “Our libraries have become safe spaces for learning, and the fund has supported the training of librarians who encourage both girls and boys to use technology to strengthen the culture of reading. More than a million children also receive educational content via the radio.”
Zimbabwean poet Chirikure Chirikure, who is building a modern community library in Nemashakwe, said: “Apart from providing 800 young learners access to books, computers and life skills programmes, the APIF grant has also enabled us to set up water supply systems and install a solar energy system which has generated greater interest in the centre in this remote community with very limited resources.”
Describing the significant urban-rural digital divide across Ghana, Kumuriwor Alira Bushiratu, a young student and co-founder of Learners Girls Foundation, said: “APIF gave wings for our startup non-profit to grow and make a powerful impact in the lives of at-risk young girls whose conditions have been exacerbated by the pandemic. By bringing stakeholders together to support education and provide reading material through libraries, access to digital learning and mentorship programmes, young girls are being empowering to grow and give back to society.”
WILL CLURMAN, CEO, KENYA, EKITABU: “By digitising and adapting local educational materials to international standards, we are improving digital learning accessibility for all learners. In the process, the digital journey of publishers across Kenya is being scaled up. The beauty of publishing is the commitment to knowledge and engagement, and this is improving learning outcomes for children across Kenya.”
Pushing the boundaries of digital learning
Moderated by Jose Borghino, Secretary General, IPA, the session, ‘Evolving Education Content: The Role of Publishers in the Age of Digital Learning’, highlighted the pivot to digital learning and lessons learnt during the pandemic, and discussed the way forward for different members of the educational value chain.
Nitasha Devasar, Managing Director of Taylor and Francis, and President of the Association of Publishers of India, said that the shift to digital represents “a shift from product perception to service perception.”
She explained: “The focus is now on the value that learning tools provide users. Placing customers at the forefront calls for increased investment in resources to curate a better experience for consumers.”
Dr. Neelam Parmar, Director of Digital Learning and Education at Harrow International Schools, UK, stated that the overwhelming choices in online resources has changed the landscape of learning. She said: “Taking the vast digital resources and integrating it within the curriculum in a blended approach has become the norm moving forward. However, younger children are still encouraged to hold, touch and feel a book.”
Bill Kennedy, Founder of UK-based Avicenna Partnership Ltd, said that the pandemic led to a “discernible migration from academic textbooks in print to e-versions of those books, and an increase in the use and quality of research content in open access journals, which are here to stay and grow.”
Julie Attrill, Manager of International Rights at Wiley, UK, revealed a much stronger uptake in digitalised learning both in universities and the corporate sector during the pandemic. She said: “People are now looking for hybrid models that also incorporate audio and podcasts, while corporate learning has seen a huge growth as more businesses are looking to upskill their staff.”
SIBF concludes on debates about digital age of educational publishing
SIBF concludes on debates about digital age of educational publishing
The Ministry’s delegation visits Riyadh International Book Fair 2021
A delegation from the Ministry of Culture and Youth visited the Riyadh International Book Fair 2021…reports Asian Lite News
Held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the book fair takes place from October 1st to 10th at Riyadh Front. The Ministry’s delegation participated in the opening of the International Conference of Publishers and the dialogue session presented by Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property.
The delegation, headed by Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, and Ali Al Shaali, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary of the Heritage and Arts Sector at the Ministry, was received by Dr. Abdul Latif Al Wasl, General Manager of the Riyadh International Book Fair.
The Ministry’s delegation visits Riyadh International Book Fair 2021
Dr Abdul Latif Al Wasl briefed the attendees about the qualitative initiatives in the publishing sector, the tireless efforts of Saudi Arabia in advancing the writing industry, and the role of the Riyadh International Book Fair in supporting the knowledge and cultural renaissance to promote books and expand their reach among the intellectual community.
The Ministry’s delegation met with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), Founder and President of the Emirates Publishers Association, and Bashar Shabaro, Secretary-General of the Arab Publishers Union to strengthen cooperation and improve the publishing sector. The delegation discussed how to turn challenges into opportunities to further develop the publishing industry, especially under the circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The delegation also visited the UAE platforms participating in the book fair, including the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, The Kalima Project, Manassah Platform by the Emirati Publishers Association (EPA). They visited the Saudi pavilions including the Audiovisual media Authority (AMA), the Riyadh Literary Club, the ‘Howie’ initiative and ‘Makaniz Almakhtotat’ initiative.
MUBARAK AL NAKHI, UNDER-SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND YOUTH: “Riyadh International Book Fair is a renowned cultural event that underlines the importance of books as key tools in spreading culture and knowledge and enriching the intellectual and cognitive thinking. This annual event aims to make reading as a way of life which instills intellectualism in society. Reading is the foundation of a society and has led to cultural renaissances witnessed by many countries and societies.
“The remarkable efforts of Saudi Arabia and the curators of this book fair translate the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to support the spread of knowledge. Such initiatives strengthen the book industry, an essential engine for the advancement of people and communities culturally, intellectually and creatively.”
