Anita Desai is an acclaimed Indian novelist and professor, known for her insightful portrayal of Indian culture and the inner lives of women. Born on June 24, 1937, she has received numerous literary awards and has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times.
Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anita Desai (born Anita Mazumdar) |
| Date of Birth | 24 June 1937 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Novelist, Emerita John E. Burchard Professor of Humanities at MIT |
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| Notable Works |
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Early Life
Anita Desai, a prominent Indian novelist, was born on June 24, 1937, in Mussoorie, India. Raised in a diverse cultural environment, her father was a Bengali businessman, and her mother was German, which influenced her literary perspective and themes. Anita grew up in Delhi, where she attended Queen Mary’s Higher Secondary School before moving on to Miranda House, a women’s college at the University of Delhi, where she earned her B.A. in English literature in 1957. This rich cultural background and her experiences in different cities played a significant role in shaping her storytelling and narrative style.
Family
| Family Member | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | D.N. Mazumdar | He was a Bengali businessman. His profession involved managing a company, and he provided a stable upbringing for his family. |
| Mother | Toni Nime | She was a German immigrant who moved to India. Her rich cultural background influenced Anita Desai’s literary works. |
| Siblings | Not publicly disclosed | Anita Desai has siblings, but their names and detailed information about them are not widely known or publicized. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Other Body Measurements | Not Available |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Below is detailed information about the relationships of the renowned Indian author, Anita Desai.
Anita Desai is married to Ashvin Desai. The couple has been together for many years, though the exact date of their marriage is not publicly documented. Ashvin Desai is known to be a supportive partner and plays a significant role in Anita’s life. Together, they have four children, including the well-known author Kiran Desai.
There is no publicly available information regarding any previous relationships that Anita Desai might have had before her marriage to Ashvin Desai.
| Name | Status | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Ashvin Desai | Current Husband | Married for many years, father of their four children |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Anita Desai is an acclaimed Indian author who gained fame for her insightful and poignant literary works that explore complex human emotions and social issues. She is renowned for her unique narrative style and deep psychological insights into her characters.
Anita Desai’s career as a writer began in the early 1960s. She made her literary debut with the novel Cry, the Peacock (1963), which immediately attracted attention for its lyrical prose and psychological depth.
- Cry, the Peacock (1963) – Her debut novel that established her as a significant literary voice.
- Where Shall We Go This Summer? (1975) – A novel that explores the themes of existential despair and family dynamics.
- Fire on the Mountain (1977) – This novel won the Sahitya Akademi Award and is known for its evocative portrayal of solitude and nature.
- Clear Light of Day (1980) – A highly acclaimed work that delves into the intricacies of family relationships and the passage of time.
- In Custody (1984) – This novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and later adapted into a film directed by Ismail Merchant.
- Fasting, Feasting (1999) – Another Booker Prize-shortlisted novel that contrasts the lives of two siblings in India and the United States.
- Sahitya Akademi Award for Fire on the Mountain (1978)
- Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize for The Village by the Sea (1982)
- Shortlisted for the Booker Prize for In Custody (1984) and Fasting, Feasting (1999)
- Padma Shri (1990) – One of India’s highest civilian honors.
- Shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize (2007)
Anita Desai has generally maintained a low profile and has not been embroiled in significant controversies. Her works, however, have sometimes sparked debates due to their critical portrayal of Indian society, which some have viewed as controversial. Nevertheless, these discussions have primarily centered around literary and thematic interpretations rather than personal controversies.
