Anita Desai

Date of Birth: June 24, 1937

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Anita Desai is a renowned Indian novelist and emeritus professor of humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Born in Mussoorie, India, she has been a significant voice in contemporary Indian literature, known for her profound exploration of the inner lives of her characters. Desai began her literary career with the publication of her first novel, “Cry, the Peacock,” in 1963, a work that established her as a significant literary figure. Over the decades, she has published numerous novels, short stories, and essays that explore themes of cultural conflict, the role of women in society, and the complexities of human relationships. Her works have been shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times, and she has received several prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Desai’s contribution to literature extends beyond her writing; she has also mentored many young writers and has been involved in various literary festivals and academic programs worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Anita Desai

1. Anita Desai was born to a German mother and a Bengali father, which influenced her multicultural perspective.

2. She has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times for her novels “Clear Light of Day” (1980), “In Custody” (1984), and “Fasting, Feasting” (1999).

3. Desai’s daughter, Kiran Desai, is also an acclaimed author and won the Booker Prize for her novel “The Inheritance of Loss” in 2006.

4. Anita Desai was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2014 for her contributions to literature and education.

5. She has taught creative writing at prestigious institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Smith College.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Anita Desai

1. “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”

2. “The past is always with us, for nothing that once happened can ever be forgotten, and it is the past that makes the present coherent.”

3. “Literature is an effort to understand the world better, an effort to understand the human condition.”

4. “Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.”

5. “The storyteller is one who comes bearing a great and lasting gift.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Anita Desai’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million.

Children

Anita Desai has four children, including Kiran Desai, who is also a prominent novelist. Kiran Desai’s novel “The Inheritance of Loss” won the Booker Prize in 2006, marking a notable literary achievement within the family.