Teamwork Arts recently unveiled the second list of speakers for the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) scheduled to take place from 30 January to 3 February 2025 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. The festival brings together a rich tapestry of global voices to celebrate the power of literature, ideas, and dialogue.
The second tranche of speakers for JLF 2025 showcases a blend of celebrated thinkers, authors, and artists. The lineup includes MK Ranjitsinh, AR Venkatachalapathy, Amol Palekar, Geetanjali Shree, Ijeoma Oluo, Imtiaz Ali, Javed Akhtar, KR Meera, Shahu Patole, Mujibur Rehman, Andrew O’Hagan, Katy Hessel, David Hare, Ranjit Hoskote, Manu S Pillai, Matt Preston, Philippe Sands, Sunil Amrith, Yuvan Aves, Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo, Gideon Levy, Rahul Bose, Susan Jung, Tarun Khanna, and Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
These speakers bring with them a wealth of expertise and celebrated works. For instance, M.K. Ranjitsinh, a pioneering conservationist, is celebrated for his latest book, Mountain Mammals of the World, which offers a comprehensive exploration of mountain mammals globally and underscores his dedication to wildlife preservation. Joining him is historian AR Venkatachalapathy, whose recent work, Swadeshi Steam, explores the life of a freedom fighter and the nationalist struggle in South India. Acclaimed Malayalam author KR Meera, celebrated for her gripping novel Assassin, which delves into themes of resilience and societal complexities, will also grace the Festival with her insights.
Cinema and storytelling will find vibrant representation through Amol Palekar, an icon of Indian cinema, along with his wife and co-author Sandhya Gokhale, who will discuss his memoir Viewfinder, highlighting his acclaimed films such as Gol Maal, Chhoti Si Baat, and Rajnigandha, and reflect on his creative journey. Imtiaz Ali, celebrated for his films Jab We Met and Tamasha, will explore the nuances of relationships and self-discovery. Renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar will bring eloquence to the stage, continuing his legacy of blending traditional and contemporary poetry.
Literature that provokes critical thought will be explored by Geetanjali Shree, whose, Ret Samadhi (Tomb of Sand) won the International Booker Prize. Her latest book is Our City That Year and serves as a profound meditation on identity and grief. Ijeoma Oluo, the bestselling author of So You Want to Talk About Race, will address global conversations on racial equity and justice. Political commentator Mujibur Rehman, author of Shikwa-e-Hind, will tackle issues surrounding democracy and pluralism, while Matt Preston, celebrated food writer, will offer a feast for thought with his memoir Big Mouth.
Art history will be brought to the fore with art historian, curator, broadcaster and author Katy Hessel, whose groundbreaking work The Story of Art Without Men, is a sumptuously illustrated history of women artists from 1500 to present day, that meticulously researches and reshapes narratives on female artists. Historian Manu S Pillai, author of Gods, Guns and Missionaries, reexamines South Asia’s vibrant past.
Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo will present insights from their separate works—Banerjee’s Chhaunk On Food, Economics And Society, which combines food and economics, and Duflo’s Poor Economics for Kids, which addresses global economic challenges. Culinary traditions will be further explored by Susan Jung whose book, Kung Pao and Beyond, is a delightful exploration of Asia’s diverse cuisine heritage.
The Festival will feature David Hare, renowned playwright, whose plays include Plenty, Skylight, and Stuff Happens and screenwriter, and one of the most distinctive thinkers of our time, whose We Travelled: Essays and Poems is a powerful compilation of prose and poetry. His contributions to theatre, film, and literature continue to provoke thought and inspire audiences globally, establishing him as one of the most significant voices in contemporary arts and storytelling. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, distinguished diplomat and author, will offer fresh insights into Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy, reflecting on the formative years that shaped the Father of the Nation and exploring the relevance of his principles in today’s world. Meanwhile, naturalist Yuvan Aves will inspire audiences with his recent work Intertidal, emphasising biodiversity and environmental conservation.
Namita Gokhale, renowned writer and festival co-director, said, “The 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival is slated for January 2025, the quarter point for the century. It’s been a time of change and challenge, of pandemics and conflicts – and also a time of new horizons, new technologies and renewed creativity. Readers and writers and thinkers and artists and change-makers converge at the Jaipur Literature Festival every January to assert the power of shared narratives and creative expression. We are each other’s stories. In this, the year of the sacred Mahakumbh Mela, the Jaipur literature festival, ‘the greatest literary show on earth’ too is a confluence of thought and mindfulness, a hub and platform for words and the search for meaning.”
William Dalrymple, acclaimed historian, writer and festival co-director, said, “The Jaipur Literature Festival is a carnival of ideas, a space where the magic of storytelling comes alive, and cultures converge in vibrant dialogue. Each year, we strive to present a lineup that reflects the diversity and brilliance of global literary thought, and this year is no exception. The second tranche of speakers exemplifies our commitment to hosting voices that provoke, challenge, and inspire. The festival remains a beacon for those who believe in the transformative power of literature, and we eagerly await the conversations, collaborations, and connections that this edition will bring to life.”
Sanjoy K Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts, said, “The Jaipur Literature Festival has become synonymous with innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Each year, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and foster dialogue across cultures. This edition is no different; with a stellar lineup of speakers who represent the best in their fields, we are proud to offer a platform that champions diversity, inclusivity, and freedom of expression. The festival is not just an event—it is a movement that connects people, ideas, and stories, inspiring audiences worldwide. We look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for all our attendees in 2025.”
