A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege to meet Sir Salman Rushdie, who came to receive Saint Louis University’s Literary Honor Award.
Sir Rushdie is a famous British Indian published author. His novels range from post-colonialism in India to historical fiction and magical realism, and the Indian diaspora. His work includes Midnight’s Children, East, West, Shalimar the Clown, and The Enchantress of Florence. However, Rushdie’s most popular novel is The Satanic Verses, perhaps one of the most controversial books of the past decade.
When The Satanic Verses was published, riots across the globe erupted. Bookstores were bombed, books burned, and several lives were lost. It was so controversial Iran and Great Britain (where Rushdie now lives) broke diplomatic relations over the issue. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeni condemned Rushdie and his work, and set a fatwa on him—an Islamic denunciation on him, which requires his execution, or a bounty for his death. Rushdie was forced into living in exile until recent years.
Sir Rushdie & I
The day of the event, I took my copy of Midnight’s Children to the book signing, and while approaching his table I extended my hand and said “Sir Rushdie, it is an honor to meet you. I am a big fan of your prose, and choice in women”. It was a good laugh and I am certain he enjoyed the compliment. For those out there who don’t know, Rushdie was married to supermodel and TV celebrity Padma Lakshmi (Top Chef), and has been linked to many other gorgeous actresses and models. Perhaps my favorite Rushdie fact is why he has so many failed relationships: “when you are Salman Rushdie, you must get bored with people who always want to talk to you about literature.” He’s the man.
My signed copy of Midnight's Children
During the acceptance speech and further conversation, he mentioned his plans to publish a long-overdue children’s book he promised his first son. He said this is one of the biggest legacies he could leave, and that ‘other novels such Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland were written for particular children.’ Something that grabbed my attention was when he responded to a question by stating, “the thing about ‘once upon a time’ is that if you know what happened, it takes away the magic.” He also commented that his characters, usually Bollywood personalities, represent our performance as humans in this world. He alluded the riots and controversy surrounding the Satanic Verses not “on the verses, but on people trying to exploit the verses.”
I believe the intricacy of Rushdie’s nuance is what makes him such a phenomenal individual. Many see him as an evil individual. I found him to be a nice person, definitely very perceptive and analytical. Even if he makes what some might call pessimistic statement—such as “life isn’t fair, deal with it”—he seemed as a man who looks to the future with hope. He was funny and down to earth, and I didn’t expect anything else from a man whose everyday life is an adventure. He has been called the Indian Gabriel García Márquez. To this, he said that although he has never personally met ‘Gabo’ they actually had a phone conference in Spanish, English, and French.
Sir Salman Rushdie: a man whose entire life revolts around myths, magic, and realism. I respect him both for his work and by standing by what he believes, despite criticism—or in his case, global outcry.
E.
Conversation with Sr Rushdie at SLU
Fr. Biondi on Sir Rushdie's accomplishments
