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From Prajakta Koli’s digital-native fiction to S. Hussain Zaidi’s investigative masterpieces, and from Yuvan Aves’s nature-infused prose to the timeless humour of Popular Meeruthi and Surender Sharma, the Indian contingent at SIBF25 showcases the country’s rich literary diversity and cultural depth.
Leading India’s new generation of storytellers is Prajakta Koli (MostlySane), a digital content creator loved by over 17 million fans worldwide. Her debut novel, Too Good to Be True, marks her transition from screen to literature. Beyond her creative achievements, Koli also acts as a UNDP Youth Climate Champion, using her platform for social and environmental causes.
Equally influential is Professor Payal Arora, a digital anthropologist whose acclaimed works — including From Pessimism to Promise — challenge Western-centric perspectives on technology and equity. Her research provides lessons from the Global South on developing inclusive, human-centred digital futures. Recognised by Forbes as “the right kind of person to reform tech,” Arora’s insights serve as a roadmap for ethical innovation.
For readers captivated by vivid realism, S. Hussain Zaidi — one of India’s top crime writers — offers in-depth investigative insight into urban underworlds. His bestsellers, such as Black Friday and Dongri to Dubai, have inspired major Bollywood adaptations, cementing his reputation as a master of actual crime storytelling.
Adding lyrical contrast, Yuvan Aves — a naturalist, poet, and author of Intertidal — invites readers on an ecological journey through India’s coasts and marshlands. As the first Indian writer shortlisted for the UK’s Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing, Aves blends poetic insight with environmental advocacy, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
Celebrating India’s regional literary traditions, E. Santhosh Kumar showcases the enduring influence of Malayalam literature. As the author of over 25 books and a multiple Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award winner, he explores the profound emotional and spiritual dimensions of human experience in his acclaimed novel Tapomoyiyude Achan.
India’s vibrant poetic tradition will take centre stage at SIBF25, featuring two renowned icons of wit and wordplay. Syed Aijazuddin Shah (Popular Meeruthi), an Urdu satirical poet with a career spanning over four decades, continues to enthral audiences with his sharp humour and cultural insight.
Echoing his comedic brilliance is Surender Sharma, recipient of India’s prestigious Padma Shri award, whose poetry and performances celebrate the beauty and humour of everyday life, making him one of India’s most cherished people’s poets.
Completing the stellar line-up is K. Satchidanandan, a poet, critic, and translator of global renown. As a former Secretary of the Sahitya Akademi (India’s National Academy of Letters), he has made pioneering contributions to contemporary literature, establishing his position among Nobel Prize contenders and exemplifying the intellectual and creative excellence of Indian writing.
The presence of these remarkable Indian authors highlights SIBF25’s commitment to showcasing diverse literary voices that transcend borders. Collectively, they embody India’s vibrant literary scene, blending ancient wisdom, modern creativity, and universal storytelling.
As the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 opens from 5 to 16 November at Expo Centre Sharjah, visitors can anticipate a record-breaking edition. It will showcase 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries, over 1,200 activities, and more than 300 cultural events celebrating books, ideas, and the transformative power of words.
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