India’s top literary and digital voices, including Prajakta Koli and S. Hussain Zaidi, are set to captivate audiences at Sharjah International Book Fair 2025.
SHARJAH: The Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 (SIBF25) is poised to be a major cultural event, with Indian authors and creators taking centre stage. Held from November 5 to 16 at Expo Centre Sharjah, the fair features a diverse and dynamic lineup of global literary voices — and Indian authors are among the most anticipated.
A standout among this year’s guests is digital creator and debut author Prajakta Koli, widely known as MostlySane. With a massive digital following of over 17 million, Koli brings her storytelling flair from the screen to the page with her novel ‘Too Good to Be True’. As a UNDP Youth Climate Champion, she also represents a new breed of storytellers merging narrative with activism.
Adding depth to the Indian delegation is S. Hussain Zaidi, a former crime journalist whose gripping books such as ‘Dongri to Dubai’ have inspired major Bollywood films. His presence promises engaging insights into the intersection of fact and fiction.
Celebrated nature writer Yuvan Aves, recently shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize in the UK, will also be in attendance. His work, particularly ‘Intertidal’, draws attention to India’s coasts and marshlands with poetic urgency.
From southern India, Malayalam writer E. Santhosh Kumar brings regional literature into global focus. Known for titles like ‘Tapomoyiyude Achan’, his work explores deep human experiences and has earned him multiple Kerala Sahitya Akademi Awards.
Humour and verse take the spotlight with Urdu satirist Popular Meeruthi and Hindi poet Surender Sharma. These literary veterans have entertained and enlightened for decades through poetry and comedy. Sharma, a Padma Shri awardee, remains a beloved people’s poet.
Crowning the Indian lineup is K. Satchidanandan, a globally recognised poet, critic, and translator whose influence has shaped modern Indian literature. His role in the Sahitya Akademi and his international acclaim make him a literary heavyweight.
With over 2,350 exhibitors from 118 countries and more than 1,200 activities planned, SIBF25 promises an unforgettable cultural experience. For literature lovers, the Indian representation at this year’s fair is a highlight not to be missed.
