Anita Nair

Anita Nair, the celebrated Indian novelist, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her diverse body of work, encompassing various genres such as novels, poetry, essays, short stories, crime fiction, historical fiction, romance, and even children's literature.

Her versatility as a writer and her remarkable contributions have earned her recognition both in India and on the international literary stage.

Early Life and Education

Anita Nair was born on 26th January 1966 in Shoranur, Palakkad district of Kerala. Her early education took place in Chennai, formerly known as Madras, and it was in Kerala that she pursued her passion for English literature, earning a BA degree.

A Prolific Career

Anita Nair's journey as a writer began while she was working as the creative director of an advertising agency in Bangalore.

Her literary talent came to the forefront when she wrote her first book, "Satyr of the Subway," a collection of short stories, which was subsequently published by Har-Anand Press and earned her a fellowship from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.

Her second book marked a significant milestone as it was the first book by an Indian author to be published by Picador USA. Nair's early writings also found a home in "The Bangalore Monthly" magazine, now known as "Explocity Bangalore," where she contributed under the column titled "The Economical Epicurean."

Anita Nair's notable works include "The Better Man" (2000), a novel that gained recognition in India, Europe, and the United States, and "Ladies Coupé" (2001), which was lauded for its exploration of women's lives in a male-dominated society.

"Ladies Coupé" was not only appreciated in India but also translated into 21 languages, reaching a global audience. Her 2018 novel, "Eating Wasps," can be seen as an update to "Ladies Coupé."

Nair is not limited to one genre; she has delved into various forms of writing. She published her debut collection of poems, "Malabar Mind," in 2002. In 2003, she edited "Where the Rain is Born – Writings about Kerala." She also contributed to children's literature with "The Puffin Book of Myths and Legends" (2004), a captivating journey into the world of myths and legends.

Nair's writing extends to travelogues, making her a versatile writer who can immerse readers in different worlds. She took her passion for literature even further by becoming a playwright with the adaptation of her book "Mistress" into the play "Nine Faces of Being."

In "Cut Like Wound" (2012), Nair introduced the fictional character Inspector Gowda, marking her entry into the crime fiction genre. This novel was followed by "Chain of Custody" in 2015. Her other works include "The Lilac House" (2012) and "Alphabet Soup for Lovers" (2016).

One of her most remarkable creations is the historical and geographical novel "Idris: Keeper of The Light" (2014), which takes readers on a journey with a Somalian trader who visited Malabar in 1659 AD.

Anita Nair's impact on literature extends to audiobooks, with titles like "A Field of Flowers" (2021) and "Little Duck Girl," narrated by Prakash Raj. She has also lent her voice to audiobooks such as "Why I Killed My Husband" and "Satyr of the Subway."

Awards and Accolades

Anita Nair's literary contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received several prestigious awards and honours, including the FLO FICCI Women Achievers Award in 2008 for her contribution to literature.

Montblanc honoured her in 2009 by launching a Special Edition writing instrument in India, recognising her remarkable contributions to literature and her cross-cultural endeavours.

The Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2012 acknowledged her profound influence on literature and culture. Nair's works have received critical acclaim, including her novel "Idris Keeper of the Light," which was shortlisted for The Hindu Literary Prize in 2014.

Beyond her literary achievements, Anita Nair's influence extends to her appointment as a high-profile supporter of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2020.

Personal Life

Anita Nair resides in Bangalore with her husband, Suresh Parambath, and their son.

Anita Nair's prolific and diverse literary career continues to captivate readers and inspire writers around the world. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres and her thought-provoking storytelling have solidified her place as a prominent figure in contemporary Indian literature.