‘Khushwant Singh Literary Festival promoted closer ties between India and Pakistan’
UK events offer diversity of views with Eastern Eye as media partner
By Rahul SinghMay 04, 2024
KHUSHWANT SINGH was my father. One of the best-known writers of the post-Partition generation (Train to Pakistan, A History of the Sikhs, Delhi, a Novel), he was also an editor (Illustrated Weekly ofIndia), and the most widely read Indian columnist.
His weekly column, With Malice Towards One and All, came out unerringly in different languages for half a century and made him a household name. The Illustrated Weekly reached stratospheric levels, with a then unheard-of circulation of 450,000 a week under his editorship.
But it is his close connection with Pakistan that I shall write about. He was born in the village of Hadali in today’s Pakistan, 280 km from Lahore. After graduating from Delhi’s prestigious St Stephen’s College, he did his bar-at-law from King’s College, London University.
When communal riots broke out in Lahore just before Partition, he was a practising lawyer. Thinking the trouble would soon be over, he bundled my infant sister, my mother and me into a car and sent us to stay with his father in Delhi. We never returned.
The Partition of the subcontinent took place, amid an unprecedented bloodbath, in which Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs butchered each other.
India’s former foreign minister Salman Khurshid, Pakistani journalist Asif Noorani, Indian journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and Pakistani historian Fakir Aijazuddin at a KSLF panel in Kasauli
My father’s closest friend was Manzur Qadir, also a lawyer (he would go on to become Pakistan’s foreign minister under president Ayub Khan) who occupied his Lahore house, to prevent it from being looted by the rioters. This bond of friendship continued, symbolising my father’s wish for closer India-Pakistan ties and more people-to-people contact, despite the bitterness of Partition.
This was part of the inspiration behind us starting the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival (KSLF) in Kasauli, a small military cantonment town in the Himalayas, where there is a family home and where my father did much of his writing.
In 2012, while my father was still alive (he died two years later), with the encouragement of the then Brigade Commander Anant Narayanan (he went on to become lieutenant general) we started the KSLF.
It was the only – and remains so – lit fest named after a personality, dedicated to the values, concerns and passions of Khushwant Singh. Among them were his concern for the preservation of the pristine Himalayan environment around Kasauli, promoting the education of the girl child, the importance of humour in Indian life and maintaining a secular outlook.
But prominent among them was his desire to bring India and Pakistan closer together. To further that, we invited leading writers and intellectuals from Pakistan to Kasauli.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s daughter Salima Hashmi, Meridien Hotels chairman Mrs Charanjit Singh and Aparna Ananth, who started KSLF along with her husband Brigadier Ananth Narayan
They included writer, politician and lawyer Aitiaz Ahsan, Salima Hashmi (daughter of famed poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz), art historian Fakir Syed Aijazuddin and his wife Shahnaz, columnists Asif Noorani and Jugnu Mohsin, Poonam Ayub and Madeeha Gauhar.
They were transported by car from the India-Pakistan Wagah border through Punjab to the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, a journey they found moving and unforgettable. Their sessions at the KSLF were packed, much of the audience consisting of young Indian military officers. The Pakistani writers returned to their country, as ambassadors for India, more appreciative of the Indian point of view, while the Indian audience, got a better understanding of how Pakistanis felt about India on several issues. This was true, people-to-people contact at its very best.
I would like to think that in a small way the KSLF was promoting closer ties between the two countries.
At another level, I recall a decade earlier, an Indian cricket team went to Pakistan to play a series of one-day matches. Islamabad relaxed its visa rules, and thousands of Indians crossed the border to Pakistan to watch the matches. I was one of them – at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The Pakistani taxi driver refused to take the fare from me, after realising I was Indian. At the packed Gaddafi stadium, unbelievably, many of the Pakistanis cheered for the Indian team. The spectacle reduced me to tears.
Here was a new generation, I felt, uncluttered by the baggage of the past, ready to begin a fresh chapter with their Indian counterparts. Sadly, it was not to be.
Pakistani columnists Poonam Ayub and Madeeha Gauhar at KSLF
Relations between the two countries deteriorated, the visa regime on both sides tightened up, and people-to-people contacts dried up.
We were told we could no longer invite Pakistanis to Kasauli. A letter to the late Indian cabinet minister Sushma Swaraj, got no response.
But, let me add a note of hope. Fakir Aijazuddin, a long-time admirer of my father, who met him in his Delhi home only a few days before he passed away, asked if he could take back some of my father’s ashes to Pakistan. They were handed over to him when he attended the Kasauli KSLF. He took them to Hadali, and on the wall of the school where my father had once studied, he placed them behind a marble plaque. The plaque read: “A Sikh, a scholar, and a son of Hadali, Punjab. This is where my roots are. I have nourished them with tears of nostalgia.” At the ceremony of the installation of the plaque, Muhammad Hayat, former headmaster of the government high school, said, “The son has returned to his soil after 99 years.”
Khushwant’s son Rahul Singh with writer Marina Wheeler
If not Kasauli, then why not the neutral venue of London, where we could also invite Pakistanis, and where my father had studied? Which is how King’s College, London, became the venue of the KSLF, five years ago (followed by SOAS, where it will take place on June 1 and 2 this year). And why only London? With some help from the British Arts Council, and Dr Yusuf Hamied (Yuku), an alumni of Christ’s College, Cambridge, and friend of Khushwant Singh, Christ’s College has also become a venue of the KSLF on June 5.
It’s been a long, arduous, sometimes frustrating, but eventually satisfying and rewarding journey for the KSLF. Getting diverse people, even antagonists, together, arguing and exchanging viewpoints, that is the way forward.
Rahul Singh, a graduate in history honours from King’s College, Cambridge, has been editor of the Reader’s Digest, Indian Express, and Khaleej Times. He lives in Mumbai, Delhi and Kasauli.
Eastern Eye is the media partner of KSLF, which will be held in the Brunei Gallery, SOAS, London on June 1-2, and at Christ’s College, Cambridge, on June 5. Speakers include Akshat Rathi, Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi, Corinne Fowler, Fakir Aijazuddin, Harinder Singh, Imtiaz Dharker, Keshava Guha, Louise Tillin, Lynne Jones, Marina Wheeler, Shirin Wheeler, Moin Mir, Nadia Kabir Barb, Noreen Masud, Paul Waters, Pinky Lilani, Rachel Dwyer, Robert Seatter, SY Quraishi, Lord Simon McDonald, Som Batabyal, Subhadra Das and Tahmima Anam. Register at https://kslitfestlondon.com
Charli XCX and George Daniel celebrated their second wedding in Scopello, Sicily.
The pop star wore a sheer custom Danielle Frankel gown with pearls and chiffon layers.
Guests included Troye Sivan, Amelia Dimoldenberg and The 1975’s Matty Healy.
The couple first tied the knot in Hackney, London, in July.
Charli XCX embraced modern bridal fashion once again as she married George Daniel for the second time, this time in Sicily. The Brat singer chose a sheer Danielle Frankel gown for the romantic seaside ceremony, making her ‘Charli XCX wedding dress’ one of the most talked-about celebrity bridal looks of the year. The wedding followed their first civil ceremony in London earlier this summer.
Charli XCX stuns in sheer Danielle Frankel dress at second wedding to George Daniel in Sicily Instagram/billboarditalia
What did Charli XCX wear for her Sicilian wedding?
The singer’s gown was a custom ivory silk chiffon slip by New York designer Danielle Frankel. Bias-cut with delicate spaghetti straps, it featured a contouring internal bustier visible beneath a transparent overlay. Ribbons of chiffon draped across the bodice and back, while the elongated train was embroidered with organza petals and baroque pearls. She paired the look with white silk stiletto Kennedy pumps from the same label and minimal jewellery, letting the gown’s ethereal detail shine.
The look was completed with a simple bouquet of eucalyptus, baby blue and gypsophila. George Daniel matched the understated elegance in a light suit without a tie, paired with black Oxford shoes.
Who attended Charli XCX and George Daniel’s second wedding?
The guest list was starry and happening. Among those spotted were Troye Sivan, presenter Amelia Dimoldenberg, influencer Devon Lee Carlson, and avant-pop artist Shygirl. The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy, a close friend of Daniel, also attended alongside fiancée Gabbriette Bechtel.
The intimate ceremony took place in the small coastal village of Scopello, particularly known for its dramatic cliffs and historic buildings, providing a perfect backdrop to the celebration.
How does this dress compare to her first wedding look?
In July, Charli married Daniel at Hackney Town Hall in London wearing Vivienne Westwood’s Nova Cora mini dress. That outfit, with its sweetheart neckline and corseted bodice, channelled classic bridal chic. She accessorised it with a short veil and Jimmy Choo heels for a simple yet classy nod to tradition.
The Sicilian gown, by contrast, leaned fully into contemporary bridal design, focussing on transparency, layering and statement embellishment. Fashion insiders called it another defining moment for Danielle Frankel, who has quickly become a favourite for high-profile brides.
Charli XCX and George Daniel\u2019s wedding photos spark a new alt-pop moodboard Instagram/charli_xcx
Why is the Charli XCX wedding dress making headlines?
The unique mix of celebrity influence, designer prestige and bold styling has made Charli XCX’s dress a key talking point. Bridal fashion searches around “Charli XCX wedding dress” and “Danielle Frankel sheer gown” surged following the ceremony. Frankel, who founded her label in 2017 and was the first bridal designer included in the CFDA Fashion Fund, has been celebrated for merging structure with fluidity.
Charli XCX carried a bouquet of eucalyptus and gypsophila while George Daniel opted for a light suitInstagram/glowupmag
Her designs have been worn by stars such as Julia Garner and Lucy Williams, and Charli’s choice further heightens her status as a tastemaker and popular choice among modern brides.
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Starmer talks with Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador's residence on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC.
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer is facing questions within the Labour party after the sacking of US ambassador Peter Mandelson.
Mandelson was removed last week after Bloomberg published emails showing messages of support he sent following Jeffrey Epstein’s conviction for sex offences. The dismissal comes just ahead of US president Donald Trump’s state visit.
Labour MPs have expressed frustration with the prime minister’s leadership. Labour backbencher Richard Burgon told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Starmer would be “gone” if May’s elections in Scotland, Wales and England go badly. “If May’s elections go as people predict and the opinion polls predict, then I think Starmer will be gone at that time,” he said.
Helen Hayes told BBC Radio 4’s Westminster Hour that if the dismissal affected Labour’s performance in the May 2026 local elections, questions about Starmer’s leadership would follow. She said she felt “devastated” about Mandelson but argued he should not have been appointed.
Baroness Smith defended Starmer, telling BBC Breakfast that Burgon had never supported him. She admitted Mandelson’s sacking was “not what we would have wanted” before Trump’s visit but said the prime minister was doing a good job.
Meanwhile, Conservative MP Alex Burghart demanded the release of documents related to Mandelson’s appointment, calling Starmer’s judgement “appalling.” He said the PM ignored warnings about Mandelson’s links to Epstein. Downing Street has said Starmer only learned of the emails on Wednesday and acted immediately.
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Emmy Awards 2025 winners list as Stephen Graham, Seth Rogen and Owen Cooper shine
Netflix’s Adolescence dominates with six wins including best limited series
Owen Cooper makes history as youngest male Emmy winner at 15
Seth Rogen’s The Studio sets comedy record with 13 trophies
Stephen Colbert gets standing ovation as cancelled Late Show wins talk series
Netflix drama Adolescence and Apple TV+ satire The Studio led the 2025 Emmy Awards winners list, with British star Stephen Graham, Seth Rogen and teenage newcomer Owen Cooper among the biggest names of the night. The ceremony at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre also saw The Pitt and Severance secure major prizes, while Stephen Colbert returned to thunderous applause despite his late-night show’s cancellation.
Emmy Awards 2025 winners list as Stephen Graham, Seth Rogen and Owen Cooper shine Getty Images
Who were the biggest winners at the Emmy Awards 2025?
Adolescence, Netflix’s breakout drama, claimed six trophies including best limited series, directing and writing. Stephen Graham took home two awards, best actor in a limited series and writing honours, securing his place as one of Britain’s most respected talents. His co-star Erin Doherty won best supporting actress, while 15-year-old Owen Cooper made history as the youngest male acting winner for his supporting role.
Seth Rogen’s The Studio dominated comedy, becoming the most awarded in Emmy history with 13 trophies. Rogen himself won best comedy actor, plus directing and writing, a rare hat-trick for one night.
Owen Cooper was the night’s breakout, calling it “just so surreal” in his emotional speech after winning at just 15. Noah Wyle earned his first Emmy after decades in television, winning best actor in a drama for The Pitt. His co-star Katherine LaNasa delivered another surprise by clinching supporting actress in drama.
In Severance, Britt Lower’s best drama actress win and Tramell Tillman’s supporting actor triumph became historic firsts for both, with Tillman becoming the first Black man to win in his category.
Jean Smart extended her dominance in comedy, winning best actress for Hacks for the fourth time, while her co-star Hannah Einbinder celebrated her first Emmy as supporting actress.
The cancellation of The Late Show earlier this year did not stop Stephen Colbert from having one of the night’s most powerful moments. His show won best talk series, receiving a standing ovation as the audience chanted his name. Colbert’s wry stage joke: “Is anyone hiring?” perfectly captured the tone of his farewell.
India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their first meeting since the May conflict.
Indian players left the field without handshakes, citing alignment with government and BCCI.
Pakistan lodged a protest over the post-match conduct.
Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the armed forces.
INDIA defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup T20 in Dubai on Sunday. It was the first meeting between the two sides since their military conflict in May.
After the match, Indian players left the field without shaking hands with their Pakistan counterparts.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav said the team’s decision was in line with the government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. "We are aligned with the government and Board of Control for Cricket in India," he told reporters.
India had resisted calls to boycott the fixture. The two nations have not played a bilateral Test series since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which India blamed on Pakistan-based militants.
Background of tensions
In April, an attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir killed civilians.
India accused Pakistan of backing the attackers, which Islamabad denies.
The incident triggered the May conflict that killed more than 70 people in missile, drone and artillery exchanges before a ceasefire.
Pakistan’s response
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said he was disappointed by India’s move. "We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game," he said.
"We went over there and they were already gone to the changing room, so that was obviously a disappointing way to finish the match."
Pakistan’s team management later said they had lodged a protest with match referee Andy Pycroft.
"The behaviour of Indian players was against the spirit of sportsmanship," their statement said. "That is why skipper Salman Agha was not sent to the post match ceremony."
India dedicate win to army
At the post-match presentation, Suryakumar said India treated the fixture as "just another game" and dedicated the win to the armed forces.
"We stand with the victims of the families of the Pahalgam terror attack and we express our solidarity. We want to dedicate today's win to the armed forces," he said.
Indian spinners dominate
On the field, Pakistan were restricted to 127-9 in 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 40, while Shaheen Shah Afridi hit an unbeaten 33 off 16 balls with four sixes.
India’s bowlers set up the victory. Hardik Pandya removed opener Saim Ayub for a golden duck in the first over, and Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Mohammad Haris for three.
Axar Patel struck twice, getting Fakhar Zaman (17) and captain Agha (3), while Kuldeep Yadav removed Hasan Nawaz (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) off successive balls.
Suryakumar finishes chase
In reply, Abhishek Sharma gave India a rapid start with 31 off 13 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, before falling to spinner Saim Ayub.
Suryakumar Yadav led the chase with an unbeaten 47 and sealed the win with a six. India reached the target with 25 balls to spare.
With this victory, India have won both their matches and are close to qualifying for the Super Fours stage. Pakistan next face the UAE on Wednesday, while India play Oman on Friday.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Siddharth and Freida Pinto team up for Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories
Siddharth to co-star with Freida Pinto in Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth
Series based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning short story collection
John Wells and Madhuri Shekar leading the adaptation with Ritesh Batra directing two episodes
Cast includes Indraneil Sengupta, Adi Roy, Sarayu Blue, and Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig
Actor Siddharth has joined Freida Pinto in Unaccustomed Earth, Netflix’s highly anticipated adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s celebrated short story collection. The new drama, combining elements of family conflict with romance, marks Siddharth’s latest international outing. With Pinto leading the cast, the series promises to bring Lahiri’s themes of migration, love, and identity to a global audience.
Siddharth and Freida Pinto team up for Netflix’s Unaccustomed Earth adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories Getty Images
What is Unaccustomed Earth about?
The Netflix series adapts Lahiri’s Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of stories, weaving them into an eight-part narrative set in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It follows the life of Parul Chaudhury played by Freida Pinto, a devoted wife whose world unravels when a long-lost love resurfaces, sparking a scandalous affair within a close-knit Indian American community.
Described by the streamer as an “epic, soapy drama,” the show explores themes of belonging, generational conflict, and the push and pull between tradition and individual desire.
Siddharth takes on the role of Amit Mukherjee, a Bengali American raised in Cambridge. Known as the dependable friend everyone turns to in moments of crisis, Amit is warm-hearted yet struggles to find stability in both work and relationships.
According to Netflix, Amit’s life begins to spiral just as his relationship starts to look promising, with the unexpected return of his lost love setting off a chain of emotional conflicts. This layered character gives Siddharth the opportunity to bring both depth and vulnerability to the story.
Actor Siddharth's Instagram postInstagram Screengrab/worldofsiddharth
Who is behind Unaccustomed Earth on Netflix?
The series is being spearheaded by Emmy-winning producer John Wells alongside playwright and screenwriter Madhuri Shekar. Wells serves as writer, showrunner, and executive producer, while Shekar joins him as co-writer and co-producer.
Indian filmmaker Ritesh Batra will direct the first two episodes, with additional episodes helmed by Nisha Ganatra. The project is produced under John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Lahiri herself is also attached as an executive producer, ensuring the adaptation stays faithful to her original text.
Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning Unaccustomed Earth comes to Netflix with a global ensemble castGetty Images
When will Unaccustomed Earth release on Netflix?
Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for Unaccustomed Earth. The show is currently in production and will join the streamer’s growing list of South Asian stories with international appeal.Lahiri’s works have been adapted for the screen before, most notably The Namesake directed by Mira Nair and starring Irrfan Khan, Tabu, and Kal Penn. With an ensemble that also includes Indraneil Sengupta as Jai, Adi Roy as Kaushik, Sarayu Blue as Ruma, and Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig as Hema, expectations are high for the series to deliver another culturally rich story with global resonance.