Quick Facts About Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed author of "Haroun and the Sea of Stories" and "Midnight's Children", which won the Booker Prize in 1981, has faced numerous challenges throughout his life and career.
Born on June 19, 1947, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, Rushdie's birth name was Ahmed Salman Rushdie. He graduated from King's College, University of Cambridge, in 1968. His literary journey began with the publication of his first novel, "Grimus," in 1975.
Rushdie's works have been met with both acclaim and controversy. His 1988 novel, "The Satanic Verses," was met with demonstrations, riots, and bans in Muslim-majority countries for perceived blasphemy. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie's murder in 1989, forcing him into hiding with the assistance of British police. He was forced to limit public appearances and restrict his movements for over a decade.
Following the fatwa, Rushdie went into hiding, but his literary career continued. In 1990, he published "Haroun and the Sea of Stories," and in 2012, a film adaptation of "Midnight's Children" premiered. Rushdie also appeared as himself in the film "Bridget Jones's Diary" in 2001.
In recent years, Rushdie has been open about his personal life. He has had multiple marriages, including with Rachel Eliza Griffiths (2021-Present), Padma Lakshmi (2004-2007, divorced), Elizabeth West (1997-2004, divorced), Marianne Wiggins (1988-1993, divorced), and Clarissa Luard (1976-1987, divorced). He has two children: Milan with Elizabeth West and Zafar with Clarissa Luard.
Rushdie's most recent book, "Victory City," was published on February 7, 2023, marking his first book published since the attack in August 2022. The attack left Rushdie with significant injuries, including losing vision in one eye and being left incapacitated in one hand. As of recent reports, Rushdie, now 77 years old, continues to recover from these severe injuries. His participation in interviews and media appearances suggests he is still active and engaged in his work despite the challenges he faces.
In a rare public video message at The British Book Awards, Rushdie warned that freedom of expression is at risk. On February 6, 2023, he gave his first interview since the attack to The New Yorker. In April 2024, Rushdie published a memoir about the 2022 attack and his recovery, titled "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder."
On August 13, 2022, Hadi Matar, 24, accused of stabbing Rushdie, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in the second degree and other charges. On May 16, 2023, Matar was found guilty of attempted murder and assault and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
On October 28, 2022, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new sanctions on the "15 Khordad Foundation" over the attack of Rushdie. On February 11, 2025, Rushdie testified in court against Matar, showing a jury his blinded right eye.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Rushdie has remained a prominent figure in the literary world. In 2006, he joined Emory University's English Department as Distinguished Writer in Residence and began teaching in 2007. He served as University Distinguished Professor of the College of Arts and Sciences at Emory University from 2011-2015. In 2016, Rushdie became a US citizen but retained British citizenship. In June 16, 2007, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to literature.
Rushdie's resilience and continued dedication to his craft serve as an inspiration to many. His recent works, despite the challenges he has faced, demonstrate his commitment to his art and his unwavering belief in the power of freedom of expression.
Worldwide, Salman Rushdie's name continues to resonate in the world of books and entertainment, as his works spark conversations and controversies alike. Despite the harrowing incident in 2022, Rushdie's latest book, "Victory City," showcases his unwavering dedication to storytelling, a testament to his love for celebrity-crafting captivating narratives that the world can't seem to get enough of.
