Full Day Pass – 18th January 2025 (10 sessions)

9:30 am – 9:40 am | Cultural performance

9:45 am – 10:25 am | Diversity Reckoning 

Max Czollek in conversation with Savithri Rodrigo

Max Czollek presents his vision for “radical diversity” as an alternative to the traditional politics of tolerance and assimilation. Drawing on his critiques of post-WWII German cultural policies, Czollek argues for a future where diversity is embraced not as an exception but as a fundamental principle, examining how radical diversity reshapes the way we view citizenship, culture, and politics, pushing for a more inclusive and multifaceted societal structure that transcends binary notions of identity. Czollek also brings a critical lens to the ongoing immigration crisis in Germany as an opportunity to rethink national identity and the social integration of displaced communities, advocating for peace through mutual recognition. 

10:30 am – 11:10 am | People, Places, and Pilgrimages 

William Dalrymple, introduced by Angeline Ondaatjie

An engaging session that uncovers the vibrant interplay between history and modern life. Discover how ancient traditions and historical events continue to shape the people, festivals, and places featured in Dalrymple’s The Golden Road. Experience the enduring legacy of the past as we delve into its influence on contemporary culture.

11:15 am – 12:00 pm | Globetrotters’ Tales

Mihiri Wikramanayake, Sunela Jayawardane in conversation with Arati Kumar-Rao

Mihiri Wickramanayake and Sunela Jayawardane share hilarious mishaps, unexpected encounters, and the thrill of capturing journeys on paper. With tales that range from the inspiring to the downright comical, they’ll dive into the joys and quirks of transforming travel experiences into vivid stories. Whether you’re a globetrotter or an armchair traveller, this session promises laughter, a sense of wonder, and tips on making travel writing come alive!

12:05 pm – 12:45 pm | Desperately Seeking Asia

Shrayana Bhattacharya in conversation with Murtaza Jafferjee

Delve into Shrayana Bhattacharya’s Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh, highlighting how women navigate desires through fandom, reflecting broader themes of economic freedom, intimacy and agency. Explore the role of economic development in fostering creativity and Asia’s influence on the global cultural landscape.

12:50 pm – 1:30 pm | Lipstick, Laughs, Life in the Spotlight

Ratna Pathak Shah in conversation with Jerry Pinto

Celebrating the extraordinary talent of Ratna Pathak Shah with a focus on some of her iconic roles in Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai, Dhak Dhak, Happy Family, and Lipstick Under My Burkha—her thought process in choosing characters and whether she reflects on her past roles while selecting new ones. What would an interaction between some of these characters look like? Touch upon the darker realities behind the scenes—such as labour inequality, gender disparities, and the commodification of art–in an industry that often thrives on appearances.

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch

2:05 pm – 2:50 pm | Ink and Insight: Navigating the Writer’s Path

Kiran Desai, Lal Medawattegedara in conversation with Amit Varma

Lal Medawattegedara and Kiran Desai engage in a dynamic conversation exploring the power of language and its ethical responsibilities. They’ll reveal the personal stories, mentors, and moments that shaped their writing journeys. Expect inspiration, laughter, and a thought-provoking discussion on how words move us, one story at a time!

2:55 pm – 3:35 pm | Not All Heroes Wear Capes 

Andrew Sean Greer in conversation with Molly Roden Winter

Andrew Sean Greer explores the concept of an unconventional hero in literature, with a focus on Arthur Less as an unconventional protagonist. A reflection on the role of LGBTQ+ stories in modern literature, and how Less helped bring queer narratives into the mainstream.

3:40 pm – 4:20 pm | Eco-Echoes: History Through Nature’s Lens 

Pranay Lal in conversation with Vinod Malwatte

Explore the intricate interplay between nature and human history in the Indian subcontinent, drawing insights from Pranay Lal’s Invisible Empire. Shed light on the essential role viruses play in environmental changes showing their impact on history and on present-day challenges. Highlight how climatic events shape societies, from minor temperature changes triggering droughts and famines to significant ecological shifts causing societal collapse, with a focus on the subcontinent’s vulnerability to nature’s forces. 

4:25 pm – 5:05 pm | Hakuna Matata Pays the Electricity Bill 

Coming Soon

5:10 pm – 5:40 pm | The Beauty and Struggle of Reconciliation: Lessons from Sri Lanka 

Razeen Sally in conversation with Bhavani Fonseka

A thoughtful discussion that highlights the key themes from Razeen Sally’s travel memoir, Return to Sri Lanka. This session will explore how Sally’s journeys illuminate broader themes of national recovery and the crucial role of individual experiences in shaping a larger narrative. You will reflect on the complexity of national identity and the importance of continued dialogue in divided societies. The conversation will delve into the interplay between personal experiences and significant issues, highlighting the duality of beauty and struggle in the reconciliation process of Sally’s homeland.

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | The Mirror and the Mask: Cinema and Theatre’s Hidden Truths  [roundtable discussion – parallel session]

Ratna Pathak Shah, Naseeruddin Shah, Dinara Punchihewa, Nimmi Harasgama, Rehan Mudannayake, Ruwanthie de Chickera

This roundtable brings acclaimed actors and theatre artists together to explore the darker side of cinema and theatre. From glamorising harmful social norms to reinforcing stereotypes, the discussion delves into how both mediums shape public perception, addressing behind-the-scenes realities—labour exploitation, gender disparities, and the pressures on artistic integrity—while examining the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers and performers in confronting these issues and fostering more responsible, inclusive storytelling.