Half Day Pass – Afternoon, 18th January 2025

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.