Its the dull season in the literary space and most known writers are currently doing what they are meant to do -- write. Shuffling between literature festivals and promotional events from mid-September to March, the harsh summer months provide the much-needed space for writers to focus on their craft as their minds are not shattered by constant invitations and events.


Five books to look forward to in May 2018


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"Iktara" hitmaker Kavita Seth has often collaborated with poets including Rehman Faris from Pakistan. The singer says good poetry always appeals to her.


Kavita Seth finds good poetry always appealing


Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor says he chose to do a cameo in Nandita Das' film "Manto" just because he has "respect and admiration" for the actress-filmmaker.


Rishi Kapoor on why he did only one scene in 'Manto'


The biggest challenge to poker in India is the negative perception against gambling, says a top official of a leading gaming site.


'Playing professional poker needs more skill than a fund manager'


His fame mostly endures on one couplet, which ably uses changes of nature to reflect the turmoil in human affairs. But even among those familiar with "Zameen-e-chaman gul khilati hai kya kya/Badalta hai rang asmaan kaise kaise", only a few would know the poets identity. That is a pity, for "Aatish" was far from just another Urdu poet.


The 'blaze' of Urdu poetry and his invaluable contribution (Column: Bookends)


Art plays an important role in a child's development and enables children to develop a sense of aesthetics and beauty from an early age -- but it should not be imposed, says noted artist Paresh Maity, whose vast oeuvre includes India's longest painting at 850 feet.


Art can develop a child's mind, but don't impose it: Paresh Maity


Book: Sedition In Liberal Democracies; Author: Anushka Singh; Publisher: Oxford University Press; Pages: 391; Price: Rs 995


A thorough examination of sedition laws (Book Review)


A writer who was once a phenomenon, literally took Indian publishing by a storm, popularised reading in a magnitude that India had never known before, Chetan Bhagats reputation as a writer has fast crumbled over the past few years. Bhagat seldom surprised readers with his books but his sudden "global deal" with Amazon Publishing, announced Friday, for next six novels came as a shock to publishing insiders.


Chetan Bhagat must 'surprise' readers or he will perish (News Analysis)


Book: How I Became a Farmer's Wife; Author: Yashodhara Lal; Publisher: Harper Collins; Pages: 319


'How I Became a Farmer's Wife' (Book Review)


In a bid to give parents more control, YouTube Kids on Thursday announced three new features around the content available in the app.


New YouTube Kids tools to help parents control content


Painting is not just a process of self-expression but is also that of self-discovery -- and the subjects she chooses and the colours she uses also give her an insight into what she strongly feels for, says artist Sai Priya Mahajan, who has exhibited abroad at prestigious events and whose debut show is currently underway in Mumbai.


Painting not just self-expression, also self-discovery: Artist Sai Priya Mahajan


Title: Death at the Durbar; Author: Arjun Raj Gaind; Publisher: HarperCollins India; Pages: 368; Price: Rs 399


A murder most foul in the Delhi Durbar - but royal too? (Book Review)


Actress Suhani Dhanki, who is currently seen in "Porus", says her de-stress mantra is to dance her heart out.


Dance is my stress buster: Suhani Dhanki


Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, veteran playback singer Asha Bhosle and veteran actor Anupam Kher were among the prominent personalities who were conferred the 'Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Awards' on the occasion of his 76th death anniversary here.


Amjad Ali Khan, Anupam Kher get Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award


What with farmers' suicides and protests, there is currently a lot of talk about an agrarian crisis -- as well as a renewed interest in lives lived in the hinterland. So, how are the writers of our times responding to this?


Different shades of 'agrarian crisis' in contemporary Indian writing (Literary Feature)


"It" star Sophia Lillis has landed the lead role in a new movie adaptation of the hit teen detective books "Nancy Drew".


'It' star in Nancy Drew movie adaptation


Fortis Healthcare (FHL) on Tuesday said that it has received two "improved" offers from IHH Healthcare Berhad and KKR-backed Radiant Life Care.


Fortis receives 'improved' offers from IHH and Radiant


The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the plea for the chopping of the scenes from "Padmavat" which were eulogizing 'Sati' and would adversely impact the viewers of the film.


SC rejects plea for cutting scenes depicting Sati from 'Padmavat'


200 Not Out Cinemas Pvt. Ltd., the makers of "Sachin: A Billion dreams", are set to make a film on the book "Brewster's Millions" by George Barr McCutcheon.


'Sachin...' makers to adapt 'Brewster's Millions'


If "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn made actor Ali Fazal realise how "unimportant" the human species is, actress Richa Chadha likes to refer to the "Autobiography of a Yogi" several times in a year. On the occasion of World Book Day on April 23, these actors have spoken up on the book that changed their perspective on life.


World Book Day: Ali Fazal, Richa on their favourite books


Singer Kabul says it is difficult to make a living by just working on ghazals.

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