Sharjah Book Fair to spotlight Malayalee literary luminaries
- Last updated: November 2, 2026 | 14:18
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Bestselling fiction, Malayalam poetry, cinema and digital storytelling will share the spotlight with public affairs and business leadership at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), which will welcome eight Indian guests, representing a diverse range of literary, cultural and professional backgrounds.
Organised by Sharjah Book Authority from November 4–15 at Expo Centre Sharjah, the fair will give audiences opportunities to engage with participants whose work spans contemporary fiction, Malayalam literature, poetry, public affairs, travel and leadership.
Celebrating Malayalam literature and poetry
The programme will also highlight established voices in Malayalam literature, including award-winning short story writer Asokan Charuvil, former Vice President of Kerala Sahitya Akademi. His literary career spans five decades, with 15 short story collections, three novels and five essay collections to his name. His literary distinctions include the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Muttathu Varkey Award and Padmarajan Award, recognising his contributions to Malayalam writing.
Novelist and short story writer Ambikasuthan Mangad will bring his socially conscious literary perspective, with works exploring environmental concerns and their effects on communities. His novel Enmakaje addresses the experiences of people affected by endosulfan, while Pranavayu earned him the Odakkuzhal Award. His writing reflects the role of fiction in examining social and ecological issues.
Veteran poet and lyricist P. K. Gopi, whose career spans literature and Malayalam cinema, has authored more than 27 books and written songs for over 30 films. A recipient of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award for Children's Literature for Olachoottinte Velicham and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Lifetime Achievement Award, he has contributed to poetry and writing for younger readers.
Representing the creative traditions of Malayalam cinema and poetry, B. K. Harinarayanan has written more than 700 songs and received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist twice. His work includes the popular songs ‘Jeevamshamayi’ from Theevandi and ‘Minungum Minnaminunge’ from Oppam. His career also extends to poetry, acting and film direction.
Public life, creativity and leadership
Indian actress, writer and travel content creator Shenaz Treasurywala will bring her experience across entertainment, lifestyle and digital storytelling. Known for her work in film and television and for documenting travel experiences around the world, she has built an audience through content connecting destinations, cultures and personal experiences.
Business leader and author Vineet Nayar, former CEO of HCL Technologies, is known for his bestselling management book Employees First, Customers Second and for leading the company's transformation. His latest book, Humans First, Machines Second, examines how organisations can prioritise human potential in the age of artificial intelligence. As Founder-Chairman of Sampark Foundation, he also works to improve learning outcomes for millions of children in rural India through technology-enabled education.
Contemporary fiction and a new generation of readers
Bestselling novelist and screenwriter Durjoy Datta will represent contemporary Indian popular fiction, particularly stories centred on relationships, young adulthood and modern life. His work across novels, television and digital storytelling has earned him a strong following among younger readers.
Joining him is emerging writer and social media personality Ria Chopra, whose youth-oriented storytelling and digital presence highlight how contemporary writers connect with younger readers and build communities online. Her work reflects the growing role of digital platforms in connecting contemporary storytelling with younger audiences.
Held under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, SIBF 2026 will bring together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, alongside 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events. The participation of Indian writers and creative figures will add to the fair's programme of literary encounters and cultural exchange, connecting audiences with different forms of storytelling and knowledge.
According to an earlier report, ten authors will explore the psychology, moral dilemmas and storytelling techniques behind the genre at the fifth Thriller Festival, taking place during the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.
Running from Nov.7 to 10 at Expo Centre Sharjah, the festival brings Arab and international crime writers together to examine why disturbing stories captivate millions, the ethical questions raised by fiction inspired by real crimes and how different cultures are reshaping the fictional detective.
The four-day event, organised in collaboration with Thriller Festival New York and Capital Crime London, also features creative writing workshops and interactive sessions for students.