Bhawana Somaaya

Bhawana Somaaya, an illustrious film critic and celebrated author, has dedicated nearly half a century to chronicling the world of cinema. Formerly the editor of Screen, she has penned acclaimed biographies of legends such as Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan, her works serving as essential references for students of film. Somaaya’s literary flair extends beyond Bollywood; she has translated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Gujarati books into English as Letters to Mother and Letters to Self. A Padma Shri awardee (2017), recipient of an honorary doctorate from Jagran Lakecity University (2021), and the Kanak Nartan Puraskaar (2022), she balances her prolific writing with roles as a classical dancer, broadcaster, podcaster, and Entertainment Editor at 92.7 Big FM. With 20 books to her name, her latest, Farewell Karachi—a poignant saga of her family spanning over a century—is set to release in April