Rushdie8217;s Solan will now be a Writers8217; Home

SHIMLA, NOV 9: Anees Villa, Salman Rushdie's bunglow in Solan is all set to become a hub of literary activities. In the next four months, ...

SHIMLA, NOV 9: Anees Villa, Salman Rushdie8217;s bunglow in Solan is all set to become a hub of literary activities. In the next four months, the bunglow will be converted into a Writer8217;s Home.

The proposal had been mooted by Rushdie himself, who had visited his home on April 13, the first time after it was transferred in his name. Rushdie8217;s Attorney and leading Supreme Court lawyer Vijay S T Shankardas, who has been looking after the property is on the job to make the idea real.

8220;We are perusing the idea of Writers8217; Home very seriously. Five to six writers will be able to stay at a time. The house will be suitably equipped,8221; Vijay S T Shankardas confirmed over the phone.

According to Shankardas, Rushdie during his visit was highly impressed with the place. 8220;There, we discussed as to how best this sprawling heritage property could be utilised. Writers8217; Home seemed the best option,8221; he said.

The facility will be offered to writers working on literary projects, books or research papers. The Home will have a running in-home kitchen. It has a telephone and soon may get an internet connection.

What about Government8217;s help? 8220;No, we don8217;t require it at all, at least for this project,8221; Shankardas says.

The Anees Villa known locally as Lal Kothi, spread over three bighas almost an acre and half, has a two-storey bunglow and a garden. For long, it had been the official residence of Additional District Magistrate ADM, Solan, until Rushdie filed a petition in Himachal High Court seeking restoration of the property to him. His father Maulvi Anees Ahmed Rushdie owned the property and had stayed there. Later, he had gifted the property to Salman Rushdie leaving a registered gift deed, which had been in the possession of Rushdie.

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Rushdie got back the property after the District Collector passed orders reserving the escheatment order of his predecessor to give the titledeed to the celebrity author. In 1997, the possession was also handed over to Rushdie8217;s Attorney.

Asked about Rushdie8217;s next visit, Shankardas said, 8220;Well, anytime, when things are put in proper order at the place8221;.