Author Nayantara Sahgal turns 99: Things you didn’t know about her

Nayantara Sahgal is more than just a novelist, she’s a fearless political thinker, memoirist, and one of India’s most outspoken literary voices. Born into one of the country’s most influential families, she carved her own path through bold writing and principled stands. Here are some lesser known facts about her life and work. (wikimedia commons)

Her First Book Was a Memoir, Not Fiction: Before becoming known for novels, Sahgal wrote a memoir, Prison and Chocolate Cake, detailing her unusual upbringing amid political upheaval. (american academy of arts and sciences)

She Grew Up Inside India’s Freedom Movement: Sahgal was born into the Nehru family, her uncle was Jawaharlal Nehru, and her cousin Indira Gandhi. Her childhood unfolded at Anand Bhavan, a hub of political activity during the independence movement. (facebook: pinakpani bhatarchjee)

She Once Met Frida Kahlo: In a fascinating cultural crossover, Nayantara Sahgal once met legendary artist Frida Kahlo during her travels. The encounter reflects the global, intellectually rich circles she moved in from a young age, far beyond just Indian politics and literature. (wikimedia commons)

She Openly Opposed the Emergency: During the The Emergency in India, she publicly criticized the government, despite her close family ties to Indira Gandhi. This bold stance cemented her reputation as a writer of integrity. (instagram: sameersevak)

She Returned a Prestigious Award in Protest: In 2015, Sahgal returned her Sahitya Akademi Award to protest rising intolerance in India, sparking a nationwide debate among writers and intellectuals. (facebook: pinakpani bhatarchjee)

She Was Educated Abroad at a Young Age: She was sent to the United States as a teenager and studied at Wellesley College. This early exposure to global ideas deeply shaped her political thinking and writing style. (facebook: pinakpani bhatarchjee)