Journalist Zoya Ahmed Husain debuts as author with stirring slice-of-life work
New Delhi, June 16
Senior journalist Zoya Ahmad Husain's debut book "Wah Ri Zindagi", an evocative, eclectic and engaging collection of stories based on real-life experiences, was launched at a glittering ceremony attended by several distinguished figures from the worlds of media, the literary world, arts, and public life.
The launch at the India International Centre commenced with a special audio-visual musical performance on a song by celebrated playback singer Abhijeet, whose lyrics were centred around the theme of "Wah Ri Zindagi" itself.
Shobhit University Chancellor Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra, senior journalist, author, and former Rajya Sabha member Shahid Siddiqui, satirist Prem Janmejay, senior journalist and author Jayanti Ranganathan, Prof. Anshu Joshi of JNU's School of International Studies, and senior journalist Kadambini Sharma were prominent figures at the launch event, memorably and energetically piloted by Aaj Tak's Executive Editor and Anchor, Saaed Ansari.
Other eminent personalities present were TV Today Vice President Rehan Kidwai, leading theatre personality Salim Arif, film actor Nasir Abdullah, PTI Video Section editor Shazi Zaman, senior journalists Ramesh Menon, Amitabh Srivastava, Shishir Sinha, Prabal Pratap Singh, Anuj Khare of Zee News), Vibhas Awasthi, Bichitramani Rathore, Piyush Pandey, Parvez Sagar, Rafe Sultan, Ravinder Bawa, Suman Kansra, Kripal Singh and Regional PF Commissioner Alok Yadav, along with several other distinguished guests.
BAG Films and Media Ltd CMD Anuradha Prasad welcomed and felicitated all the speakers, who praised the new work for its sensitive portrayal of life's experiences, emotions, relationships, and struggles, and commended Husain's insightful writing and unique perspective on life.
Talking to IANS, Husain said her work comprises seven stories dealing with various aspects of life.
"They are fictional but based on real-life experiences," the debutant author said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is very encouraging for aspiring writers in India. The list of eminent guests shows the respect Zoya commands in the media fraternity. Would love to know if the stories cover urban or rural experiences. Best wishes!
"Wah Ri Zindagi" – what a beautiful title! Reminds me of the simple joys and sorrows of everyday life. I hope the book doesn't just celebrate but also questions our society. Would love to read it. 📖
Good to see journalism and storytelling merging. But honestly, these high-profile launches are a bit too flashy for a debut work. Let's hope the content speaks louder than the guest list. Time will tell.
The real-life experiences angle is promising. So many stories go unheard in our country. Hope Zoya has managed to give voice to the common person. Will pick up a copy this weekend. All the best to her! 👏
I'm slightly skeptical—so many journalists turn authors these days and it's often just recycled reporting. But the title and theme do sound refreshing. Let's hope these seven stories are truly evocative and not just literary clichés.
The launch seemed packed with media bigwigs, but
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