(L-R) Asma Khan and Barkha Dutt with their new books at Darjeeling Express, Covent Gardens, London, UK. Dutt's book, 'To Hell and Back', is based on her road trips during the first COVID-induced lockdown as she noticed a paradigm shift in the traditional meaning of humanity by exploring the deep-rooted inequalities across caste, class and gender in the heart of India. Though written from a different angle, Khan's cookbook 'Ammu' is also a product of the trauma of the first lockdown. The book is a tribute to Khan's mum as she goes back to the warmth and assurance of family recipes to lighten the dark mood prevailing at the time.
Reshom Majumdar
Asma Khan makes a point during the conversation, while Barkha Dutt waits for her turn. What was intended to be a book-reading session eventually turned into an evening of informal talks about their lockdown-inspired books, their life journey and their experience of being women at the forefront of change. Mallika Kapur was the anchor of the event.
Reshom Majumdar
Dancer Tanusree Shankar flanked by Asma Khan and Barkha Dutt. Both Khan and Dutt also shared their experiences of being a woman in a man's world. Referring to her own story, Dutt narrated how the idea of a woman war correspondent still seems ludicrous to a lot of people. Khan pointed out that though most women toil their lives away in the kitchen, female chefs are hard to come by at restaurants.
Reshom Majumdar
Author of children's book author and scriptwriter Nayanika Mahtani and dancer Tanusree Shankar were among those who attended the session at Asma Khan's famous London restaurant. Dutt and Khan mostly talked about the impact of the nationwide lockdown in public and personal spheres. Dutt lost her father to the deadly virus, while Khan also saw her loved ones going through the toughest phase of their lives.
Reshom Majumdar
