Poetry weaves together history, memory, and imagination, offering a window into the human condition. Arvind Krishna Mehrotra, with his deft command of language and form, brings together the richness of Indian history, literature, and personal reflection in his verse. His poetry blends the everyday with the eternal, inviting readers to explore the layers of meaning beneath the surface. A conversation on his work and creative influences.

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World-renowned poet Arvind Krishna Mehrotra, one of India’s most inspirational literary figures, will be the Godrej Poet Laureate of the landmark 15th edition of Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest.

Poet, translator, anthologist, essayist professor, Arvind Krishna Mehrotra is an internationally acclaimed litterateur. He studied at the university of Allahabad where he subsequently taught. He is the author of four influential poetic tomes:  Nine Enclosures, Distance in Statute Miles, Middle Earth and The Transfiguring Places. His most recent publication which encompasses three sections: The Book of Rahim and Other Poems, Ghalib, A Diary, and Book of Lahore is deeply evocative.

Mehrotra’s poetic mastery is reflected in his spare, understated verse and with the immaculate placement of each word, which allows readers to find their own layers of interpretation and depth. He has also edited some definitive compilations including A History of Indian Literature in English, The Oxford India Anthology of Twelve Modern Indian Poets and The Last Bungalow: Writings on Allahabad.

Impressively fluent in several languages, one of Mehrotra’s many immense contributions to the literary firmament are his translations of more than 200 literary works from Prakrit, Hindi, Gujarati and Bengali into English, the best-known being Songs of Kabir, and The Absent Traveller: Prākrit Love Poetry, which have established his primacy and scholarly eminence in the world of languages and letters. He is also a fine essayist and has written books on literature, literary history and translation.

Accepting the Poet Laureateship for Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2024, Arvind Krishna Mehrotra said: “I am delighted, and more surprised than delighted, at being Poet Laureate at Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest. I look forward to being at the Festival”.

Co-Director of the Festival, Quasar Thakore Padamsee said, “Arvind Krishna Mehrotra is one of India’s best recognised poets, both nationally and internationally. We are beyond honoured that a poet of Mr. Mehrotra’s stature and eminence has accepted the Poet Laureateship of   Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest, and more so for our landmark 15th edition at which his presence, contribution and words will greatly   enhance our rich continuum of literary engagement”.

Nadir Godrej, Chairperson, Godrej Industries Group, said: "It will be a privilege to have Arvind Krishna Mehrotra as Poet Laureate at Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest 2024. An internationally renowned poet and one of India’s literary treasures, his quietly influential work offers insight and depth, enriching not only our generation but those to come."

Previous Literature Live! Poet Laureates include Mamang Dai, Gieve Patel, Adil Jussawalla, Javed Akhtar, K. Satchidanandan, Jayanta Mahapatra, Gulzar, Keki Daruwalla, Vikram Seth, and Joy Goswami