Great Writers: Salman RushdieThis film explores Rushdie's approach to literature, the importance and influence of his work, and the way his experiences shape his fiction. Rushdie gained worldwide notoriety when the publication of his novel The Satanic Verses in 1988 led to the announcement of a fatwa. He sees the resulting controversy as an annoyance, bringing fame that brought no focus to his work as literature. At the same time, the threat took a serious toll on him. He discusses what it was about "The Satanic Verses" that protestors considered wrong; his attitude is one of quiet defiance rather than an embrace of martyrdom. He discusses how his complex relationship to India shaped his writing. (49:02)
