Hanif Kureishi - ‘I Write To Stay Alive’

Hanif Kureishi is one of Britain’s most celebrated writers. His debut screenplay, My Beautiful Laundrette, was nominated for an Academy Award, and he went on to write novels including The Buddha of Suburbia and Intimacy, as well as screenplays for Venus and The Mother.

But in 2022, Kureishi’s life changed irrevocably. A fall in his partner’s apartment left him paralysed and unable to use his hands. His extraordinary journey through the aftermath and rehabilitation became the subject of his 2024 memoir, Shattered. Now, in Are You With Me Now?, a collection of essays written with his son Carlo, he explores what it means to survive when the life you knew has fallen apart.

In this episode, Hanif talks about the accident itself, subsequent years, his changing relationship with writing and his body… and why Elton John came to his wedding!

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 Introduction

03:53 Accident to Viral Blogs

06:49 Work, Disability, Identity

07:31 Conflict as Intimacy

12:27 Failures at School

19:32 Loss, Suicide, Wedding Twist

24:27 Quitting Directing

24:46 Writing The Buddha Of Suburbia

26:17 Comedy From Pain

27:02 Oscar Nominee Whirlwind

29:19 Why Directing Failed

31:56 Success And Jealousy

34:34 Body Failing Bomb

42:28 Love Dependence

💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER:

I was writing to keep myself alive as a person.

I think boredom is really important.

If someone becomes glamorous and successful, it f***s with your head.

🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS:

Hanif’s book Are You With Me Now? is out on 5th November: www.penguin.co.uk/books/481825/are-you-with-me-now-by-kureishi-hanif-kureishi-with-carlo/9780241831595

Join the How To Fail community: www.howtofail.supportingcast.fm/#content

Elizabeth’s Substack: www.theelizabethday.substack.com

📚 WANT MORE?

Salman Rushdie - swap.fm/l/3qh3lMa8mCxLSv8AL7ys

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