Narayani Basu
Biographer and historian known for narrative biographies and public-intellectual writing; author of A Man For All Seasons (KM Panikkar) and a book on V.P. Menon, featured here to discuss writing, friendship and her new biography.
Best podcasts with Narayani Basu
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Oct 6, 2025 • 4h 24min
Ep 428: The Solitary Writer Meets the Impossible Man
Narayani Basu, a biographer and historian known for her works on significant Indian figures, dives deep into the art of writing and the complexities of friendship. She shares how solitary biography work intertwines with building meaningful relationships, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability. Narayani discusses the evolution of her subject, KM Panikkar, exploring his intellectual journey and the personal influences shaping his legacy. They also touch on the challenges of navigating life, love, and career in a fast-paced world, and recommend favorites that bring joy amid the hustle.
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 20min
Narayani Basu on K. M. Panikkar: India’s Impossible Man
Narayani Basu, a historian and author of 'A Man for All Seasons: The Life of K. M. Panikkar', dives deep into the life of this fascinating figure. She discusses Panikkar's role in the Indian nationalist movement and his intricate relationship with China in the 1950s. The conversation touches on his ideological complexities, including his views on Zionism and communism. Basu also examines the impact of historical traumas on India's identity and the challenges of integrating princely states into a unified nation.
