Books and Authors
Godrej Literature Live! Mumbai LitFest 2026 Returns With Gulzar, Javed Akhtar and Shashi Tharoor
Mumbai’s much-awaited literary celebration is back, bringing writers, filmmakers, journalists, thinkers and artists together for three days of books, ideas, debate and culture at the NCPA.
Mumbai is preparing for another major celebration of literature and ideas with Godrej Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2026 returns for its 17th edition from October 23 to 25 at its long-standing home, the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA).
The festival, held annually since 2010, has grown into an important platform for literary and cultural conversations. The 2026 edition will mark a new chapter, with Godrej Industries Group joining as Title Partner in a multi-year association. The festival’s official history describes it as an internationally known literary event that has helped put Mumbai on the global literary festival map.
From Books to Bollywood, Technology and Big Ideas
Godrej Literature Live! Mumbai LitFest 2026 will go beyond traditional literary programming, bringing together conversations across literature, cinema, journalism, economics, medicine, history, art, sport, technology, environment, identity and the digital world.
The announced line-up includes prominent names such as Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Shashi Tharoor, Ramachandra Guha, Kaushik Basu, Ratna Pathak Shah, Shefali Shah, Shanta Gokhale, Faye D’Souza, Boria Majumdar, Jerry Pinto, Sonali Kulkarni, Juhi Babbar, Aditi Mittal and Cyriac Abby Philips, among others.
That broad mix reflects the festival’s longstanding attempt to make literature a gateway into wider cultural and social conversations rather than limiting it to books and authors.
Awards, Debates and Live Experiences
One of the biggest attractions will be the Godrej Literature Live! Literary Awards will cover categories including Lifetime Achievement, Poet Laureate, Fiction, Non-fiction and Business books.
The 2026 program will also feature the popular Great Debate, Book in Focus sessions, international performances, workshops, book launches and the festival’s much-loved book swap.
The official Literature Live! format has traditionally included panel discussions, debates, performances, workshops, book launches and book exchanges, creating a festival environment that combines literary discussion with live cultural experiences.
A Stronger Focus on Inclusion
Inclusion will remain another major theme of the 2026 edition.
Through the Godrej DEI Lab, the festival will continue highlighting voices from the LGBTQIA+ community and minority groups, expanding the range of perspectives represented on its stages.
Younger readers will also have dedicated programming through the Literature Live! Little Festival, presented in collaboration with the HT Parekh Foundation. The program is designed specifically for children, giving younger audiences an opportunity to engage with storytelling and literature.
Godrej’s ‘Crafting Tomorrow’ Meets Mumbai’s Literary Culture
The new partnership with Godrej Industries Group is built around the company’s “Crafting Tomorrow” narrative and its long association with the intersection of culture, creativity and industry.
Godrej Industries Group Chief Communications Officer Sujit Patil described the association as a natural fit, highlighting the company’s connection with both creative and engineering traditions.
Festival Co-Director Amy Fernandes said the 17th edition would continue presenting voices and ideas relevant to a rapidly changing society, while fellow Co-Director Quasar Thakore Padamsee pointed to the continuing influence of literature and words through changing times.
With its mix of celebrated names, provocative discussions, live performances, and programs for younger readers, Godrej Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2026 is set to turn the NCPA into a meeting point for India’s literary and cultural community this October.
