Iconic author, Bapsi Sidhwa, known as a founding figure of South Asian literature, passed away on 25th December, 2024, at the age of 86, in Houston, USA. Sidhwa was reckoned worldwide as a pioneering literary voice whose works transcended boundaries and bridged cultures. Best known for her globally bestselling novels, ‘Ice Candy Man’ and ‘The Crow Eaters’, Bapsi’s writings illuminated the complexities of identity, history, and the human spirit, resonating across generations and geographies. Her poignant writings made an indelible impact on global literature, rich in historical and cultural context, earning her a place among the most celebrated authors of her time. Bapsi Sidhwa is survived by her three children – Mohur, Koko, and Parizad.

Born on August 11, 1938, in Karachi, to a prominent Parsi family, Sidhwa moved to Lahore shortly after her birth, where she spent much of her life. Contracted polio at the age of two shaped her resilience and outlook on life. She graduated from Lahore’s Kinnaird College in 1957 and began her career as a writer after her marriage and subsequent return to Pakistan.

Her literary debut, ‘The Crow Eaters’ (1978), earned her widespread recognition for its portrayal of Parsi life and history. Other books, including ‘The Bride’ (1982), ‘An American Brat’ (1993), and ‘City of Sin and Splendour: Writings on Lahore’ (2006), vividly portray the cultural and historical fabric of South Asia. Her novel, ‘Ice Candy Man’, was adapted into the critically acclaimed, award-winning film, ‘Earth’, (by Indian-Canadian filmmaker, Deepa Mehta), which captured the horrors of the 1947 partition, a period Sidhwa personally witnessed as a child. Her opus, ‘Water: A Novel’ (2006), served as the foundation for Mehta’s Academy Award-nominated film by the same name.

Bapsi was a trailblazing and much-loved figure within the global Zoroastrian community, portraying with warmth and wit the traditions, challenges, and indomitable spirit of our vibrant community. She was actively involved in the Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH), as a mentor and role model for women, and a beacon of hope for marginalized voices.

Bapsi Sidhwa was bestowed with Pakistan’s prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz for her literary contributions. A documentary about her life, ‘Bapsi: Silences of My Life’, which was released in October 2022 by the Citizens Archive of Pakistan, offers a glimpse into her journey as a writer and her experiences during the partition of India, which profoundly shaped her literary vision. To honor her legacy, FIRES (a FEZANA Committee) initiated the ‘Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize’ in 2022, an accolade that continues to nurture and celebrate literary excellence.