The 17th edition of Godrej Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest 2026 opened in Mumbai on October 23, bringing together literature lovers, celebrated writers and cultural voices for a weekend dedicated to the power of words. Held at its long-standing venue, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) at Nariman Point, the festival will continue until October 25. One of the biggest highlights of the opening evening was the launch of Three Masters, the new book by veteran lyricist, screenwriter and poet Javed Akhtar. The occasion brought together cinema, poetry and India’s rich literary heritage, setting a thoughtful and inspiring tone for this year’s festival.
The inaugural evening took place at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre and began with a heartfelt tribute to the festival’s late founder, Anil Dharker. The tribute honoured the vision behind an event that has become an important platform for writers, thinkers and readers to exchange ideas and celebrate literature. Following the opening ceremony, attention turned to the much-anticipated session titled Sublime Verses, which marked the official launch of Akhtar’s latest literary work. Known for his remarkable contribution to Hindi cinema and songwriting, Akhtar brought his passion for language and poetry to a discussion centred on some of India’s most enduring literary voices.
At the heart of Three Masters are the timeless couplets, or dohas, of three celebrated Indian poet-philosophers: Kabir, Rahim and Vrind. Their verses, composed centuries ago, continue to offer insights into human behaviour, relationships, morality and the complexities of everyday life. Through the book, Akhtar revisits this treasured poetic tradition and brings its wisdom to contemporary readers. The work highlights how a few carefully chosen words can express profound truths about human nature, making classical poetry relevant across generations. The launch offered literature enthusiasts an opportunity to rediscover these celebrated poets through a modern literary perspective.
Akhtar was accompanied by his wife, acclaimed actor and activist Shabana Azmi, and translator Sumantra Ghosal, who translated the work into English. The discussion explored the enduring relevance of the three poets and the ways their verses continue to resonate with contemporary society. From love and personal relationships to social dynamics and human values, the conversation examined how the observations captured in these couplets remain meaningful even in a rapidly changing world. The session also underscored the importance of translation in making India's literary heritage accessible to a wider audience, allowing readers from different linguistic backgrounds to engage with these works.
The launch also celebrated Akhtar’s distinctive contribution to Indian culture. Over the decades, he has established himself as one of Hindi cinema’s most influential lyricists and screenwriters, with a body of work that has shaped the language of popular films and music. His literary pursuits reflect another dimension of his creative journey, connecting the storytelling traditions of cinema with the depth and simplicity of classical poetry. By bringing the wisdom of Kabir, Rahim and Vrind to a contemporary readership, Three Masters bridges the gap between India’s literary past and present-day conversations.
With its opening sessions setting an intellectually engaging tone, Godrej Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest 2026 will continue through October 25 with a programme featuring panel discussions, poetry readings, book signings and conversations with literary voices. The festival remains a meeting place for ideas, stories and perspectives, offering audiences opportunities to discover new books and revisit familiar classics. The launch of Three Masters gave the opening evening a memorable literary highlight, reminding attendees that poetry written centuries ago can still speak powerfully to modern life. As the festival continues, readers can look forward to more discussions celebrating the enduring relationship between words, culture and society.