Renowned British author, playwright, and filmmaker Hanif Kureishi is currently recovering in Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital after a gruesome fall on December 26. The 68-year-old literary giant, best known for his works “The Buddha of Suburbia”, “Intimacy”, and “Mother”, took to Twitter to share his harrowing ordeal. Kureishi, who had just watched a football match, fell while taking a stroll in the Italian capital, leaving him unable to move his arms or legs.
In his Twitter post, Kureishi recounted how he had been enjoying a leisurely walk from Piazza del Popolo to Villa Borghese and then back to his apartment when the accident occurred. He described how he felt dizzy, leaned forward, and put his head between his legs, only to wake up moments later in a pool of blood, his neck twisted in an unnatural position, and his wife on her knees beside him. The experience left him convinced that he was dying, believing he had only three breaths left.
Kureishi credited his wife with saving his life and keeping him calm, noting that he was profoundly traumatized and unrecognizable to himself for several days. He could not move his arms and legs, scratch his nose, make a phone call, or feed himself, finding the situation both humiliating and degrading.
The author has since undergone an operation on his spine, showing minor improvements in recent days. Although still unable to walk or perform everyday tasks, Kureishi has found some sensation and movement, and he is set to begin physiotherapy and rehabilitation soon. The uncertainty surrounding his future mobility and ability to engage in creative activities has left him seeking assistance with voice-assisted hardware and software to aid his writing and work.
Hanif Kureishi (Via Hanif Kureishi/Twitter)
Kureishi’s career has been marked by his exploration of complex subjects, including the intricacies of relationships and the marginalization of minority groups. His work has been widely acclaimed, with “My Beautiful Laundrette” winning the New York City Film Critics best screenplay award and receiving an Academy Award nomination for best original screenplay. His novels, such as “The Buddha of Suburbia” and “Intimacy”, have also been highly praised, with the former winning the Whitbread Award for the best first novel.
Throughout his career, Kureishi’s work has been characterized by its honesty, candor, and willingness to tackle difficult subjects. His latest ordeal has left him seeking assistance and support, but it has not deterred him from pursuing his creative endeavors. As he navigates the challenges of his recovery, Kureishi remains a powerful voice in British literature, his work continuing to resonate with audiences around the world.
