Kerala India. 6. 15. 2006. Kamala Dass Suraya. A Personal Portrait Shoot. Editorial Image

Kamala Das (1934–2009) was a prominent Indian writer known for her works in Malayalam and English. Born Kamala Surayya in Punnayurkulam, Kerala, she was a major figure in Indian literature and is celebrated for her bold and evocative writing style.### Early LifeKamala Das was born into a prominent family in Kerala. Her father, P. K. Kitti, was a journalist and her mother, Muttathathu Kuruvi, was a housewife. She had a challenging childhood, marked by personal and familial issues. She married at a young age, which influenced much of her later writing. Literary CareerKamala Das began writing poetry and short stories at an early age. Her debut collection of poems in English, *“Summer in Calcutta”* (1965), was well-received and marked the beginning of her literary fame. Her writing is known for its confessional and intimate style, exploring themes of love, identity, and the female experience.In addition to poetry, she wrote novels and short stories in Malayalam. Her works often challenged traditional norms and brought attention to issues like gender and sexuality. Some of her notable works include the novel *Alphabet of Lust* and the autobiographical *My Story,* which was a significant work that candidly discussed her life and relationships.Personal LifeKamala Das had a tumultuous personal life, including a troubled marriage and struggles with mental health. Despite these challenges, her writing remained a powerful voice for personal and social issues. She converted to Islam in 1999 and adopted the name Kamala Surayya, which reflected a significant shift in her personal and spiritual life. LegacyKamala Das is remembered for her boldness in addressing taboo subjects and her unique narrative voice. She remains a significant figure in Indian literature, influencing generations of writers and readers with her exploration of human emotions and social issues.Her contributions to literature and her distinctive style continue to be celebrated and studied, making her one of the most influential writers of contemporary Indian literature.