Interview with Anita Anand, author of ‘Koh-i-Noor’

Anita Anand (author, journalist, and celebrated television and radio presenter) has built a remarkable career defined by versatility and depth. Once one of the youngest news editors in the UK, she has since become a respected voice in both broadcasting and historical writing. Her latest book, Koh-i-Noor, dives into the gripping saga of the world’s most coveted diamond, uncovering the stories of power, politics, and tragedy behind its glittering facade. In this Anita Anand interview, we talk with her about the fascinating figures behind the pages, what drew her to this remarkable story, and the enduring inspiration that fuels her work.

Getting to know Anita Anand, the author of ‘Koh-i-Noor’

Can you tell us a bit about your new book, Koh-i-Noor?

The diamond fascinates me because it’s so deeply controversial. Countries as varied as India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have all claimed it at one time or another, and they all still want it back. On a personal level, I’m the child of Indian parents who was raised in the UK, and this particular diamond shines so brightly in the cultural imagination of both places. It’s hard not to be intrigued by something that holds that much historical weight and emotional power.

As for the book itself, I first came across the Koh-i-Noor while researching Sophia [my first book: Sophia: Princess, Suffragette, Revolutionary], since it was Sophia’s father who famously presented it to Queen Victoria. Later, over a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in the Green Room at the National Theatre, William Dalrymple and I discovered we shared a fascination, his with the diamond’s ancient history and mine with its later journey. That’s when the idea for the book was born.

Your first book also focuses on Anglo-Indian relations and the women’s rights movement. What drives your interest in these subjects?

Quite simply, it’s in my DNA! I’m an Essex girl with Indian roots, a product of two countries and two cultures, and stories like Sophia’s connect both histories in a powerful way. She’s also someone who’s been largely forgotten by history, pushed aside because of her revolutionary views and actions. I see it as my mission to bring these hidden histories to light, giving a voice to untold stories and the important issues they raise.

Your writing reveals a clear focus on the power of individual figures. Do you think these kinds of histories can offer an insight into wider events?

Absolutely, yes they can. The actions of individual people are what shape history, it’s not a fixed or static thing, and the impact of those actions is incredibly relevant. What fascinated me so much about Sophia was that she was right there in the middle of it all. She was a suffragette and an activist, and the effects of her work are still being felt today. It’s the same with the Koh-i-Noor, everyone who’s come into contact with it has, in some way, shaped the histories of two nations. That sense of interactivity is what draws me to the role of individuals as catalysts for change, it never stops being fascinating.

Alongside writing, you also host BBC 4’s Any Answers? radio programme. What’s your most memorable experience on the show?

It’s not always an easy show to host, we tackle tough, emotional topics that impact people’s everyday lives. I’d say fear, anger, and frustration often drive the conversation, and the show offers a very real reflection of how deeply politics can influence individuals. Some of my most memorable moments came in the lead-up to the most recent election. Caller after caller predicted a hung parliament, something that went against all the polls, and that’s exactly what happened. It was a powerful reminder of why it’s so important to really listen to people. Individual voices and perspectives can be incredibly impactful.

What attracted you to journalism?

To be honest, what first drew me to journalism was the hope of scoring free theater tickets! After finishing college, I figured the best way to get a seat was to interview the actors, so that’s exactly what I did. Stephen Berkoff was my first interview, and he was absolutely lovely. The more I did it, the more I realized how much I loved it, and that I was actually pretty good at it. I ended up winning The Guardian’s ‘Young Journalist of the Year’ award, and from there, I never looked back.

Over the years, the profession has only gotten tougher. Journalists are expected to speak truth to power, and that’s no easy task, especially in an era of social media backlash and constant cries of ‘fake news.’ It’s getting harder and harder to break through the noise, but the most important thing is staying true to your mission. A journalist’s job is to shine a light on the truth, and that’s what I’m always fighting to do, even in a time when distrust feels like the norm.

What has been your favorite travel experience?

My husband (science writer Simon Singh) and I have developed a real passion for chasing eclipses over the past few years, and some of them have been absolutely spectacular. If I had to pick just one, I’d say our trip to the Sahara Desert stands out the most. We camped out under the stars, witnessed a total eclipse, and felt completely removed from the rest of the world. It was truly breathtaking.

Have any of the destinations you’ve visited and researched overturned your expectations?

I think I’d have to choose the Sahara again for this one. To get there, we traveled through what was then Gaddafi’s Libya. Even at that time, the country felt like it was teetering on the edge, and we expected to encounter a culture dominated by fear and uncertainty. But when we stopped at local cafés and struck up conversations with people we met along the way, we found something completely different. People were open and honest, eager to share their feelings and dreams. Most of all, they wanted to laugh, and that’s exactly what we did. We broke bread and laughed together.

Our ethos is all about bringing travelers as close as possible to local expertise. Have you ever been saved by a bit of local advice?

Definitely when I was younger! I went backpacking through South America at 19 and ended up in some pretty questionable situations. One of the most memorable was in Rio, where I spent a lot of time hanging out along the beachfront and chatting with the locals. There was one guy I spoke to almost every day, he became a bit of a regular fixture in my routine. It wasn’t until a kind local man pulled me aside and warned me that the guy actually ran a brothel and had quite a notorious reputation that I realized how naïve I’d been. I’m much more experienced now, but I’ll always be grateful to that man for stepping in when he did!

What’s next for you? Any new story ideas or travel plans in the pipeline?

I’m currently researching a new book, once again focusing on the Indian/British experience and the collision of cultures. This story takes a deeper look at the Raj, challenging the romanticized, Kipling-esque notions that have persisted over time. I believe it will shed light on the struggles of the Indian colonial experience and potentially change people’s perceptions of that era. But most importantly, I’m committed to telling a true story, there’s nothing more vital to me than that.

Make it happen

As Anita Anand continues to explore the intersections of history, culture, and personal stories, her work invites us to reflect on the powerful impact of individuals and the legacies they leave behind. Just as she meticulously uncovers the layers of the Koh-i-Noor’s history and the struggles that shaped the Indian colonial experience, you too can embark on your own journey of discovery.

If our Anita Anand interview has you ready to create your personalized adventure, whether it’s delving into history or chasing unforgettable experiences, reach out to our local experts. Let them guide you in crafting a trip that reflects your unique interests and passions.