Salman Rushdie's Love Story: A Journey Through His Marriages

Hey there! Let's dive into the fascinating love life of the legendary author Salman Rushdie. This brilliant mind, born in India and now residing in the UK, has had his fair share of romantic adventures. Over the years, Salman has walked down the aisle not once, not twice, but four times. Among his ex-wives is the gorgeous and talented Padma Lakshmi, the beloved host and judge of Bravo's Top Chef. Stick around as we explore the highs and lows of Salman’s matrimonial journey.

Salman Rushdie's Four Marriages: A Closer Look

Salman Rushdie, the mastermind behind the iconic novel Midnight’s Children, has had an intriguing romantic life. His first marriage took place in 1976 to Clarissa Luard. This union lasted for over a decade before they parted ways in 1987. But that was just the beginning of Salman’s complex and storied love life.

Who Was Salman Rushdie’s First Wife, Clarissa Luard?

Salman Rushdie met his first wife, Clarissa Luard, back in 1969 at a concert. Their connection deepened as she began working as a publicity manager for the London publishing house Paul Elek in 1974, around the time when Salman was still an unpublished author. The couple’s relationship blossomed, and they eventually tied the knot in 1976. A year before their divorce in 1987, Clarissa transitioned into a role with literary agents AP Watt, showcasing her dedication to the arts. She later became a literature officer with the Arts Council of England, proving herself as a significant figure in the literary world.

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Together, Salman and Clarissa welcomed a son, Zafar, in 1979. Unfortunately, Clarissa lost her battle with cancer in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of love and creativity that continues to inspire those who knew her.

Salman Rushdie’s Second Marriage to Marianne Wiggins

After his first marriage ended, Salman didn’t waste much time before meeting his second wife, the talented American author Marianne Wiggins. They married in 1988, shortly after his divorce from Clarissa. However, their marriage faced a significant challenge in 1989 when Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against Salman, calling for his assassination due to his controversial book, The Satanic Verses. Marianne bravely stood by her husband during this tumultuous time, going into hiding with him. Despite their resilience, the couple eventually divorced in 1993.

Marianne is a celebrated author in her own right, having won the 1989 Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize for her novel John Dollar. She was also a finalist for the prestigious National Book Award in 2003 for her book Evidence of Things Unseen. Her contributions to literature have left an indelible mark on the literary community.

Salman Rushdie’s Third Marriage to Elizabeth West

Salman’s third marriage brought him to Elizabeth West, another accomplished author. They exchanged vows in 1997, and their union was characterized by mutual respect and collaboration. Elizabeth is well-known for her In the Hills series, which chronicles her experiences living in rural Wales. Their partnership extended beyond personal life as they co-edited Salman’s book Mirrorwork: 50 Years of Indian Writing 1947-1997.

In 1999, the couple welcomed a son, Milan Rushdie. Despite their shared joys, Salman and Elizabeth’s marriage ended in divorce in 2004. By that time, Salman had already moved on and was living with his future wife.

Salman Rushdie’s Fourth Marriage to Padma Lakshmi

On the heels of his divorce from Elizabeth, Salman wasted no time and quickly married Padma Lakshmi, a stunning Indian-born, American-raised model and cookbook author. Padma had already published her debut cookbook, Easy Exotic: A Model’s Low-Fat Recipes From Around the World, in 1999 when they met. Her fame skyrocketed after becoming the host and judge of Bravo’s Top Chef in 2006, a position she continues to hold today.

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Despite their whirlwind romance, Salman and Padma’s marriage was short-lived. They divorced in 2007, just a year after tying the knot, and did not have any children together. Padma later went on to have a daughter, Krishna, with her former boyfriend Adam Dell in 2010.

Scroll down to see photos of Salman’s ex-wives.