Podcast Summary: New Books Network
Episode: Zeenath Khan, "The Sirens of September" (India Penguin, 2025)
Date: November 29, 2025
Host: Khadija
Guest: Zeenath Khan

Episode Overview

This episode features host Khadija in conversation with Zeenath Khan, author of the historical novel The Sirens of September. Set during the lead-up and aftermath of Hyderabad’s annexation by India in 1948, the novel delves into the forgotten histories of South Asia through richly drawn characters and evocative settings. The discussion explores Khan’s personal and creative journey, her intensive research process, character development, the role of memory and nostalgia, and her hopes for the book’s impact.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Author's Personal Journey and Writing Process

• Childhood Memories and Character Creation
  • Zeenath’s lived experiences directly informed the world of her protagonist, Farishte:
    • "The novel begins with Farishte getting her hair combed and brushed...my father did not allow me to cut my hair. So I had very long hair as a young girl." (02:22)
    • The author’s relationships and school memories helped recreate adolescent authenticity.
    • She relates to both the young and middle-aged characters, drawing from various phases of her own life.

2. Why Write About the Annexation of Hyderabad?

• Motivation to Revisit a Forgotten History
  • Zeenath clarifies that, though she didn’t experience the events herself, she was compelled to tell this story:
    • “I just thought that the story just needed to be told because it was a very, it was a significant event in the history of the subcontinent, probably the most significant after Partition and nobody talks about it.” (04:43)
  • She touches on the syncretic culture of Hyderabad, and the abrupt end of an aristocratic way of life.

3. Research and Historical Texture

• Diverse Archival and Oral Sources
  • Khan conducted extensive research, including:
    • Old newspapers from 1946-48.
    • Libraries such as Maharashtra State Archives, Asiatic Library.
    • Memoirs (e.g., General El Idrus’s writings), family stories, YouTube videos, and period films.
    • Details such as vintage cars, types of airplanes, decor, and even stock markets provided authenticity.
    • Example detail: "Stocks for hotel chains and soap. Procter and Gamble did very well after selling soap to soldiers during World War II." (06:07)

4. Structure of the Novel

• Parallel Worlds
  • The novel is structured to contrast the oblivious aristocratic lifestyle with the coming political storm:
    • “In the beginning they were partying and enjoying life...they didn't see that their days...were numbered. So India's independence also meant the loss of Hyderabad sovereignty.” (07:49)

5. Central Characters and their Significance

• Farishte (Protagonist)

  • "A pampered young girl...her head is in books and she lives in this palatial house...she's observant and...very perceptive, intelligent young girl." (08:58)

• Salim Al Idruz

  • Speculation on his fate had he lived: “He probably would have become like Air Force chief of Pakistan, I think...he was extremely bright.” (09:50)
  • On portraying General El Idrus:
    • "His life follows the character arc of a Greek hero. You know, high born, accomplished, but he was arrogant in a way that he also...didn't see this coming." (10:58)
    • Revealing the emotional and personal cost behind the historic figure blamed for Hyderabad’s fall.

• Darius Farohar

  • Represents an outsider perspective as a Zoroastrian industrialist with the ability to aid the protagonists.
    • "He was the one who eventually came to the family's aid because nobody else did...Parsis community...were the wealthiest industrialists." (14:20)
  • Class versus religious identity is a recurring theme:
    • “All the privileged people, the Nizam's rule suited them. The Zamindars, the Rajas, the Samastans, they were all in favor with the Nizam.” (15:55)

6. Role of Homes and Hyderabadi Spaces

• Settings as Characters
  • “Kushnama actually was the name of my childhood home…for me it symbolizes a place of comfort, a place of childhood...Pegasus...is a symbol of power and...the transience of life...Kinkotli palace...a place of intrigue and deception and secrets.” (16:29)

7. Title and the Power of Sound

• Why “Sirens” of September?
  • “On the morning of September 13, 1948...they woke up the sound of sirens...when the sirens were sounded they knew that India had invaded. So that's why I named the book the Sirens of September.” (19:02)
  • Other recurring sounds enrich the atmosphere—radio, music, typewriters, gunfire.

8. Nostalgia and Longing

• Evoking a Lost World
  • Zeenath intentionally conveys longing and nostalgia, highlighting how history can be both fact and emotion:
    • “I tried very best to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia in my readers so that they would remember it.” (22:01)
    • “...if all the book had been rosy and happy and cheerful, I don't think I would have had the same effect on readers.”

9. Prospects for a Sequel

• Future Plans
  • Zeenath is considering continuing Farishte’s story or exploring other characters like Darius if readers and publishers are interested:
    • “I've had some suggestions that I write a sequel...the book ends when she's 27, and that's not a great age. She still had a whole life to live.” (23:05)
    • Possible prequel focusing on Darius.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “My experiences in life shaped my writing and the characters.” — Zeenath Khan (02:22)
• “I believe the Nizam is more to blame than General Azus because General Ed Zeus really was not in a very comfortable position.” — Zeenath Khan (10:58)
• “All the privileged people, the Nizam's rule suited them.” — Zeenath Khan (15:55)
• “So sirens...they woke up the sound of sirens being sounded and that there was a total blackout in the city. So when the sirens were sounded they knew that India had invaded.” — Zeenath Khan (19:02)
• “I tried very best to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia in my readers so that they would remember it.” — Zeenath Khan (22:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Topic | |-----------|------------------------------------------------| | 01:47 | Introduction and Zeenath’s journey as writer | | 04:26 | Decision to write Hyderabad’s “erased past” | | 06:07 | Research sources and process | | 07:49 | Structure of novel: Parallel worlds | | 08:58 | On Farishte (protagonist) | | 09:50 | On Salim Al Idruz and General El Idrus | | 13:29 | Archival gaps and role of family in research | | 14:20 | Darius Farohar and class/religion dynamics | | 16:29 | Symbolism of homes and spaces | | 19:02 | The meaning behind the title and power of sound | | 22:01 | Nostalgia and loss in narrative | | 23:05 | Prospects for a sequel or prequel |

Tone and Style

The conversation is personal and reflective, blending incisive historical analysis with warm reminiscence and cultural specificity. Khan’s candid responses and storytelling create an intimate window onto both Hyderabad’s lost world and the writerly process of recreating it.

Conclusion

This episode provides a rich exploration of history, memory, and identity, offering listeners both context and emotional resonance for The Sirens of September. Zeenath Khan’s revelations about her process and the era depicted in her novel will appeal to lovers of historical fiction, those interested in South Asian histories, and anyone fascinated by how personal memory shapes collective narrative.