One app for all your study abroad needs
Firdaus Kanga Biography: Firdaus Kanga is an inspiring personality who is known for his contributions to literature, acting and advocacy for the disabled community. Born in 1960 in Mumbai, India, into a Parsi family, Kanga has overcome certain challenges due to his condition called osteogenesis imperfecta (commonly known as brittle bone disease). Despite these obstacles, Kanga’s life story is one of resilience, creativity and a refusal to be limited by his disability. His autobiographical works and his role in the movie Sixth Happiness have made him a personality who is acclaimed in both Indian and international categories.
Table of Contents
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Firdaus Kanga |
| Date of Birth | 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Mumbai, India |
| Profession | Writer, Journalist, Actor |
| Famous Works | Trying to Grow, Heaven on Wheels |
| Film Role | Sixth Happiness (based on Trying to Grow) |
| Condition | Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease) |
| Associations | Met Stephen Hawking; connected with literary circles in London |
| Residence | London, United Kingdom |
Early Life and Education
Firdaus Kanga was born into a middle-class Parsi family in Mumbai in 1960. From a young age, he faced many challenges due to his condition, which makes bones fragile and prone to fractures.
- After being home-schooled in his early years, Kanga joined Campion School for formal education.
- Thanks to his father’s work with TWA, Kanga had opportunities to travel to Europe, America, and England, which broadened his horizons of thinking and creativity, along with global exposure.
Also read: Roald Dahl: Biography, Books & More!
Literary Career
Firdaus Kanga’s literary journey began with his novel “Trying to Grow”, a semi-autobiographical story that features Brit Kotwal, a character who also has brittle bone disease. The novel explores, themes of disability, sexuality and cultural identity in India, breaking several taboos, Kanga refused to be portrayed as a victim. His writing reflects a strong-willed approach to life.
His second major work, Heaven on Wheels, is a travelogue that recounts his experience in the United Kingdom and his meeting with the famous scientist Stephen Hawking. Thai work highlights Kanga’s ability to blend personal narrative with broader cultural insights.
Also read: Who Is Vasantha Surya?
Famous Works of Firdaus Kanga
The famous works of Firdaus Kanga are an example which is an inspiration to many at an international level. While writing he took the guidance of great writers like John Irving, V.S Naipaul, Timothy Mo, aber Chaiman Mathew Evans and Paul Bailey. His work includes –
- Trying to Grow (1990): He explored different themes of disability and identity in a humorous, unsentimental manner.
- Heaven on Wheels (1997): He chronicled his travels and meeting with Stephen Hawking.
- His works were also included in The Vintage Book of Indian Writing: 1947-97, alongside some of India’s most influential writers.
Acting Happiness: Sixth Happiness
One of Kanga’s most important achievements was his acting in the film Sixth Happiness released in 1997. The film was based on his novel Trying to Grow. Kanga played the lead role of Brit Kotwal, where he portrayed a fictional character to himself. Despite initial hesitations about acting, Kanga agreed to take on the role because of the need for authenticity in portraying a disabled character.
The movie offers a bittersweet and humorous account of his coming-of-age experience. The film’s producer insisted on casting Kanga due to the difficulty of finding an able-bodied actor who could authentically portray a disabled character.
Also Read – Amrita Pritam: Life, Poems & Awards
Advocacy and Contribution to Disability Rights
Kanga has also used his platform to advocate for disability rights and challenge societal perceptions. His documentary work also Double the Trouble Twice the Fun which was released in 1992 and aired on Channel Four in the UK, and Taboo, addressed religious and social stigmas around disability.
His outspoken views on disability and sexuality have also made him a known name in both the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities in India. Kanga was one of the first public personalities to challenge India’s taboo against homosexuality and disability, advocating for a more inclusive society.
Impact and Legacy
Firdaus Kanga’s biographical story shows the power of perseverance, creativity, determination and self-expression. Despite the challenges which were posed by his condition, Kanga has made a lasting impression on literature, film and advocacy for the disabled community at large. His inclusion in The Vintage Book of Indian Writing: 1947-97 made him one of the most influential Indian authors of the past 50 years.
FAQs
Firdaus Kanga is famous for his autobiographical works, and acting and is seen as a source of motivation and encouragement for other disabled community members.
Firdaus Kanga has Osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bone disease ( a rare bone disease).
During the meeting between Stephen Hawking and Firdaus Kanga, they both had discussions on various scientific topics, concepts and theories. They both exchanged different ideas about the time, the universe and the mysteries revolving around black holes.
Explore more relevant reads below
This was all about Firdaus Kanga’s biography. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!