Highlights:
- Barack Obama released his annual 2025 favorites list
- Indian authors Anita Desai and Kiran Desai featured for books
- Indian-American musician Ganavya included in music picks
- List celebrates global and diverse creative voices
- Obama invited fans to share their own recommendations
Former US President Barack Obama has released his much-anticipated 2025 favorites list, continuing his yearly tradition of highlighting the books, music, and films that made an impression on him during the year. Shared on social media, the list reflects Obama’s wide-ranging interests and strong support for diverse voices from around the world, including several creators of Indian origin.
Among the most talked-about selections are Indian writers Anita Desai and her daughter Kiran Desai. Both authors earned special recognition on Obama’s 2025 reading list, marking a rare and notable moment for a mother and daughter in global literature.
Anita Desai, a respected author and three-time Booker Prize nominee, appears on the list for her novella Rosarita. The short book tells the story of Bonita, a young Indian woman studying Spanish in Mexico. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she learns surprising details about her mother’s past. The story explores themes of memory, identity, and family secrets in a quiet and reflective style.
Kiran Desai was also recognized for her novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, a much longer and deeply layered work. The book follows two young Indians whose lives move between India and the United States. Sonia is an aspiring writer returning home after studying in Vermont, while Sunny is a journalist in New York struggling with family pressure. Their chance meeting on a train in India leads to a story about love, ambition, and social expectations. The novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2025.
Obama’s 2025 list also highlights Indian-American musician Ganavya, who was featured in his favorite music picks. Born in the United States and raised partly in Tamil Nadu, Ganavya blends Carnatic music, spiritual jazz, and experimental sounds. Her song Pasayadan was included alongside tracks by major global artists such as Lady Gaga, Blackpink, and Rosalía.
Ganavya is known for her unique musical style and strong connection to Indian classical traditions. Trained in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam from a young age, she has released several acclaimed albums and performed at international festivals. Her inclusion reflects Obama’s interest in music that crosses cultural and geographic boundaries.
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Beyond Indian talent, Obama’s reading list includes works by well-known authors such as Jill Lepore, Ron Chernow, Beth Macy, Susan Choi, and Zadie Smith. His music and film selections also feature artists and filmmakers from across the world, showing a wide range of styles and perspectives.
Obama said the lists are meant to spark curiosity and conversation. He encouraged his followers to explore new voices and to share their own favorite books, music, and movies from 2025.
For audiences in both the United States and India, Obama’s 2025 favorites list stands out for its strong celebration of Indian creativity and its message that powerful stories and art can connect people across cultures.
