Salman Rushdie is a British-Indian author known for his influential novels that often blend magical realism with historical fiction. His most famous work, Midnight's Children, won the Booker Prize in 1981 and explores India's transition from British colonialism to independence. Rushdie's writing is characterized by rich language and complex narratives. In 1989, Rushdie faced significant controversy when The Satanic Verses was published, leading to widespread protests and a fatwa issued by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini, calling for his assassination. This event brought global attention to issues of free speech and religious sensitivity, significantly impacting Rushdie's life and career.