Ruth Prawer Jhabvala was a renowned British-Indian author and screenwriter, born on May 7, 1927, in Berlin, Germany. She moved to India in 1951, where she became known for her insightful portrayals of Indian society and culture. Jhabvala wrote numerous novels and short stories, often exploring themes of identity, love, and the clash of traditions. In addition to her literary work, Jhabvala collaborated with filmmakers James Ivory and Ismail Merchant on several acclaimed films, including "A Room with a View" and "Howards End." She won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "A Room with a View" in 1986, solidifying her legacy in both literature and cinema.