Launch of Imran's biography postponed

ISLAMABAD: The worldwide launch of a much-talked about biography of Pakistan's cricketing legend-turned-politician Imran Khan has been postponed by a few months and a new date is likely to be announced by mid-September.

The launch of "Imran Vs Imran" -- the first official biography of Khan -- has been delayed because of Khan's "pressing engagements" and his decision to "review quotes" in the book, New Delhi-based author Frank Huzur said.

The 500-page book is supposed to be a tell-all on Khan, who was married to the glamorous Jemima Khan. An entire chapter is devoted to the couple's marriage, apart from Jemima's take on her failed marriage.

The biography of the Tehrik-e-Insaf chief will be launched worldwide in London before its subsequent release in New Delhi, Lahore and Toronto.

Zeba Naureen, a Toronto-based journalist, is working on the Urdu translation of the book, Huzur said.

The book will feature rare pictures of the cricketing legend and his family.

Falcon Books, the publishers, have decided to contribute 15 per cent of the book's cover price to Khan's Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, which he set up after his mother died of cancer.

Huzur, who made five trips to Pakistan to meet and interview Khan, said, "I had before me hundreds of icons in my own country but I couldn't feel fire in my imagination. Khan does not represent dynasty politics nor does he belong to a filthy rich industrial house. He is a commoner, so rare a commodity in the mud pond of politics in India and Pakistan."

But it was a difficult task to approach Khan. "It is not easy to get to Imran Khan. When I first met Imran in New Delhi, he was aware of my interest in his life and times. However, my unflinching determination bore result," said Huzur, who had over 24 sessions with Khan.

Huzur also met Jemima in London. "She wouldn't make up her mind until she had had an intellectual discussion with Imran. Her approval (for talking) was a turning point," he said.

According to Huzur, Jemima has a deep fascination for rising India and "adores Congress chief Sonia Gandhi" and wonders about the political future of her children Rahul and Priyanka.

Jemima's comments complement Khan's observation that slain former premier Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal, who is the Pakistan People's Party chairman, should begin his political career at the grassroots like Rahul Gandhi.