The Most Honest Conversation About Intimacy | Shobhaa De | KLF2026

What do we really mean when we talk about love? Is desire purely physical, or is it deeply emotional? Why do modern relationships feel more complicated than ever? And how do romance, intimacy, longing, vulnerability, and selfhood shape the way we connect with one another? In this candid and thought-provoking session from the Kerala Literature Festival, writers and thinkers explore the many dimensions of the sensual self. From the thrill of attraction and the realities of long-term relationships to the cultural expectations surrounding sex, love, and romance, this conversation challenges assumptions and invites honesty. The discussion examines how literature helps us understand desire, why intimacy remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of human life, and how changing social norms continue to reshape the way we love. Session : The Sensual Self: Explorations of Love, Sex & Romance Speakers : Shobhaa Dé Moderator : Anindita Ghose 23/01/2026 KLF Day - 2 Link to our website: https://keralaliteraturefestival.com/ #keralaliteraturefestival #dcbooks #literaryfestival #indianliterature #malayalamliterature #kozhikodebeach #literaturefestival #keralalitfest2026 #keralalitfest #keralaculture #authors #reading #storytelling #literaryevent #keralawriters #calicut #klf #klf2026 #interview #love #sexandromance #romance