# Sonia Gandhi autobiography excerpts go viral, detailing Italian roots and Indian food > HarperCollins India has released excerpts from Sonia Gandhi's upcoming autobiography, offering a glimpse into her early life in Italy, her introduction to Indian cuisine, and major political milestones. **Type:** article · **Category:** Bihar · **Published:** 2026-11-06 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/bihar/sonia-gandhi-autobiography-excerpts-go-viral-detailing-italian-roots-and-indian-food-57245 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Sonia Gandhi, HarperCollins, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Politics, Autobiography, Congress When a young woman from a foreign background steps into the most powerful political household in the nation, what does the journey from the bustling streets of Italy to the corridors of Lutyens Delhi truly look like? The life story of Sonia Gandhi, who witnessed some of the most profound political upheavals in the country, reads like a cinematic drama. Slated for release on November 10, the book promises to turn the pages of history in a way that has rarely been explored before. Just ahead of its official launch, publisher HarperCollins India shared several exclusive excerpts across social media platforms. ## First taste of Tunduri chicken and Arhar dal According to the shared excerpts, the book details Sonia Gandhi's initial encounters with traditional Indian culinary experiences. She recalled that the very first Indian dish she tasted alongside Rajiv Gandhi was tandoori chicken, which had a reddish hue, appeared slightly charred, and was spicy enough to sting her tongue. Over time, however, she grew immensely fond of the traditional North Indian fare favored by the Nehru-Gandhi household. Daily meals featuring rice, phulkas, vegetables, mutton or chicken, accompanied by standard bowls of arhar dal, drew her even closer to the cultural fabric of India. The post also features an unseen archival family photograph showing Sonia Gandhi dining at a table with Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Sanjay Gandhi. ## Shifting publishers after initial disputes The path to publishing this memoir was not entirely straightforward. Initially, Penguin Random House India was slated to handle the publication, but differences arose between the author's representatives and the publisher regarding necessary revisions to the manuscript. Clearing the air over the uncertainty, HarperCollins India subsequently announced that it would publish the work. Alongside releasing the first look of her autobiography, Sonia Gandhi also marked her debut on Instagram. ## From childhood in Italy to stepping down from the PM post The autobiography commences with Sonia Gandhi's childhood in Italy during the post-Second World War era. It then chronicles her 1965 meeting with Rajiv Gandhi in Cambridge, their subsequent marriage, her efforts to learn Hindi, drape sarees, and adapt entirely to Indian culture. The memoir also documents deep personal tragedies, including the death of Sanjay Gandhi in a plane crash, the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984, and the killing of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. Furthermore, it incorporates the inside story of the 2004 general election victory, where Congress won and Sonia Gandhi chose to relinquish the prime ministerial post while leading the UPA coalition for a decade. ## What this means for you The release of this memoir offers readers and political analysts a rare, firsthand perspective into the inner workings and personal history of one of the nation's most prominent political dynasties. - **Nationwide readership:** The book provides enthusiasts and historians with a comprehensive look at modern Indian political milestones from an insider's perspective. It offers valuable context into decisions that shaped the nation's political landscape over several decades. - **Cultural insights:** The narrative highlights the seamless blending of contrasting cultural backgrounds and the personal adaptation required to embrace Indian traditions. It demonstrates how everyday experiences, from food to lifestyle, played a role in bridging two entirely different worlds. ## Why this happened The publication of the autobiography and the subsequent release of its excerpts stem from an effort to document the personal and political journey of a major national figure. - **Personal documentation:** The memoir serves as a permanent record of the author's private struggles, familial bonds, and cultural adaptation far beyond her public political persona. - **Publisher transition:** Initial plans with Penguin were altered due to editorial differences regarding manuscript revisions, ultimately leading HarperCollins India to take over the publication. - **Historical recording:** The project captures critical milestones and tragic historical events that impacted the nation directly from an insider's viewpoint. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. When is Sonia Gandhi's autobiography releasing? The book is scheduled for release on November 10. ### 2. Which publisher is releasing the autobiography? The memoir is being published by HarperCollins India. ### 3. What was the first Indian dish Sonia Gandhi tasted? She tasted tandoori chicken as her very first Indian dish alongside Rajiv Gandhi. ### 4. What major events are covered in the book? The book covers Sanjay Gandhi's plane crash, the assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and her decision to relinquish the prime ministerial post in 2004. ### 5. Which publisher was originally slated to release the book? Penguin Random House India was initially scheduled to publish the manuscript. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._