The screenplay of Midnight's children

In 1993, Salman Rushdie's novel MIDNIGHT'S CHILDREN was declared the 'Booker of Bookers', the best book to win the Booker Prize in its first 25 years.

The BBC began the process of adapting it for television.

After three years had passed, two producers and two directors had come and gone, and the first scriptwriter's attempts had been set aside, Salman Rushdie agreed to adapt his own work.

The result has been hailed as one of the most brilliant adaptations in television history.

Within months of the screenplay's completion, the project was ready to start filming on location in Sri Lanka.

Then, just weeks before principal photography was to begin, the Sri Lankan authorities abruptly changed their minds and withdrew permission to film, without giving any reasons.

In his enthralling introduction, Rushdie describes the evolution of the screenplay, and the project's political defeat.

As for the screenplay itself, it cries out to be filmed.

Perhaps one day it will be.