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Apr 25, 2026 32 min

Ismail Merchant

from Desert Island Discs Hosted by BBC Radio 4

Ismail Merchant, the film producer, went into partnership with the director James Ivory 24 years ago. During those years, their films have included Shakespeare Wallah, The Bostonians, Heat and Dust and A Room With A View. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, Ismail Merchant talks about his childhood in India, about his break into films and about the very successful partnership. He also chooses the eight records that he would take to the mythical island. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Works by E.M Forster and Works by P D James and Works by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala Luxury: Cooking range

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Ismail Merchant

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How long is this episode of Desert Island Discs?

This episode is 32 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 25, 2026.

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