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London: Two decades after death threats forced him into hiding, India-born writer Sir Salman Rushdie was Thursday crowned with the prestigious Best of Bookers award for his novel "Midnight's Children".
Rushdie won the backing of nearly 3,000 of 7,800 readers from across the world who voted online and by text messages for a shortlist of six novels for the special 40th anniversary award.
“The readers have spoken - in their thousands. And we do believe that they have made the right choice,” said Victoria Glendinning, chair of the panel that selected the shortlist.
Rushdie, on tour in America with his latest novel "The Enchantress of Florence", was unable to attend the ceremony at London's Southbank Centre but in a pre-recorded message, thanked his supporters around the world.
"Marvellous news! I'm absolutely delighted and would like to thank all those readers around the world who voted for 'Midnight's Children'," Rushdie said.
His sons, Zafar and Milan, attended the award ceremony to receive the specially made trophy.
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