A Fire over Mount Everest is an extraordinary behind-the-scenes account of India’s historic 1984 Everest Expedition, organized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. The expedition placed Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman and the fifth woman in the world, on the summit, alongside four other climbers. While this achievement is etched in national memory, the untold human drama behind it has remained largely unseen.
Acclaimed filmmaker and television presenter Siddharth Kak was not merely an observer of this landmark expedition, he was part of it. With a team of cameramen, he followed the climbers from day one, documenting moments of triumph and despair, rivalries and reconciliations, courage and doubt. His documentary Everest ’84 went on to win the National Award for Best Adventure Film, but the journey to make it was fraught with danger, loss and life-altering decisions.
In this deeply personal narrative, Kak recounts the physical and emotional risks of climbing Everest without prior mountaineering experience, driven by a promise he made to his sponsor and by a commitment to his own integrity. He writes of crossing the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, of sealing a letter to his wife in case he did not return, and of learning two lessons that have shaped his life ever since: never betray a trust, and never give in.
About The Author
Siddharth Kak is a documentary maker, television producer and presenter, who is best known as the producer and presenter of Surabhi (1993–2001). His television company, Cinema Vision India, has won several major television awards and three national awards, and has produced more than 100 documentaries and several long running television series for leading TV channels in India.
A well-known foodie, he has written food columns for many national newspapers and has also produced and directed two very successful food shows, The Good Food Guide and the Star Sunday Lunch. Both these programmes were telecast on Star Television. He has also published a book of poetry, Looking in Looking out, and compiled a quiz book on India’s heritage, Surabhi ke Sau Sawaal.
The official release for the book is in March 2026
