'Atheist' Rushdie glad he wrote Satanic Verses

London, October 1 : Sir Salman Rushdie says that he is glad that he wrote 'The Satanic Verses', the book that almost cost him his life.

His comment came 20 years after the publication of the book, while he was filming an interview with television presenter Clive James.

He also slammed his own publisher Random House who had refused to publish the book in the U.S. in August, calling it "censorship by fear".

According to Times Online, Rushdie describes himself in the interview as an atheist who finds dead religions "much more attractive", but has nothing against true believers until their faith spills over into the public sphere and becomes "my business".

The chat with Rushdie was part of a series of interviews with leading cultural figures filmed exclusively for The Times.

Before him, Sir Tom Stoppard was interviewed for the series.

Germaine Greer is said to be among others who are to appear later.

ANI