Shobhaa De Speaks Out
India’s most fabulous columnist and writer shares thoughts on Pakistan, Bollywood and Indian youth with Dawn.com.
Q. If it were left up to the chattering classes of Mumbai, how would they craft India's Pakistan policy?
A. Why leave it to the chattering classes in the first place? The chattering classes are the same the world over – whether you are from Karachi , Mumbai or London. This class is essentially selfish and fiercely protects its own turf before thinking of the less fortunate. I don't speak for them when I say that what we need is more honesty in our dealings. Enough political correctness and high-sounding diplomacy. We need blunt dialogue that spells out our respective objectives in unambiguous terms. We have wasted far too much time on rhetoric. Post-Lahore and post-26\11 in Mumbai, we need to address the question of containing terrorism head on.
Q. The next Bollywood blockbuster that features Pakistan or Pakistanis: is it a thriller, love story, or comedy?
A. A tragi-comedy! Like it is in real life.
Q. Indo-Pak dosti diplomacy was centred on cultural exchange. As investigations into regional terrorism proceed, do saris and soap operas still matter?
A. Nothing matters but dealing with terrorism on a war footing. Saris and soap operas can continue. But if we carry on pretending that all is fine across the border, we will only be fooling ourselves and buying time. That is far too big a luxury. Cultural exchanges must carry on regardless. Artists ought to be above and beyond the petty world of political maneuvering.
Q. In Pakistan, drawing room chatter revolves around Talibanisation, the worsening security climate, and a potential break up of the country. What concerns can you hear these days in the drawing rooms of Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore?
A. Not so strangely enough, the scenario remains the same – as do the concerns. Cultural terrorism and the Talibanisation of our metros are common issues. India is trying to come to terms with both. The big difference is that in India, we can continue to bank on the country staying together, no matter what, whereas it is becoming increasingly obvious to the world that Pakistan is on the brink of anarchy. This is dangerous for the region, not just for Pakistan. Right now, India is focused on the next general elections. These are going to be critical times since there is no clear indication as to how India will vote. Not that there is much to choose from between the top players.
Q. Pakistanis are noticing a growing trend of cross-border weddings. What's your marital advice for Indo-Pak couples?
A. My advice to anybody venturing into marriage these days is to tread cautiously!
Q. What fashion trend from Pakistan is most likely to succeed across the border in the coming years?
A. I think some of your designers are just brilliant. Two of them participated in the Colombo Fashion Week last month, where I was showing my new line, 'Spiritual by Shobhaa De.' I was most impressed by both Amir [Adnan] and Deepak [Perwani]. The way Pakistani designers cut shalwars and sherwanis is unbeatable. Your cottons are fabulous. And the women … breathtakingly beautiful.
Q. Mahesh Bhatt finally succeeds in making a joint production with Pakistani directors/actors. What's the reaction?
A. For a film to make an impact in a crowded field, it has to be good. No, fantastic. It's all about aggressive marketing. Mahesh always ventures into No Man's Land, AND I LOVE HIM FOR IT!
Q. A few years from now, what's shining brightest in India?
A. Its youth!! More than 600 million of them. Restless, ambitious and global in their thinking. I have immense faith in India's young.
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