At the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival session, It’s My Life: Shobhaa De discussed her new book Insatiable: My Hunger for Life, with Sandip Roy. The book is a feast of memorable meals and encounters.

According to the writer, Barbeque and Mocambo are two of her favorite eateries in the city. She also mentioned that she was married to a Bengali and she was much surprised by the Bengali’s love for fish. Shobhaa De also said that she found the Hilsa fish and Topshe Fish overrated.

While speaking with Sandip Roy, the author said “I have to thank my husband. Without his support, I would not have been able to go on with my work. He is not the kind to praise me for all my work. Rather he will criticize me from time to time when he did not like my writing. That helped me a lot. That has also helped our marriage as well. He challenges me and that keeps me on my toes even today”.

Shobhaa De also shared how her first book was shunned and criticized by everyone for the blatant way in which she wrote. However, it was her father’s support that kept her to continue writing. “I was thrashed by everyone when my first book came out. However, my father said that I must continue to be myself and write in the way I deemed correct. He asked me not to change my style for anyone. That was a great boost and then my husband has been a great pillar of support”.

Shobhaa De also said “I never run out of ideas. The day I feel that I do not have any ideas, I will retire. However, that will not happen so soon. We have no dearth of politicians and I will always have ideas to write or express my opinions on”.

When asked what advice she will like to give to youngsters, the author said “Be happy and lead a contented life. Apart from this, I do not have much to say to the youngsters in today’s times”.

Video link of the event- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By7bw9b6cg4

Priyanka Dutta