A tete-a-tete with Nadine Gordimer My former editor, who passed away recently, Mr Jehangir Pocha, suddenly called me and said Mahul, you need to interview Nadine Gordimer. She is in town (Mumbai). The MEA is organizing her visit. I want a great piece. I was not a fan of her writings then, neither was I aware of how powerful her written words were. But I knew I had to get in touch with her and get an interview. I had no contacts with the MEA. I thought let me try my luck: I called the hotel that most foreigners loved: Taj Mahal Palace and confidently asked the reception to connect me to Ms Gordimers room. After 30 seconds it was Ms Gordimer on the line. A perfect shot in the dark. I told her I wanted to interview her and will need just 5 minutes and will fit myself between her scheduled interviews. She reluctantly agreed. After her townhall event we came to her suite at the Taj. The three journalists who had scheduled appointments cursed me, but it was my day. We chatted and I shared a bit of information that Google had provided me. It was an amazing experience to know first-hand from a fighter who had all her life battled against Apartheid. Such passion, so much life. It was so inspiring. Never was a fan of politics before that. The 5-minute interview stretched to 40. But what an interview, what a tete-a-tete. She shared very interesting personal stories -- of her parents, her childhood, her husband. When I asked her mobile and mail ID she gave me her fax number and said send me the interview. I use a typewriter. I dont use a computer. I came out like a winner. Proudly called up Jehangir and said I have got it. It is so weird that neither Jehangir nor Gordimer are there today. Life is too short. The unfortunate part was the BusinessWorld editorial gave the headline: Vidyas book was Racist. businessworld.in/index.php/Books-and-Guides/Vidyas-book-was-racist.html (the link is no longer active, thanks to the change of ownership of BW)
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 11:05:55 +0000
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