A writer is frequently invited to address audiences but is not always fortunate to have the right person engaging her in a conversation. The interviewer either talks too much or knows too little about the author. Sometimes she/ he is lazy and has not done adequate homework. This is annoying because it is disrespectful to the guest.
I was fortunate to be chatting with the young and dynamic Karishma Mehta from Ehsas, Mumbai, a branch of Prabha Khaitan Foundation who asked all the right questions in the most appropriate way and triggered me to share some fascinating anecdotes. She took me on my journey as a critic, as an author and inquired if my honest writings affected my relationships with them.
There were equally interesting observations from the audience as well, some of the questions were deep and contemplative. I had insights into my audience as well. We don’t realize this but the city we live in influences our personalities. Lucknow is the land of the nawabs, of courtesy and culture and it is reflected in the ambience and the evening.