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The Print
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Atal Bihari Vajpayee called Farooq Abdullah a langoor for his theatrics at the UN over Kashmir
Old lieutenant Shivkumar accompanied him on a New York junket the next month. Done with the drab UNGA engagements, they visited the Grand Canyon and Disneyland. The leader of the opposition tried out rides with a childlike enthusiasm: 'We stood in the queues for each and every ride. I don't think I have ever seen him in such a jolly mood.' He had become a nana – grandfather – three years ago, and Vajpayee's rituals in New York now included picking up toys for his granddaughter Neha; and visiting a pet store to buy treats for his dogs. He also found time to relax with books, enjoying Vikram Seth's fat new novel, A Suitable Boy , which he deemed 'a brilliant work, the canvas … so large' that it reminded him of the old classics. After a hectic day of sightseeing, the delegation members were discussing the outcome of the conference, the trip in general and particularly the day's experience in Sydney. Dinner over, while everybody was going to his room, Vajpayee whispered into my ear telling me to persuade the Speaker to retire to his room and relax. I was able to do so and escorted him back to his room. When I returned, Vajpayee, like a child, told me to organize a car which could take him, [Sikander] Bakht and me for another round of the city, to see it by night. We visited all the places that had charmed us, like Diamond Harbor. After a relaxed and memorable tour of the city, we moved back into our hotel rooms like disciplined children. Vajpayee had perfected the use of two excuses – obligations of health and parliamentary delegation – for taking a break from the drudgery of day-to-day politics. He had given much of the September 1993 Janadesh Yatra a miss, choosing instead to fly off on a delegation to Australia. Speech-making done, he was keen to have a good time. A bureaucrat travelling with him recalled: It suited him to be placed on every important delegation that left India. So much so that there were jokes about the wily Narasimha Rao having co-opted him into a grand design, leaving him no time to guide his party. Rao lacked charisma but had acquired a knack for managing the contradictions of running a minority government with colleagues he could barely trust. Sending Vajpayee – with his long experience and encyclopaedic knowledge of external affairs – on delegations was one of his ways to control the chaos. Some assignments were less fun and frolic than others. In March 1994, Rao trusted Vajpayee with one of the most significant diplomatic exercises of his term. This was in Geneva where, at the annual UN Human Rights Commission session, Pakistan was pushing to censure India on the 'gross and consistent violations of the human rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir'. If the resolution passed, it would be easy from there to internationalize the dispute. Pakistan had whipped up such a resolution in the UN after thirty-three years. It hoped to swing international support from the post-Babri concerns about the safety of Muslims – Kashmiri Muslims in particular. Pakistan's resolution was supported by the fourteen UNHCR members from the Organisation of Islamic Conference, and it was clear at the outset that a majority of the fifty-three UNHCR members would abstain. Few noticed the irony of the situation: a man who had defended the demolition in Parliament, demanding Rao's head, was now helping him weather its international fallouts. 'People tell me that the foxy Rao had entrapped me,' Vajpayee would later relish the joke at public ceremonies, 'so in case Pakistan won he could blame me.' In the past, when national prestige was at stake, delegations had been led by ministers. Even Nehru had never sent an opposition leader as the head of one. This multi-party delegation included popular faces: Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, junior Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid, even Farooq Abdullah – who had nodded and winked at the rigged election in 1988, and who, after being hounded out of office four years earlier, was living in London, desperately seeking a re-entry into Kashmir politics. His presence lent credibility and melodrama to the tense occasion. Rao's stratagem of sending the country's most popular Sikh and Muslim faces to the delegation led by an opposition leader was to overwhelm its detractors. The message being: India is an innately secular, multi-party democracy where all shades of opinion (including those of Kashmiris demanding a modicum of autonomy) are encouraged. Manmohan Singh's job was to politely remind the West of India's economic potential – a veiled threat that by hitting India they would lose a huge market and hurt themselves. If the Sikh finance minister spoke in a voice so soft that most people in the hall struggled to hear, Farooq's thunder echoed well outside it. He cried, his eyed welled up, his body shook: 'Over my dead body – she will come into Kashmir over my dead body, United Nations or no United Nations.' He was referring to Benazir Bhutto, who had earlier likened Delhi's repression in Kashmir to the 'darkest days of the holocaust'. He had another punchline: 'I will defend Kashmir with the last drop of my blood. You' – the Pak-backed militants – 'have turned my beautiful valley into a killing field.' Vajpayee in private dubbed Farooq a 'langoor' – baboon – for his theatrics, and 'refused to sit next to [him] rendering the Kashmir problem an excruciating one for the protocol-ridden diplomacy'. A solution was found: Vajpayee, who was an early riser, would head the morning sessions, Farooq, who preferred late starts, would take over the post-lunch sessions. Vajpayee had a slight acquaintance with Benazir Bhutto. She had come to meet him when she visited Delhi to attend Rajiv Gandhi's funeral, and he wondered why she was pressing for a resolution that went against the informal understanding her father had arrived at in Simla in 1972. Predictably, he spoke about the Pakistan-aided terrorism in the Valley, underplaying the violation of civil rights by the Indian security forces, arguing that the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was used sparingly and only in disturbed areas. The Indians also arranged for a delegation from the other side of Kashmir, who argued that whereas Kashmiris had a modicum of autonomy on the Indian side, they had no roads or hospitals, no elections or freedom of expression. If diplomacy is war by other means, for six long weeks, the border had moved to Geneva. India was struggling, and it seemed Team Vajpayee would narrowly lose. Vajpayee flew home for consultations, and air-dashed back to Geneva two days before the crucial vote. He sought permission for a fallback plan at Geneva: in case Pakistan succeeded, he would oppose the UNHRC's decision to send a fact-finding mission to Kashmir. He had a copy of that statement prepared for the final day. Miraculously, India was rescued by Iran. Foreign Minister Dinesh Singh made an emergency trip to Tehran, where his Chinese counterpart was also present. India beseeched Iran and China to abstain. He managed to impress on them both that India's humiliation was only going to escalate tensions, with no tangible benefit for the other side. Significantly, the business house of Hindujas also chipped in. Vajpayee had built a friendship with the family since his Janata days (and on some occasions, the Geneva-based conglomerate's family sent homemade food to Vajpayee's suite). They were now asked to use their influence with Iran. Iran's dissension confused other Muslim nations, forcing Pakistan to drop the resolution. The vote never took place. Some speculated that 'Shia Iran [was] settling a score with Sunni Pakistan and asserting its influence in the region'. But New Delhi declared itself victorious. The Indian delegation received the kind of grand welcome usually reserved for the national cricket team. This excerpt from Believer's Dilemma: Vajpayee and the Hindu Right's Path to Power 1977-2018 by Abhishek Choudhary has been published with permission from Pan Macmillan.
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Why Vikram Seth writes in English, and who is his ideal reader
On Vikram Seth's birthday (June 20), readers across the world remember the poet and novelist whose singular voice defies easy classification. Born in Calcutta in 1952, Seth's literary journey traverses continents and genres, but at the heart of his work remains a solemn commitment to the Indian experience. In a telling anecdote from the India International Centre Quarterly (Spring 1997), a French journalist once pressed Seth on his decision to write in English, suggesting it might create an 'unavoidable' distance between author and Indian reader. In response, Seth, whose magnum opus A Suitable Boy had just been translated into French, said: 'English is the language I know best… Hindi is my mother tongue; I learned Urdu; my father speaks Punjabi and Hindi; my mother… speaks Bengali… but I do not speak Bengali. English is the language I know best.' A response that lays bare the layered complexities of identity in postcolonial India. Seth further clarified that his ideal reader was not the metropolitan critic but 'a sixty-year-old Indian, living in a small town in Uttar Pradesh or Bihar… He is more important to me than any critic or foreign reader.' Whether or not that remains the case today, Seth's work endures as a bridge between languages and generations. However, Seth was clear about his desire to see A Suitable Boy, (which at around 1,500 is a rather dense tomb) is translated into Hindi. He added that it was in Hindi that the novel would 'look like its original version.' Few writers move between forms with as much alacrity as Vikram Seth. He has composed novels in verse, travelogues in prose, and rhyming retellings of animal fables. His recent work, the English translation of The Hanuman Chalisa, he returns to his forte – rhyme. In the slim 100-page volume, Seth succeeds in recreating the incantatory quality of Tulsidas's original. On this occasion, we revisit three of Seth's most enduring contributions: No list of Vikram Seth's works is complete without A Suitable Boy, his magnum opus. At over 1,300 pages, this sprawling novel is set in post-independence India and weaves together the lives of four families against a backdrop of political and social change. At its heart is Lata Mehra's journey to find 'a suitable boy,' a quest that explores love, tradition, and personal freedom. With its rich characterizations and vivid storytelling, this book remains a timeless classic. Before A Suitable Boy, Seth made a mark for himself with The Golden Gate, a novel written entirely in verse. Inspired by Pushkin's Eugene Onegin, this modern tale follows a group of young professionals in 1980s San Francisco as they navigate love, friendship, and existential dilemmas. The book proves Seth's mastery of form and language. Seth's Beastly Tales is a collection of fables in verse. Featuring animals from India, China, Greece, Ukraine, and his own imagination, these tales are satirical, and often carry moral lessons. Perfect for both children and adults, this book is a must-read.
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Aamir Khan defends son Junaid Khan's Maharaj and Loveyapa performances, says he refuses his help: ‘His career matters to me more than mine'
Actor Aamir Khan made his debut in the 1988 film Qayamat se Qayamat Tak, and after a multi-decade career filled with blockbusters and era-defining films, his son Junaid Khan decided to follow in his father's footsteps. Junaid has featured in two films as of yet, Maharaj (2024) and Loveyapa (2025), and much to his dismay, the actor hasn't had the best start in Bollywood. Both films received a lot of backlash for their narratives and also the lack of one, while Junaid faced a lot of heat. In a recent interview, Aamir defended his son and praised his skill as an actor, pointing out that he has the ability to completely transform himself for a particular role. While talking to News18, the actor stated that he was proud of his son's performances and said, 'I think he's a pretty good actor. I'm really proud of the fact that he's done his job really well in both films.' He shifted his attention to Junaid's debut role as Karsandas Mulji in Maharaj and stated that his son was able to completely mould himself into the character. 'That sincerity and innocence he brought to the role was really beautiful,' added Aamir. ALSO READ: How Aamir Khan was troubled by son Junaid's condition: Why dyslexia is a learning challenge and is misunderstood Aware of the nepotism debate that is prevalent in the industry, Aamir pointed out that he has never helped his son land a role and added that Junaid himself refuses to ask for any assistance regarding his career. He said, 'He's used none of my help ever. He still doesn't have a car as we speak. He wants to make his own career.' The actor added that after completing an acting course, Junaid went door to door, looking for a gig, and that he auditioned for many films, including Mira Nair's A Suitable Boy. Aamir admitted that he is protective of his son and wants to help him because 'his career matters to me more than mine,' but that Junaid refuses any kind of help. Junaid will be next seen in the film Ek Din, alongside Sai Pallavi, which Aamir deems to be a role that is completely different from anything he has done before. He said, 'He's done three totally different films. One is Maharaj, a risk in himself. Then there's the Gucci-wearing harami character, who is so far from who he is. And now this love story. He's stepping out of his comfort zone from the start, which I hadn't done in my early career.' Aamir added that even though success has not 'hit' his son yet, Junaid isn't one to quit and will keep fighting until he makes it. On the other hand, Aamir is gearing up for the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, which is a sequel to his 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, a film that gained Aamir an immense amount of love and respect.
News18
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Aamir Khan Defends Son Junaid's Performance In Maharaj, Loveyapa: 'He Is A Good Actor'
Last Updated: Aamir Khan also talked about what he believes is Junaid's most special quality. Read on. Aamir Khan's son Junaid Khan made his acting debut in 2024 with the movie Maharaj. He also featured in Loveyapa earlier this year. In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Aamir spoke about his son's journey in films. The Bollywood superstar mentioned that he is 'proud" of his son's performance and appreciated Junaid's way of making a space for himself in the film industry. Talking about Junaid's performances, Aamir Khan told us, 'I think he's a pretty good actor. I'm really proud of the fact that he's done his job really well in both films." Speaking about Maharaj, Aamir added, 'When I saw Maharaj, I felt I was watching Karsan. That sincerity and innocence he brought to the role was really beautiful." 'His second film, he plays a very Harami character. That's not his personality at all, but even that he pulled off really well," the actor continued. The proud father revealed that Junaid had also tested for Laal Singh Chaddha, saying, 'It was a beautiful test. Bang on. He was Laal Singh." Aamir further talked about what he believes is Junaid's most special quality and shared, 'He has a very rare ability – he becomes the character. That goes beyond skill. He makes you believe he's that person." Despite being the son of one of India's biggest film stars, Junaid has consciously stayed away from leveraging his father's influence. Aamir shared, 'He's used none of my help ever. He still doesn't have a car as we speak. He wants to make his own career." Sharing a glimpse into Junaid's early days, Aamir revealed, 'He did an acting course and came back. Then he was visiting studios and casting directors, auditioning without anyone knowing who he was. His photo wasn't out anywhere. He auditioned for Mira Nair's A Suitable Boy and other projects. The first film he got through auditions was Maharaj." While Junaid has shown impressive acting chops, Aamir acknowledged his faults honestly, saying, 'He doesn't know how to give interviews. He's too sincere, sometimes says the wrong thing, and people misunderstand him. He's not your regular Hindi film hero. He can't dance to save his life!" Despite that, Aamir sees many similarities between himself and Junaid. 'Off-screen, he's very much like me – the way he works, the way his mind functions. On-screen, though, he's totally different." Junaid's third film, Ek Din, a love story co-starring Sai Pallavi, is already complete. Talking about the same, Aamir stated, 'He's done three totally different films. One is Maharaj, a risk in itself. Then the Gucci-wearing Harami character, which is so far from who he is. And now this love story. He's stepping out of his comfort zone from the start, which I hadn't done in my early career." Aamir admitted he feels protective as a father. 'I'm extremely protective of him, but he doesn't allow me to interfere. I would've never imagined that someone else's success or failure would matter more to me than my own. But with Junaid, it does." Praising his work ethic and integrity, Aamir added, 'He really throws himself into his work. He's someone with a very high degree of integrity. He has some great qualities." Looking ahead, Aamir remains hopeful and confident: 'Success has not reached him yet the way he deserves, but that's part of life. I have full confidence in him. He's a fighter and someone who won't give up." Meanwhile, Aamir Khan is currently busy promoting his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par. First Published: June 10, 2025, 13:25 IST
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ishaan Khatter recalls getting fame for simply being Shahid Kapoor's brother: ‘I never tried to shine in his light'
Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor began his journey as a background dancer and later rose to fame with his film Ishq Vishk. The actor had established himself as a star by the time his brother Ishaan Khatter entered the industry. Now, in an interview with Zoom, Ishaan opened up about being recognised as Shahid's brother. (Also Read: Ishaan Khatter calls Tabu 'naughty', says intimate scenes with her happened seamlessly in A Suitable Boy) He recalled being photographed for the first time during Shahid's wedding to Mira Rajput and said, "When my brother got married was the first time that there was media and paparazzi. That whole thing had started to blow up, along with social media. I was photographed, and after that, I was spotted and recognised at a few places. At least in my case, it wasn't by design. But obviously, you're known as someone's brother." He further explained that although Shahid's parents, Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem, were working professionals and actors, neither of them were stars. However, he had an elder brother who was a star. He added that he is proud of Shahid and said, "I had an elder brother whose act to follow would be… like he's a movie star! But I never tried to shine in his light because everyone wants to be known for their own personality, right? If people photograph me and know me because I'm his brother, that's obvious, because I haven't done anything they know me for. So my focus was just to work. I have to tread my own path and make my own life. I'm totally fine with it being slow and steady. I'm in no rush to show people, 'This is who I am.' I'd much rather show it with my work." For the uninitiated, Ishaan and Shahid are half-brothers. Neelima Azeem married actor Pankaj Kapur in 1979 and welcomed their son, Shahid Kapoor, in 1981. However, their marriage did not last long, and they parted ways. In 1988, Pankaj married Supriya Pathak, and in 1990, Neelima married Rajesh Khattar. She welcomed her son, Ishaan, in 1995. Shahid was last seen in the film Deva, which failed to perform well at the box office. He will next be seen in Vishal Bhardwaj's action thriller Arjun Ustara, which also stars Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar and Randeep Hooda in key roles. The release date of the film is yet to be announced. Ishaan, on the other hand, has the premiere of his film Homebound at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Helmed by Neeraj Ghaywan and backed by Karan Johar, the film also stars Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa. It received a nine-minute standing ovation at the festival.
