At our Conversation Over Cocktails, the raw and witty dialogue with Shobhaa De, ranged from her new memoir Insatiable, the courage to confront uncomfortable truths, implications and vulnerabilities of being a celebrity, and her voracious appetite for life. Summarising a few lessons that will live on forever.

“I absolutely disagree with the cliche that women are women’s worst enemies; it’s not been my life experience. My best support systems have been women.”
After candidly conveying the unwavering support from the women in her life, Shobhaa highlighted the pervasive disparities that continue to plague the lives of most professional women.

“Feminism is a borrowed movement.”
When asked if her view on feminism had changed with time, she got real about feminism and its cultural implications that influence India. While she has always admired the pioneers of feminism, she never considered herself a “flag-bearing feminist”.

“If my tweets about Vada Paav can bring 400 people to my home and worse, well, bring them on!”
Shobhaa reiterated the power of self belief and its ability to drive change. This serves as a reminder to hold fast to one’s convictions and let that be the guiding force to a brave new world..

“With age comes wisdom?”
Shobhaa: “Not wisdom, just fatigue :)”
Referring to Confucius, she emphasised the impermanence of things, including power. Youth can drive you to boast and parade, but only maturity can teach you to become subversive with time.

“I’m not delusional enough to say “oh my god I can’t wait to be 80” That’s rubbish! No one likes growing old. But accepting age is totally in your hands.”
Embracing one’s age in this ageist world can in fact be empowering. Her trademark wit and candid remarks about anti-aging remedies (like soaking in vinegar!) left the audience in splits. .

“Buy yourself a treat, give yourself a holiday with your own money, it’s the best feeling in the world, better than the biggest O!”
She strongly advocated for women to find financial freedom to feel truly fulfilled, in her own signature style of course.

This illuminating and inspiring conversation will always serve a reminder that a life lived with grace, courage and conviction is a life well lived….