Wannabe candidate Shashi Tharoor ready for challenge

Shashi Tharoor is undoubtedly one of the best debaters of India. But he was strangely evasive when it came to talking about his next move.

Still hoping for Congress ticket from Kerala,keen to connect with people

Shashi Tharoor is undoubtedly one of the best debaters of India. But he was strangely evasive when it came to talking about his next move. Though the former diplomat has made his intentions of contesting the general polls clear,he wasnt very clear about his political plans. Im not running for it or running from it, he said at an event at Oxford Bookstore on Thursday. Never accept or reject a gift unless you have received it.

Tharoorthe author of Nehru: The Invention of India has made it amply clear that he would like to fight the polls for the Congress. And Kerala,not surprisingly,would be his preferred place to make his political debut. He might have stayed away from the state most of his life,but he said,It will be a challenge to try and connect with the masses. And whether his urbane image comes in the way of that is something he is willing to find out.

In Mumbai to promote his books,including The Five-Dollar Smile,India: From Midnight to the Millennium and Beyond and The Elephant,the Tiger & the Cell Phone he was engaged in a dialogue with the theatre personality Gerson Da Cunha. This was followed by an audience interaction which had Tharoor talking about the middle-class becoming more alert and involved in democratic process as well as in holding politicians accountable for the lapses. About Indias chances of securing a place in the UN Security Council,Tharoor said,It is difficult to see when a formula will emerge for India to become its member.

Tharoor,the author,seems to be on a break right now. His next,a book on cricket,is likely to be released in April. Its release was supposed coincide with the Indo-Pak cricket series. Since it was postponed,the books launch has also been deferred, he said.

Next,he plans to write a book on Indias soft power. However,a fiction from the author of The Great Indian Novel will take some more time to come.

It takes much more time to create fiction as compared to non-fiction. It demands the creation of an alternate universe, he said. In case of his non-fiction writing,Tharoor said that his incessant travel and involvement with the Indian life had been of great help.

Alaka Sahani

Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism. Expertise & Accolades In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023. Global Industry Leadership Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies: Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes. National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema. Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends. Focus & Vision Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More

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