Quotes

"If we are knocking back drink after drink in a bar, it’s not because the poet is suffering any more than
the carpenter next to him. Other people might be going through much more than the poet.”

Adil Jussawalla, poet, DNA,
November 20, 2016

"A century ago my mother’s
mother, Nurgesh Mugaseth,
was born here (Calicut). She was the grandparent I knew best,
who stuck around longest and
so provided my clearest sense
of cultural origins.”

Raghu Karnad, author, Mint,
October 15, 2016

"The allocated budget (of
Rs 3,600 crore on a mid-sea
memorial to Shivaji) could revamp the cultural heritage of Maharashtra and generate awareness and employment, something more in line with the ethos of Shivaji than this absolutely empty gesture
by a government bankrupt of
ideas and common sense.”

Kurush F. Dalal, archeologist,
Mid-Day, October 30, 2016

"Is the acid test of patriotism
and nationalism only that we
stand up (when the national anthem is played)? Any rascal will stand up and he may not have any belief in the ideals of the Constitution or the national flag. Remember
Dr (Samuel) Johnson’s famous statement: Patriotism is the
last refuge of a scoundrel.”

Soli Sorabjee, former attorney general of India, The Indian Express, December 2, 2016

"Vendors shouting ‘bheja-kalejeeeeee (brain, liver)!’ (along the streets of Tardeo) reassure these confirmed carnivores of meat treats. Fewer takers indulge the poor man daring to cry ‘paneeeeeer (cottage cheese)!’”

Meher Marfatia, author and columnist,
Mid-Day, November 13, 2016

"The attitude today can be likened to a microwave oven. It’s as if people say, ‘train me for a few months, and I’ll pop out like a dancer.’”

Astad Deboo, dancer, nearing 70
years, Mid-Day, December 1, 2016

"We take risks with our lives. At least grant us the respect we
deserve. When we actors injure ourselves, we almost lose our lives for two minutes of thrills. What do we get in return? An anxious producer wanting to know when
we can return to shooting!”

John Abraham, actor, whose
mother Pheroza is a Parsi, commenting
on the two stunt men who drowned,
DNA, November 10, 2016