For four decades Shobhaa Dé has been in the news. As a model she was the first Indian to be on the cover of Vogue and as an editor she created some ground-breaking magazines.
Her irreverent columns have stirred up many controversies and her novels have scandalised many, while making her one of India's most well-known authors.
She has also dabbled in scripting TV serials and recently added fashion designing to her list of creative endeavours.
Dé is that rare celebrity who announced her 50th birthday with an autobiography and is all set to launch another book to mark her 60th birthday this year.
She was in Dubai recently for the launch of her latest collection of cocktail saris at Samsaara boutique, in the Souk Al Bahar, Burj Dubai Old Town.
Looking great in a beaded pink sari she was friendly, vivacious and articulate as ever.
In between helping visitors choose the right sari, she chatted to tabloid! about her new book, her family and her plans for this decade.
Why did you decide to become a designer?
It was an offer I could not resist. I have been associated with fashion from my early days as a model and magazine editor. I monitor fashion and write about it, so designing was a natural progression and I absolutely enjoy it.
How involved are you in the design process?
Totally. I am a hands-on person and give 110 per cent of myself to everything I do. I love wearing saris and have been a sari champion all my life. It is important to me that the younger generation of Indian women does not turn its back on saris as has happened with the kimono in Japan.
I created this special niche called the "cocktail sari" to make sure that the younger generation wears it with a sense of style and fun. I want to tell my daughters and their generation that the sari is the coolest thing you can be seen in, especially when you want to look feminine and glamorous.
What are your thoughts on turning 60?
Sixty is a good space to be in. This is a time in your life when you know what works for you and what you like and you are clear about your priorities. In their 50s women with children are still dealing with issues and anxieties related to their children, but by 60 those issues are generally resolved. I believe this is going to be the most productive decade of my life.
What was the idea behind the glamorous photoshoot you did in an Indian magazine to mark the occasion?
I have spent most of my life breaking the mould. And I wanted to change the cliché that a woman at 60 is supposed to quietly melt into the shadows and turn invisible.
I deliberately wore clothes that I have never worn before and probably never will again because I wanted to give people a jolt and break that whole "age as a cage" trap and free women from the pressure of getting old.
My main agenda in this year of turning 60 is to reach out to as many women as I can. I want to tell them never to let age become a burden and to make the most of this decade.
Is this what your book Superstar India is about?
This book is a contemporary take on India. Unlike similar books written by male historians, politicians and economists, this is a book from a woman's perspective.
It is a cultural mapping of India and the changes in the country written by a woman who is exactly the same age as the country and has lived the change.
The book voices my belief that India is on the verge of becoming one of the most important superpowers ever and we should know how to leverage it and make the most of this moment. It will be launched on April 29 in India followed by a global launch in many cities, including Dubai.
What other goals have you set for this decade?
After this book is released I will start on my next book titled Saluting Sixty. It will be an inspirational book for women about how to make the most of your sixth decade.
It will have useful information and tips about eating right, living smart, attitude to life and starting on exercise and skin care when you are 18 rather than waiting till 40 and making the most of each decade. I also plan to do a big novel after this book.
Do you have plans to do something that you have not done yet?
Yes. I want to study cinema. I would love to go to New York University and do courses in film appreciation and script writing.
I get many offers to write film scripts but have never accepted because that is different from writing columns and novels. I want to learn the craft and then write a script and do a great job of it.
What do you try to bring to your role as a fashion critic on television?
I try to put fashion into perspective, give a sense of history and provide an informed opinion. A critic must respect the designers enough to know the background and track their previous work and be honest while expressing opinions.
Who are your favourite Indian designers from this generation?
I am sure Manish Arora will make it big internationally and felt proud to see his creations displayed alongside big international labels in French boutiques on a recent visit to Paris.
Sabyasachi Mukherjee is another of India's big hopes. I also like to wear a young Bangalore label called Ravage.
What do you think of Dubai?
It is a great market for me because there is an affluent client base and women here like saris and bling. People here seem to have taken well to this new idea of cocktail saris. I love to come here, especially because my son now lives here.
What has been your most satisfying achievement or moment so far?
I do not want to talk about "achievement" because attaching that word to yourself shows a high level of immodesty. I believe that you should never buy into your own mythology. You must maintain a healthy distance from your "image" to keep your goals and perspectives clear.
As far as satisfying moments are concerned nothing can compare with the joy of watching my children grow up and be part of the India success story.
Twenty years ago, you started the first true celebrity gossip column in India. What do you think about the Indian paparazzi today?
I miss the wit. Gossip without wit and a strong sense of style just becomes malicious name calling. There has to be a strong sense of credibility to create a track record in media and I can proudly say that in 35 years I have never compromised and never sold out.
Why did you choose to appear on the gossip chat show Koffee With Karan?
I like Karan Johar. He is very intelligent and represents the change in young India that my book talks about. I enjoyed being on his show twice and being the only non-film person he invited. And I would love to go again.
Now that Vogue has come to India, would you be game to model for the cover again?
I would love it. I was 20 when I posed for the cover last time and being back at 60 would be a great way to close the circle. On a serious note, the presence of many international fashion magazines in India today shows the confidence that the world has in Indian fashion, which is at a take-off point now.
Dé's collection
Shobhaa Dé's spring-summer 2008 collection of cocktail saris comprises three different lines. These include a line inspired by Egyptian motifs and another one based on the Japanese tie and dye technique called Shibori.
The third, more bling range, is embellished with beads, sequins and gota work. The palette ranges from soft pastels and bright pinks and blues to the season's dominant metallic hues.
The collection is available at Samsaara in the Souk Al Bahar, Burj Dubai Old Town.
