Hema Deora on her book, a compilation of rare pictures and anecdotes on Murli Deora
She's an interior designer and a top level bridge champion, but Hema Deora has balanced her professional and personal life. In fact, family has always come first and hubby, politician Murli Deora will vouch for the fact that she's the strength behind him.
Interestingly, Hema has put together a book on his life... a compilation of rare pictures and little details that describe his 40-year journey in public life and her journey with him. But the book is not for sale. "It's not something commercial. It's a token of my love and appreciation," Hema tells us. Excerpts from an interview with her...
What prompted you to compile this book?
It's more than 40 years of us being together. I saw him go through all the struggles in life to make his dreams come true, but he did fulfil all those dreams. I didn't want his good work to go unnoticed and a lot of our friends suggested that I put together a book. But rather than an autobiography, I felt a pictorial compilation would be perfect that would capture it all. I have learnt so much from him over the years. I have seen is the gratitude he has and also his innate desire to help people.
Your book is called Under The Street Light...
My husband always told our sons and me his story about how they lived in a small house and didn't have enough space, so he would come down at night and study under the streetlight. So, my son Mukul came up with this title.
The book has some very interesting captions and anecdotes done mostly by you...
Yes, I've done most of them. I've tried to capture the essence of each moment.
Why isn't the book for sale? Don't you think people would have liked to buy it?
I'm quite sure they would because he does have many admirers especially those who have followed his work and whose lives he has touched in some way. But Murli didn't want me to do it, he said 'who is going to read it'! But when he realised that this was something I really wanted to do, he was okay. with it. It's something very personal and the book is only for family, close friends and his party workers.
How has life been with your husband and son (Milind Deora) being in politics?
Not a bed of roses as most people think! There have been ups and downs and it has been a lot of hard work. I'm like a duck swimming in the water, that appears calm but is paddling under the water to keep going.
After this book, will we see you coming up with another book, may be on Bridge, a sport where you have represented India abroad?
It's too early to think of another book. What's on my mind right now is to do something for the old and lonely people around us.
Roshni Olivera, TNN | Apr 23, 2012, 12.00AM IST
