Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Shobhaa De Discusses Freedom, Sensuality at Kolkata Literary Meet
Shobhaa De, a famous writer, spoke at a big book event in Kolkata.
She talked about how important it is for women to have their own money to be truly free.
She also discussed how people are still uncomfortable talking about love and intimacy.
De said that women should not be put into boxes just because they are women.
She blamed the British for making Indians feel shy about sex.
She also talked about how she never lets anyone censor her work.
Additionally, she addressed A.R. Rahman's recent comments about Bollywood and said he might have been misunderstood.
Shobhaa De emphasized the importance of financial independence for women at the Kolkata Literary Meet.
She discussed the evolution and persistence of discomfort around sensuality in Indian culture.
De rejected gendered labels in literature, stating she is just a writer, not a 'woman writer'.
She blamed colonial influence for India's discomfort with sex, calling it 'as bland as their food'.
De addressed A.R. Rahman's remarks about Bollywood, suggesting they might have been misconstrued.
- Who
- Shobhaa De, a columnist and novelist
- What
- Discussed her literary career, financial independence, and sensuality at the Kolkata Literary Meet
- When
- On Sunday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Alipore Museum, Kolkata
- Why
- To share her experiences and views on various topics
- Event
- Kolkata Literary Meet at Alipore Museum
- Speaker
- Shobhaa De
- Book Discussed
- The Sensual Self
- Career Span
- Five decades
- Key Themes
- Financial independence, sensuality, censorship, gender labels
- Colonial Influence
- Blamed for India's discomfort with sex
- A.R. Rahman's Remarks
- Addressed and clarified