Words binding boundaries

Humra Quraishi 

Born in 1922, Pran Nevile could probably be the oldest surviving writer of the subcontinent. And he continues to pen more books and give shape to his thoughts. The 94-year-old diplomat-turned-author recently launched the book Carefree Days: Many Roles, Many Lives. 

Excerpts from the interview 

It’s believed that your literary works are appreciated more in Pakistan than in India. Comment.

I have been invited to many literature festivals in Pakistan — at Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. In Pakistan, I am known as an eminent author. I was born and bred in Lahore. My book Lahore: A Sentimental Journey and other books are very popular and widely read in Pakistan.  In contrast, I am not as popular in my own country but I haven’t ever sought publicity. 

What’s your take on the India and Pakistan relations? 

Baffling! Nobody seems to know what’s happening. At individual level, we meet each with so much of love and affection, but on the political front, our relations reflect something else.

Do you comment on the politics between the two countries when you visit Pakistan for literary events?

I never comment on politics. I only talk about art and culture. I tell the audience that I will not entertain queries related to diplomatic relations between the two countries.

After the Partition, your family settled in New Delhi. Haven’t you ever felt tempted to write a book on the Capital? 

I had planned to write a book on New Delhi. My friend Inder Gujral had even suggested that I should meet the former chief minister Sheila Dikshit. But the project never took off. Delhi is a crumbling city, bearing the weight of skyscrapers. It is being destroyed by politicians, pollution and illegal constructions.

You took to writing books rather late in life, only after your retirement. Any regrets on that front?

I had been writing on the economic and trade-related subjects, but yes, I started writing books only after my retirement. Post that, I only focused on writing and one book after another got released. Just to mention a few — Lahore: A Sentimental Journey, Love Stories From the Raj, Nautch Girls of India, Rare Glimpses of the Raj, Raj Revisited, KL Saigal: Immortal Singer and Superstar, Marvels of Indian Painting and several other books.

You are soon going to celebrate your 94th birthday. What kept you going though you suffered several personal tragedies?

One has to learn to face the realities of life. Learn to accept life as it comes. It is not a straight line, but is full of ups and downs. This verse of Sahir Ludhianvi carries the very crux of life — ‘Hum kehtai hain yeh jag apna hai/ tum kehtai ho jhutha sapna hai/ hum janam bita kar jaigae/ tum janAm gawa kar jaogi .’ 

The musical evenings you organise are a hit in the city. What will we get to welcome next?

Over the years, I have organised about a 100 musical programs in the memory of some of our greatest poets, singers, composers and lyricists. This year, I will be focusing on Shakeel Badayuni as this year marks his 100th birth anniversary.