‘It’s not easy to win an argument with him!’

...says Sharmistha Mukherjee, Kathak exponent and Pranab da’s daughter. She says that with her father all poised to become the next president, the whole family is extremely happy.
They celebrated with sweets and a typical Bengali meal of maachher jhol and bhaat, Pranab da’s favourite cuisine.
When your father becomes the President, what’s that one thing that will change for you and your family?
(Laughs) I really hope and pray that he has more time for his family and for himself.In fact, I really want him to come for a vacation with all of us, where we can get to spend some quality time with him, away from the worldly hubbub.
What is that one thing about Pranab da that the world is not aware of?
I don’t think many people know that Baba’s a voracious reader. He gets free from his meetings and work around 1 am every day. But even after that, he reads for an hour at least — from fiction, to history to economics and Bengali poetry.
His most adorable quality as a father?
He’s a very caring person; and as a father, he has been extremely supportive. I’m the one who has the guts and the gumption to argue with him, whereas my two siblings aren’t allowed this liberty. But, it’s not easy to argue with him, or to win the argument!
And what kind of a husband is he?
(Laughs) You will have to ask my mother. He’s extremely affectionate, but I don’t think he can be romantic, whereas my mom is a hardcore romantic. Years ago, when pre-monsoon showers lashed Delhi, my parents were standing near the window and my mother told Baba, ‘It’s so beautiful.’ Baba quickly retorted: ‘What’s so beautiful about it? All my good clothes have been ruined in the rain!’ It was really hilarious.
Your dad is a foodie. Does he ever cook for the family?
He never has the time to do that. Moreover, my father belongs to that old-fashioned world, where he won’t know how to pour a glass of water for himself! In fact, if my mother didn’t feed him, he would probably be famished! He’s basically a simple man.
vinita.chaturvedi@timesgroup.com