"I’m old-fashioned"

PresidentPranabMukherjeeprobably wouldn’t have anticipated that his forthcoming book will grab the headlines — for all the wrong reasons.
With the bookstores and online players getting into a fight over its marketing rights, the first family of the country is definitely in an awkward position. TOI caught up with the President’s daughter Sharmistha to clear the air.
Old-fashion book lover:Pranabda’s forthcoming book is highly awaited by everyone.When asked if this controversy has upset her, Sharmistha replied: “It’s the publishers’ discretion how he wants to sell his books. I wouldn’t like to comment on that. Personally, I’m a bit old-fashioned regarding books. For me, it’s a pleasure to visit a bookshop and browse through the shelves.” Do controversies take away the focus from the product? To this, she said: “Nothing can mar and take the focus away if the product is good.”
A voracious reader: Speaking of books, which is the book that is her current favourite? “I read two-three books simultaneously. At the moment I’m reading a novel by NadeemAslam called The Blind Man’s Garden and VandeMataram: The Biography of a Song written by SabyasachiBhattacharya. It’s a fascinating book retracing the history of this famous song originally written by Bankimchandra for his novel Anandamath,” she said.
A woman’s touch:It’s said that PranabMukherjee’s tenure has brought back dignity and simplicity to the home of the Constitutional head of the state. What is the role that her mother has played in this? Sharmistha replied: “My mother has not been keeping good health to participate in official functions. But it is her care and concern that has made RashtrapatiBhawan a home to the family.”
Family’s fave:In winters, the gardens of RashtrapatiBhawan wear an even more divine aura than ever and visitors simply adore it. But which part of the home is the first family’s favourite? “The Family Wing,” said the President’s daughter.
Turning a full-time politician: She’s known to be an acclaimed Kathak dancer, but now Sharmistha is planning to go full throttle on a different turf. “I am a member of Indian National Congress and have been working for my party. In the forthcoming Assembly Election, if my party nominates me, I would like to contest from Greater Kailash in Delhi, where I live,” she revealed.