How’s the real Shobhaa different from brand Shobhaa?
Do I get affected by it? Sometimes. Do I buy into it? Not really. My innate pragmatism saves me from self-delusion. I work hard and I like my rewards. Besides, my sane family provides me the daily reality checks. Do I know my worth? Experts tell me I hugely undervalue myself. Let’s put that down to modesty. What do I need to leverage Brand Shobhaa De for anyway? I am neither a movie star looking for roles nor a politician in search of votes? I am happy that my readers like my books.

Has life changed after adding another ‘a’ to your name?
I added the extra ‘a’ when numerologist Bansi Jumaani wrote me a letter to do so. I took it on as a harmless challenge, and quite liked the new look of my first name in the signature. I didn’t know then as I don’t know now, what it added up to. But it worked for me. Jumaani is dead. I should have asked him its significance.