April 26, 2001
[Speaking of Begum Akhtar, Shahid said:] ‘The morning after one of her concerts there were many reviews in the paper. She said to Shahid: ‘parh ke sunao (read them out)’. Shahid read some of them out to her – they were all raves. After a while Shahid tired of reading and said – ‘You know what’s in all of them, why go on?’ Her response was: ‘Keep reading – it’s always nice to hear good things (achhi baat sun-na to achha hai).’ Shahid added: ‘I love to hear praise. I never tire of it. You know how shameless I am!’
It is my birthday today and thank you, Mr. Ghosh, for creating all that you have. They make life beautiful.
This conversation about Begum Akhtar is so endearing, so humane. All artists love adulation. They must, it is their fuel.
Good day.