Editor's note: Backstory is Onmanorama's special year-ender video series. Here, our reporters recall their memorable experiences in 2019. Watch all videos here.
I had read many of her articles on the same topic, and thought it would be an interesting piece for Onmanorama's society section. I also felt that such a story would have some soothing effect amid hundreds of depressing crime and political reports that inundate us everyday.
The topic I chose was '10 points to keep the mother-son-daughter-in-law triangle healthy in a family.'
I called the celebrity to fix an appointment, but she said she was free to talk at that time. I felt really happy. Without wasting much time, I asked my first question.
After stating a couple of points, her tone changed. “Is it a funny subject?” she asked me. “It is a serious matter and it should be discussed in detail. What is this 10 points to keep mother-son-daughter in law...Rubbish... I cannot answer it like this...leave me alone..."
Her response jolted me. My happiness soon turned into disappointment.
I hindsight, I think I could have completed the interview had I prepared questions in a better way. And I consoled myself by saying that every goofed-up opportunity is a huge learning opportunity.
(This story was first published on December 27, 2019.)