Confessions of a Female Political Journalist

“Good looks get decent stories. I have practised a special smile for when I meet bureaucrats and politicians”

The kind of clothes a female political reporter wears is a deciding factor in the stories she breaks. Politicians are uncomfortable talking to those who wear Western clothes. A salwar kameez makes them more communicable than trousers.

The majority of politicians are lecherous. Some are very brash while others are subtle about it. But all politicians will first look at your neck—to check if you are wearing a mangalsutra. Good looks get decent stories. I have practised a special smile for when I meet bureaucrats and politicians. It has worked for me.

But lines must be clearly drawn. The bindi is the most important asset, so I ensure that I have one firmly stuck on to my forehead when I meet politicians. No red lipstick or high-shine gloss.

Politicians do not really talk intelligent stuff with a woman. They think that we are too dumb to follow it. I was discussing the finer aspects of the 2G scam with a prominent politician from Maharashtra and I could see that he was impressed. He told me bluntly that he was surprised that women read about such topics. I am waiting for an opportunity to dig up a story about him.

You can’t do late evening closed-door meetings. Male reporters get invited for drinks where stories are given out, but a female reporter has to sweat it out. Often politicians will not even offer tea.

Then there is the badmouthing that comes from your own fraternity. Male reporters and established senior female reporters speak all kinds of nonsense about newcomers to politicians, who believe it.

Politicians often ask you to accompany them in their cars when you want to discuss stories. And they drop you far away from your destination after they get off their cars.

(She has been a political reporter in Mumbai for six years and works for an English daily)

female journalistlooksreporter