The Indira We Didn't Know

House proud, fond of cards and parlour games, shopping or just having plain fun, her physician offers a glimpse of the person behind the prime minister

- K.P. Mathur

I had the occasion to see PM herself changing the bedcovers on the diwan. It was the day after the Bangladesh War had started and she had worked late into the night. When I went to see her in the morning, I saw her dusting. Perhaps, it helped her release the tension of the earlier night. Another thing which intrigued me during my early days was a yellow rectangular mattress on the floor. I asked her PA about it. She told me that PM used it for her morning exercise and yoga. One day, she noticed me looking at this mattress and told me its history. She said that during the freedom struggle, they had to travel in third-class coaches of trains and the mattress was custom-made to fit the rail compartment berths.

“PM IS CHECKING THE CUSHIONS” 

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s favourite drinks, cigars had been arranged. A day before the conference, PM and party reached Shimla by helicopter and landed at Annandale helipad (in 1972). On the way to the Retreat, PM passed by the side of the Himachal Bhawan which was going to be Mr Bhutto’s residence and stopped to have a look if all the arrangements were up to the mark. She was not satisfied with a few things and gave instructions based on which many things were changed; new upholstery, curtains, bed linen and a new sofa.