LUCKNOW: Author of 'Lucknow Boy' Vinod Mehta was at his wittiest best as he took the stage on the second day of Lucknow Literature Carnival. As expected, Mehta's session was a blend of anecdotes, quips at self and 'friends', secrets of Bollywood stars, Tarun Tejpal and political talk. The one-hour talk was ably conducted by another Lucknow boy, Saleem Kidwai.

Known for his frank and fearless opinions, Mehta said it's almost inevitable that Narendra Modi will become the next prime minister, and added hastily, "I say this despite being labeled a Congress chamcha (sycophant)." He said Modi's rise is more due to inept leadership of Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul than his own merit. The veteran editor predicted that Modi's ascendancy to the PM's post would be bad news for English media which has been after him since Gujarat riots. "Mr. Modi is not a man who forgets and forgives. For years, English media, including Outlook (which Mehta edits), has criticised him. So our jobs would be in peril if he becomes PM," he said.

Mocking the news channels, he said "50% of their content should be taken as joke". "They also serve entertainment along with news," he said, and quipped: "I speak rubbish on TV debates, yet I'm called again." With great pride, Mehta shared he was the first person to start the trend of drinking during prime time TV debates.

The enticing session was punctuated with applause and laughter from the audience as he kept serving them anecdotes one after another.

Mehta told the gathering that sequel to his bestselling memoir would be released after general elections. When Saleem Kidwai asked him why the need for a sequel, prompt came the witty reply: "The idea came from Bollywood sequels." Talking about his biography of actor Meena Kumari, the Outlook editor said he did not change a word when the book was re-released recently, 41 years after its first publication. "I admire Meena Kumari for her openness, be it her affairs or drinking habit. The most striking aspect of her personality was her sexuality," Mehta said.

When asked about Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, Vinod Mehta described him as "incredibly talented" but did not defend him.

