As an anchor for BBC World, Nisha Pillai has reported on several global landmark events — from the fall of Baghdad to Pakistan’s 50th anniversary of Independence. But the one that remains most vivid in her memory is 9/11.
“Without a doubt, covering the first two hours of the collapse of the Twin Towers and attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 was, for me, the most extraordinary, demanding and draining working experience ever,” stresses Nisha.
“It just so happened that I was in the studio hot seat when the 9/11 attacks took place. With hindsight of course we all know what happened, but watching it unfold it wasn’t clear — whether it was an accident or deliberate. There were so many wild rumours flying around, it made the job of anchoring the news coverage extremely difficult.”
Kolkata born, Mumbai bred, London based, Nisha joined BBC after a stint at Schroders Investment Bank followed by The Investors Chronicle.
Calling news “the speeded up history of our times,” she’s also interviewed several world leaders as part of HARDtalk. Says Nisha on interviewing King Khan, “Shah Rukh Khan is a super-intelligent individual, not to mention totally professional. I’ve interviewed him twice and was extremely impressed by how articulate he is. Actors are famous for many things, but seldom for their smarts. He is a one-off.”
Managing a fine balance between a demanding career and two kids, Nisha says she unwinds “by reading tons of fiction” and indulging in ‘sole therapy’. “I live in trainers, including in the studio!” she laughs. “I avoid the car and walk everywhere, literally walking the stress out through my soles.”
Cousin to Rhea Pillai, Nisha has fond memories of growing up in Mumbai. “We had a very relaxed childhood, with a lot of freedom to mess around and play,” she reminisces. “I miss the bhel puri, kachcha kairi, Parsi Dairy kulfi, dhansak...I don’t much go for the super-trendy eateries of today’s Mumbai.”
d_farhad@dnaindia.net
