The last time we saw a flaming sunset, it was at Shobhaa De's Cuffe Parade home before the pandemic, when the world was freer. A lot has changed. Some things have, however, stayed as is. Like the view from the window of her residence. Except, that when we arrive on a weekday evening, the sun is hiding behind the jute roller blinds. The winter light—admittedly harsh—forces us to settle in its warm veiled glow, even as mid-day photographer Sameer Markande guides De across her sprawling drawing room for pictures.

It's been a surreal week for her. On January 7, she celebrated her 75th, at her Pune home, surrounded by friends and family. “No celebrities,” she tells us. “Except Elvis Presley”. She speaks of a connection she feels with the King of Rock and Roll, whose birthday falls a day after hers. His rebellious personality was after her own heart. To meet him in flesh and blood, was a dream she nursed. And then, she happened to catch a performance by famed Elvis impersonator, Mehmood Curmally. She knew right then that it was going to be an Elvis-themed birthday party, which she called Jail House Rock.