Mayabhushan

An Extraordinary Life: A Biography of Manohar Parrikar

An Extraordinary Life: A Biography of Manohar Parrikar

Review by Selma Carvalho

Issue no. 17

It is relevant that the Manohar Parrikar biography titled ‘An Extraordinary Life’, (Penguin, 2020) makes note of Parrikar’s ‘obviously handsome’ looks, likened by his friends to the on-screen idol Amol Palekar. Leaders are not made, they are born to greatness. They have certain qualities—a certain charisma—which instils in the masses hope and confidence. It is his good looks, his easy charm, his quick wit which endeared Parrikar to Goans, and it is impossible to think of him without feeling for him a certain admiration and affection.