Best of Shatrughan Sinha's Rapid fire

With democracy facing a near-death situation in most of India's neighbouring countries, what, according to you, is the reason why Indian democracy is still standing strong in the current times? Gaurav Pant, New Delhi

It's not surprising that we are the largest democracy in the world, despite all the challenges. We have remained resilient due to our flexibility and firm belief in "anekta mein ekta" (unity in diversity). Every opinion, even if not accepted, must be respected, notwithstanding heated debates and exchanges on different TV channels.

My wife always forgives me, even when she is wrong. Does Mrs. Poonam Sinha do the same?

JP Singh Kaka, Bhopal

Well, I'm the boss of the house with my wife’s permission, so she follows me and forgives me even if I'm right and I, being a humble and obedient husband, tend to project my wife’s largeheartedness by making the same mistakes time and again.

When compared to other metropolitan cities, what is the greatest attraction of Mumbai?

CR Hariharan, Aluva

Mumbai's cosmopolitan nature, broad-mindedness, and ethos of “Sarva dharma sambhav” (equal respect for all religions) make it uniquely attractive. I pray with all my heart that this shouldn't change..

How come if a corrupt politician joins the ruling party, he is pardoned and no action is taken by any of the government agencies?

R Ramakrishnan, Dombivli

How innocent you seem to be. You haven’t yet realised that the ruling party these days has the most powerful washing machine on earth. And as far as the government agencies are concerned, I’m sure you’re aware they work under the ruling party despite being known as independent agencies. And they are the ones who take care of the washing machine.

Do you believe that life is fair, or at least, it is so to you?

R Lester Makang, Manipur