A quick glance at her and you can tell she has a royal origin, even though she is dressed in a simple black kurta. Her understated elegance and poise cut a perfect picture of grace as Princess Esra sits in the front row at the Hyderabad Literary fest.

In town to support the launch of her cousin Kenize Mourad’s book In a City of Gold and Silver, the Princess says about Hyderabad’s cultural and literary scene, “The city has come a long way, even though it still has some growing-up to do. People are worried about the diminishing trend in literature and culture here, but we are emerging slowly and surely.” The Princess shares a few more thoughts before she leaves just as quietly as she entered, “I’ve been part of the city for over 16 years.” “But I’m never away from the city,” she adds, saying, “I make it a point to come down at least once every three months and carry out my duties.”

Princess Esra, who had a hand in the remodelling of the Falaknuma, adds, “I also helped with the Chowmohalla , Palace.” How strong are her connections to the city? “I have a couple of e friends here that I definitely meet whenever I’m here,” she shares.

But does she have any plans to settle down here? “I can’t tell you anything , right now, it’s too early,” she says before signing off with a polite good bye.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com /Home> News> Lifestyle> Books/Arts / DC, January 19th, 2013