Curiosity got them to pick up their first copy of Outlook, beginning what was to become a 15-year-long affair: a happy habit, they say. Sometimes critical but always reassuring, 15 of our oldest subscribers do a candid recap to give us their story—the crackling chemistry they share with Outlook and why they won’t stray.
Photograph by Apoorva Salkade
Rupali Gore | Dentist, Mumbai
My husband and I decided to give Outlook a shot when it was launched all those years ago. We’re still reading it today, because the content appeals to us. The Diary is my favourite read, while my 14-year-old son enjoys the book reviews and technology stories. But of late, Arundhati Roy is taking up quite a lot of print space! Oh, and can we get better subscription gifts, please?
Har Kamaljit Singh | Travel agency owner, Jalandhar
I remember reading my first copy of Outlook at Bombay airport 15 years ago, where the newly-launched magazine was being distributed free. I signed up as a subscriber at once. The special editions are eagerly awaited by the whole family, while my children, who are in their 20s, pore over the B-school issues.
Suresh K. Kandoth | Retired doctor, Nasik
I subscribed to Outlook because I wanted a change from the rest of the stale stuff in the market, and indeed, it turned out a good weekly read. I always begin reading from the last page, with the Diary, and look out for Editor (the dog) and his quirks. I wish there was more of him. I also wish I got my issues on time. Whenever I complain, I get them all in a bunch, so I’m wary of complaining again.
Narendra Ojha | Former private company executive, Rajkot
We bought the earliest few issues of Outlook off the stands and have been hooked since. The articles have become more insightful and the look is sharper. My subscription lapses next year, but it will certainly be renewed!
Shubha Bahl | Editor at a Hindi magazine for kids, Gurgaon
Everybody is talking about the recent Arundhati Roy essay in Outlook, and guess what, I didn’t receive that issue! I am still smarting. On a serious note, I find Outlook intellectually stimulating and wait for my weekly fix.
Krishan Dev | Retired Indian Airlines executive, New Delhi
Outlook is a balanced magazine, it has maintained its high standard since the beginning. Since I’m a senior citizen, I would like to read more stories on health in your magazine.
Alok Kumar | Marketing professional, Calcutta
I like to keep abreast of current affairs, especially politics, and through Outlook, I get to catch up on all that. But I’m not the only reader in my family—my wife and daughter leaf through it too, thanks to the variety of articles. The year-end issues are quite memorable. I remember getting either a watch or a transistor as my first gift from Outlook, but I haven’t received the latest gift after renewing my subscription. Typical of Outlook to delay delivery!
Deepa Arora | Communications consultant, New Delhi
I switched to Outlook because I didn’t enjoy the stand that India Today took. I still remember a column Outlook used to carry, on people who make a difference —I’d love to see that make a comeback. I wish Outlook would do more stories on women. Is it that women don’t give you a reason to write about them?
Arvind Kulkarni | Marketing manager Padma Kulkarni | Educationist, Belgaum
Outlook was more attractive when it started out; the news was less political, and the approach more impartial. My favourite page is the Diary column, because it presents a different insight from a different place each time. My wife enjoys the book reviews and follows the sports stories. But I must point out that sometimes Outlook gets too critical about an issue, the CWG being a case in point.
Photograph by R.A. Chandroo
T. Stephen Pragasam | Marketing executive, Madras
Outlook has come a long way since 1995. But as a marketing man, I think it lacks focus on subjects like finance and corporates. Nevertheless, in our family of six, there are three loyal readers. But seriously, Outlook should work on the quality of the subscription gifts it offers!
Nandini Ukil | Former tea-taster cum buyer, Calcutta
The Diary column is what I start with, because there’s always something amusing and interesting there. As far as other stories go, Outlook can be biased at times, but if it must, I’d prefer it to be inclined towards the Congress than any other party. Recently, I received a Benetton T-shirt as a subscription gift, but sadly, it was a men’s tee, and I had to give it away.
Bag It: K.R. Talati with his Outlook bag. (Photograph by Siddharaj S)
K.R. Talati | Engineer, Ahmedabad
Outlook endeavours to cover almost everything that’s in the news, though there isn’t too much of regional news in there. I make up for it by rifling through a number of regional magazines, so it works out fine. I enjoy the comment pieces on current issues. I still use a tape recorder I got as a gift, and a bag, which I take along when I travel.
Mrs K.R. Raghavan | Soft skills trainer, Secunderabad
My husband and I like the magazine because it accommodates all subjects, and it comes to our doorstep on time, mostly Mondays. We read it cover to cover, and I particularly enjoy going through the letters from readers.
V. Leelavathy | Former information officer, Karnataka Power Corporation, Bangalore
Outlook manages to cover all aspects of current affairs and news, but sometimes the font seems too small and difficult to read, especially when there are different colour combinations. But all the same, the variety in the magazine is what we readers all look forward to.
Asoka Verma | Management consultant Mona Verma | poet and cookbook author, Nagpur
My wife and I enjoy the cover stories, most of the political and government-related articles and essays, the sarcasm of the Secret Diaries, the analytical book reviews, and being foodies, we always look up Fine Living for recommendations. But we suggest you carry opinion pieces from unknown persons on current affairs to lend an aam aadmi flavour.
