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| An interview with Shatbhi Basu – the first female Bartender in India (Shatbhi Basu was interviewed by Shubhangi Thorat. Shubhangi is a blogger,translator & writer and co-editor of "Punha Stree Uwach") |
Let us start at the beginning. Please tell us about your family background.
I come from a very well-educated and travelled Gujarati family. We have a very broad mix of cultures within the immediate family and so have grown to be open to all religions. We have a healthy respect for each other’s career choices and skillsets.
Considering this background what made you think of hospitality and bartending in particular as a profession?
I have at different stages of growing up wanted to be a classical dancer (studied Bharat Natyam for 10 years), a veterinary surgeon (granted admission to the Bombay Vet College but moved to IHM as the family doctor insisted that my allergies to dust and fur would hamper my education!) and a singer with a band!
After IHM(Institute of Hotel Management), my first passion was to be a Chinese chef towards which I started my career as a trainee chef with Centaur in 1980. After 1 year of being a trainee chef, I didn’t see my career going anywhere my immediate boss was not happy with women in the kitchen, and they didn’t transfer me to the Chinese kitchen as promised. So I moved to a Chinese restaurant where the bartender went missing and I was roped into making a few drinks because of my hotel management background. I was completely fascinated by it. Started reading up and never looked back.
Did you face any resistance from your family and your social circle? Were they surprised?
My parents were totally supportive and were quite happy with my decision. In fact, my first book on bartending was given to me by my mother and aunt! The rest of the family too sent me as much help as they could from around the world. They knew and understood the skills and knowledge that went with choosing to be an expert in beverages.
What are the difficulties that women face while working as a bartender?
The bigger challenge for women wanting a career in bartending comes from the family. Especially those who have not been exposed to the hospitality industry and are from orthodox backgrounds. Lack of knowledge on the subject, incorrect perceptions and pressure from extended families only compounds the problem. “Shaadike time kya kahenge” is still the big question, even for the boys! That is before you even get to choosing your career.
If you have managed to get past that and pursue it with a passion, there are no serious difficulties. You have to be committed to constant learning. And have an innate belief in what you do. We are still a long way from seeing a lot of women in our profession. Not everyone is able to get past so much pressure from family. We work very hard to change perceptions and counsel families when they reach out by showing them who we are. Once they meet us, they realize that they were misled about what bartending actually is.
The industry is quite proactive and is happy to support women bartenders for the most part. It is still mainly in tier 1 cities though that you can see this change. The smaller cities have a long way to go yet but I’m sure they will catch up. As long as we are able to change mindsets and perceptions by being out there and making changes, there is hope.
Do they have to maintain supplies and inventory for the bar?
As a bartender, you do everything that is part of everyday operations in the bar from getting the bar ready, checking and maintaining inventory both for operations as well as required by excise policy.
How safe is this profession for women? Are facilities like separate locker, separate toilets and proper cab facility available to lady bartenders?
I think you are far safer working in a bar than in any other public place. No one can touch you behind a bar counter and your colleagues at work are immensely supportive and protective.
Sure we have late hours. But then so do women working in many other jobs – even doctors! Most certainly ensure your safety by getting your employer to arrange a drop home if you are expected to work late.
Like in any other profession facilities for women exist unilaterally.
Did you ever feel in your career that you are not being given your dues because of being a woman? If not you then have you seen it happening to fellow women?
Honestly I have never felt that I have been treated differently because I was a woman. I think I have only thought of myself as a professional doing my job just like anyone else, never as a woman in a man’s world. That’s the way it should be. We are professionals first, women later.
Are working conditions women-friendly across the hospitality industry?
The percentage of women working across the hospitality industry is only increasing and hotels especially make it a point to ensure women-friendly environments. Stand-alone restaurants sometimes find it a challenge but they are also becoming aware and are putting in efforts to ensure that.
This profession is not regarded as a long-term profession. But more as a side profession. When you chose to be a bartender what was on your mind? What were the wages and employee benefits available to this profession when you started it?Did you ever think of financial security? Would you advise girls to join this on the basis of financial security?
I don’t understand why any professional would think of any career as a side job. I certainly did not. Once I had decided bartending as my career, I took it upon myself to be the best that I could be at it and acquire as much knowledge as I could on the subject of beverages and the skills of mixology. This allowed me to grow and go beyond expectations, giving me opportunities to look wider within the area of my expertise and do amazing things.
Financial security comes later when you become good at what you do. Then there’s no looking back and you will have many opportunities come your way. I would advise those to join who come with a passion for the subject, not those simply looking for a fat salary. You have to earn that with your skills and knowledge
Is their wage discrimination in this profession?
Yes for sure it can happen. Good women bartenders may just earn more than their male counterparts!!
Overall since you started working has there been a change in the working environment in terms of facilities and attitude of co-workers, management and patrons?
I have always had nothing but respect from co-workers, management and patrons in my entire career. There are definitely better facilities now but I didn’t face too many challenges in that direction even in my early years. I think your skills and body language determines who you are and that reflects in the way people perceive you.
How was the attitude of patrons towards you as a bartender? Please consider women bartenders working in all types of bars and restaurants. Do you think it is safe for women to be working as bartenders?
I don’t understand what you mean when you say all types of bars and restaurants – we work within the organised hospitality sector. Hotels, restaurants and bars where each one of us go quite regularly. I have worked both in hotel bars, stand-alone restaurants and bars and I can tell you with certainty that it is the safest place to work in. If a woman can feel safe drinking in a bar, then behind the bar is even safer!! I have worked in this industry for almost 40 years, and I have never had a bad day.
The customers only showed awe and respect. Women customers were especially happy as they could come have a conversation with me and I would be able to help them find the right drink.
How do women in this profession manage with the odd working hours?
I think we are extremely prejudiced when it comes to the bar for lack of insight and knowledge. Don’t doctors work odd hours? Journalists? Models,fashion photographers, women in other departments in hotels, at the reception, airline crew...
We manage because we are women and we have the ability to multitask and organise. We understand our priorities and know how to deal with situations well.
Did you ever feel difficulty in explaining your profession to your child? You may find this question odd, but considering the bias of the society towards this profession we feel this is logical.
You are right, I do find it extremely strange and illogical. If I can be asked this question in 2019, then indeed we are living in an unreal world. No, I had no issues explaining or apologising for my choice of career to my daughter. She saw it unfolding in front of her eyes as a kid when her favourite things to draw were sketches of a cocktail glass. She, like the rest of my family were extremely proud of my achievements.
To my daughter & nephew, and all their friends, I am friend, mentor and guide. Someone they can talk to, ask questions that they would normally be reticent about without hesitation. Am happy about that as at least I will give them the right information – especially on the evasive subject of alcohol. I hope that my talks will make them more aware on the pros & cons, and they will learn to drink responsibly.
We need to grow out of this old woman/man equation and alcohol/women taboo scenario. I think people need to understand the difference between a bar and a dance bar. And our politicians need to grow up.
In certain countries like Canada, UK and Sweden bartenders are legally required to refuse more alcohol to drunk customers. Although it is not required in our country, were you at any point in such a situation where you thought of refusing more alcohol to the customer?
Absolutely. Though there is no law in our country yet, I hope we do implement them soon. In any civilised society, it is imperative to ensure the safety of our customers and this is a step in that direction.
It needs tact and sensitivity and I have on several occasions successfully achieved that goal!
Do the bartenders in India have to confirm whether the customer meets the legal drinking age?
Yes they do. We always ask for an identity card if we have the slightest doubt about a customer not meeting the age criteria. Having said that, I think 25 years is a bit over the top as legal drinking age. Rationally it should be 21.
Have you invented some new cocktails?
Over the years I have created a fair number of my signature cocktails
You are running your own bartending academy -Stir Academy of Bartending. How is the experience?
It’s almost 20 years now since I began the academy and it has been the turning point of my life. It changes you as a person. Teaches you patience, understanding, psychology and the ability to communicate. It shows you the difference between lecturing and teaching. And is a great responsibility as the future of your students and their livelihood depend upon you. They look towards you for guidance and believe in you implicitly. Also, the more you share, the more you gain, in more ways than one.
What is the current trend- freelancing or sticking to the job?
I think it’s a bit of both. You begin with a job to allow you to build your skills and become good, which later may allow you the opportunity, should you so desire, to strike out on your own in a direction you choose.
Do you think women have a bright future in the profession of bartending? Do women in this profession still have to struggle for basic recognition and respect?
Oh absolutely! Women have a fantastic opportunity for a bright future in mixology and beverage management. There is no struggle at all and there’s tons of respect and recognition for serious, passionate women in bartending. Women have a natural sense of hospitality, flavours and communication that work perfectly in a bar. Or anywhere for that matter. We have exceptional women professionals across the board in all professions.
Do you think the government has provided enough for the women in terms of rules, legislative support to encourage women to join this profession?If no, then what more is required to be done?
Since excise is a state subject, different governments have different approaches. In a lot of states, the laws are skewed against it under the guise of protection. It would be great if the government woke up and took notice of the discrepancies.
Every woman has the right to pursue a career of her choice. It should not be dictated by distorted perceptions coming from ignorance and apathy.
What more would you like to say about this profession?
Mine has been an amazing journey. So much fun, so much learning and opportunities to do things beyond the direct scope of my work! I like to call my journey Spiritual Sweat. Who I am is a direct result of the spirits I worked with along the way. Every nose, look, shake, stir or sip taught me things no classroom could. From geography to history, culture and heritage, science and technology, people skills and patience, the ability to think. It allowed me to find myself and become “me”.
The most challenging part is always the finding the big balance between work and your life! I have always had my head on straight though. Yes, I wanted to be successful and do what I loved. To be the best at it. To push myself to go beyond the expected and look at everything with a wide angle lens. At the same time, family and friends are very important to me. I need them. What is the point of truckloads of money and fame if there’s nobody to share a laugh with. I had my priorities pretty straight. That allowed me to find my rhythm.
You don’t need to do everything all at once. When pressures close in on you take a little time, breathe, then logically move forward. Putting your aspirations on hold till there’s time to achieve them is OK. Remember, you’ve delayed them, not written them off. And reinvent yourself. Look at chaos as an opportunity to change and evolve. Learn to laugh at yourself. To let go and move on. Karma may be cool. But you and only you control your destiny. Remember that, believe, visualize and then get to where you want to be. Nothing can stop you. I am thankful every day that I have family and friends to go home to. They both push me and ground me.
My time in the bar has taught me to learn from everything and everyone, constantly. Don’t waste time on anger and regret. Instead learn from it and think what next. Falling down is part of life. It’s how you pick yourself back up, stronger and better than ever. Have a sense of humour. The more you share, the more you learn. The only religion that matters is the one that makes you a good person. If you can’t help, at least don’t hurt. And deep breathe. It’s my answer to everything !
I am who I am because of bartending. It has taught me tremendously. And showed me paths that I may never have imagined – like writing on a variety of subjects including beverages, educating via workshops on beverages, creating tv shows and anchoring them, teaching soft skills and life skills. It taught me to reinvent in the face of disruption. To, in fact, embrace disruption as a challenge to newer opportunity and self discovery. The challenge is only your own belief and faith in yourself and your ability. The courage to accept pitfalls and the passion to succeed. And to rediscover yourself and constantly think of what next.
When I think back, I don’t think I have done anything special or outstanding or courageous as a woman at all. I have done all that as a professional - chose to tread the untried path and broke some barriers. Anyone can do that if you like a challenge and have the passion.
Which is my advice to all women who want to be in my shoes. Don’t try and be one of the boys. You are not. Work just as hard and efficiently and maybe even more. But you are at all times a woman. Never forget it. Be proud of it. But be a professional first. And be the best that you can be at what you do.
If you have a dream, work towards it. If you want something badly enough, you can achieve it. You don’t need a Godfather or influence. I have. So can you. And for those who need to know more or need assistance, feel free to reach out to me on www.facebook.com/shatbhibasu
Here are 2 recipies by Shatbhi Basu
Green Apple & Kiwi Frozen Lemonade
Glass: Tall / Footed Pilsner / Hurricane
Ingredients:
30 ml Manama green apple syrup
30 ml Manama/Mapro Kiwi crush
15 ml lime juice
4 fresh mint leaves
½ cut kiwi, ½ cut green apple
2 scoops crushed ice plus 3 cubes
top up with soda & sprite
30 ml Manama/Mapro Kiwi crush
15 ml lime juice
4 fresh mint leaves
½ cut kiwi, ½ cut green apple
2 scoops crushed ice plus 3 cubes
top up with soda & sprite
Garnish: green/red apple/kiwi slice, mint sprig
Method:
· Put crushed ice in a mixing jar
· Put all ingredients and blend till the mixture is smooth in consistency
· Add the cube ice and blend again to make it thick if necessary – it should be a smooth ice slush
· Taste and adjust flavour
· Put the frozen mixture in a glass & top with soda & sprite
· Garnish
Blood on the Rooftop
Glass: glass jar or tall glass
Ingredients:
60ml orange vodka
30ml red wine
15ml Monin peach syrup or Manama peach apricot crush
15ml lime juice
Sprite/7Up
Garnish: Orange slices, mint sprig
Method:
· Fill glass with ice
· Pour vodka, peach syrup/crush and lime, stir well
· Top with lime drink to fill ¾ glass and stir well again
· Slide the orange slices in the drink
· Take a spoon and gently pour the wine on the back of the spoon onto the ice
· Garnish with mint sprig
So informative. Youth need to know more about diverse career options available to them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shubhangi for sharing this interview with Shatbi Basu