My father was not in power when I started my political career, or when I fought my first election in 1996. Starting like any ordinary person, I reached out to people everywhere.

But when I entered politics, I found that this was the space that could be used for making lives of people better.

Over last 30 odd years, Kashmir has seen many highs and lows when looked at from the perspective of the security scenario, infiltrations and militancy on the ground.

Jammu is part of the state but the people of Jammu do not face the same kind of difficulties that we face in Kashmir.

The tragedy is that political leaders failed so badly at delivering what Iraqis clearly wanted - and for that, a great deal of responsibility lies with Prime Minister Maliki.

It's a different era. Our job now is to show leadership and vision and to help the next generation of artists.

I've got to tell you what, the soldier doesn't fight very hard for a leader who is going to shoot him, okay, on his own whim. That's not what military leadership is all about.

Leaders don't look backwards to condemn what has already been done; they look forward to create a better future.