DRAMA. Fashion. Cattiness. Glamour. The key ingredients in any interesting story. Not very surprising then that 'The Devil Wears Prada' is a best-selling novel and a successful film. Allegedly based on Vogue editor Anna Wintour, the story exposes the insidious underbelly at the world's most successful fashion magazine where who you are wearing matters almost as much as the work you do. But how accurately does the story depict the publishing and the fashion industries? Are temper tantrums a la Miranda Priestley the norm? Or is it the case of real vs reel life?

L'Officiel editor Superna Motwane says, "I will admit it was a reasonable description. I am really particular about things as well - whether it's my coffee waiting on the desk in the mornings or my lunch at a particular time. I'll reject things if they are not right. But I am definitely six notches down from Priestley!"

Anuradha Mahindra, editor and publisher, Verve says, "If you want to succeed in any field whether as a lawyer or an editor you make demands for perfection and quality. The question is how you handle it. Do you do it as an autocrat or a team player?" Elle editor, Nonita Kalra differs, "It is a completely wrong representation. To make any story sell you have to exaggerate. My team will not allow me to behave like a diva with them."

So what are the similarities? Motwane says, "Editors do have a big say in the fashion industry. The portrayal of the fashion weeks and day-to-day workings of the magazine were pretty accurate." Mahindra agrees, "Verve is often told that we have the ability to successfully marry the East and West. We forecast trends but do not dictate."

As fashion influentials what is the wardrobe for a jet-setting editor? Black, black, and more black seems to be the unanimous answer. Motwane elaborates, "I am currently into Dolce & Gabbana, but also love Fendi's new collection and always have a Louis Vuitton day bag." For Kalra, "It doesn't matter if it's H&M or Pratap, if it's black I wear it!" Mahindra adds, "It is the telegenic age and grooming is imperative."

Fashion faux pas around the office? Kalra says firmly, "Butt cleavage, visible panty lines and plastic platforms." Mahindra is against anything that does not suit the individual and Motwane prefers her team to dress more formally.

Verdict on film? Mahindra says, "Why not show the fun side of this business? Why only show the derogatory side? New things are happening; it's not just about prima donnas."