(Father: Singer Nitin Mukesh)
Generally, boys are close to their mothers but I can say that I am papa's son. Even at this age, when I have become the father of a daughter, I go to my father for the smallest of problems and seek his advice. My father has always been there for me like a role model. He has taught us what he learned from his father. The kind of person I am today is all due to my father.
I had once gone to Delhi in my childhood for my maternal uncle's marriage. I was enjoying the wedding celebrations, dancing, singing, bouncing, jumping with delight. Meanwhile, I went to the lift of the hotel and reached Mami's room without telling anyone. When my father and family members did not see me around, they were very worried. They searched all over before realising that I was in my Mami's room. The fear and worry I saw on my father's face at that time made me realise how much my father loved me.
Dad always used to do stage shows. He used to enjoy giving live performances. He used to go to different cities and countries, but he always paid full attention to me. He used to encourage me for every small achievement of mine. Whenever he is around, he always says something during the conversation that makes an instant impression in my mind. I have learned how to live just by listening to his words. He has provided all the comforts and facilities to me. He recognised my talent in my childhood and never pressurised me to become a doctor, lawyer, or an engineer. He could see that I was meant to be an artiste, but he never used his father's name or his own name to get work for me. He always said that if I wanted to become an actor, I had to work hard and create opportunities for myself. This was one thing that made me responsible and self-reliant at an early age.
Dad always told me some very important things that I want to share. He always insisted on hard work. He used to say that if I wanted to become an actor, I had to take my talent to directors and producers. Sitting at home, no one would be able to know how talented I am. Dad always said and still says that there is no substitute to hard work. You can harness your ability only through your hard work.
My father learned simplicity, honesty and simplicity from his father. He also taught me the lesson of simplicity, and humility. He always said that man should be like a tree of fruits. Another important thing that he always says is that wealth or fame in life should not be earned at the cost of one's family and health. If you don't have time for family then all the fame and fortune is futile. Dad always taught that there should be no shame in simplicity. Your stature does not change if you travel by an auto or a taxi. This has always kept me rooted to the ground.
(As told to Manish Pandey)
