TV actors pay tributes to their real gurus on Teacher’s Day

September 5 is celebrated as Teacher’s Day across India. The occasion is celebrated, usually, with students and adults paying tributes to, and felicitating, their teachers in schools and colleges. But the word ‘Teacher’ holds a much deeper meaning — it’s also applicable to those who may not have taught us any textbook lessons, but have imparted their knowledge and wisdom, preparing us for the life ahead.So, this Teacher’s Day, we decided to ask some TV celebs about that one person who has played the most important role in making them what they are, someone they
consider their real ‘guru’. Here’s what they said…
Hina Khan: My father taught me one thing ‘Be Yourself’
“My father has been my biggest strength, inspiration and a mentor who has guided me through all phases of my life. From my childhood days to now, he has been instrumental in shaping my life. Making me chase my dreams, helping me in my career, bringing me back to the correct path, he has done it all! He always taught me to ‘be myself’ irrespective of the situation and people around me. He has never let me feel low for a longer time when things were going wrong. I aspire to be the person that he is someday.
Vivek Dahiya: He persuaded me to live my dream and move to Mumbai
My mentor is someone I met during my modelling days, in Chandigarh. He used to work in the marketing team but is a wise soul, Anil Kadian. He is a writer, a poet, and a philosopher. I fondly call him my lamp post. A lamp post is something that gives you light when there is darkness. He persuaded me to live my dream and move to Mumbai. In many ways, I am here doing everything, because he guided me well. If I get stuck in my important life decisions, I do turn to him and look up to him. He has a better insight on life, it’s almost like talking to a guru!
Aniruddh Dave: Satish Kaushik is the reason why I am acting today
“Director and actor Satish Kaushik has inspired and motivated me. I call him my mentor, because I faced the camera, thanks to him. I had gone to his office to find some job when I came to Mumbai. I knew that nobody would give me an actor’s job, so I felt it is better to start working as an assistant. I sent my audition tapes to him but told him that I would like to start as an assistant. And to my surprise, he said I should follow what I love rather than do anything else. He promised me, that one fine day I will become a hero of my film and that dream came true when he signed me as the lead for a film. He always said if you are an actor and if you work upon your craft nobody can stop you it's just that sometimes people recognise you so early sometimes it takes time.”
Purru Chibber: My mother left her high-flying career in Pune to come with me to Mumbai to help me achieve my dreams
Actress Vibha Chibber, my mom has guided and influenced me. She has done anything and everything that is possible for me in my life. She is the one who came to Mumbai, when she had a great job. She was a director at TIA company theatre in education in NSD. She left that job for me so I can come here. She took a very big decision when she was in such a good position in her life. She is too brave. She came to Mumbai with two children. She is the right example of how you should live your life. Keep dreaming and you should never give up.
Vahbiz Dorabjee: My mother shaped my career, helped me in my troubled times and guided me
My mom Firoza is my mentor and has the biggest hand in my career and success today. She recognized my dream at a very young age. She started moulding me and guiding me in that direction. If I come across any problem or I am down or out, it is my mother who I can look up to. I am very lucky actually at times I can't believe she is my mom. At times I feel like she is my sister or best friend.
Pooja Banerjee: Sandeep has given me a great insight into what is patience, working hard and staying fit physically and mentally
My husband Sandeep Sejwal has been a great support and a mentor. He has motivated me to be a better person and helps me calm down when I get angry. He gives insight into the situation objectively and he is the one who motivates me to work hard and stay fit physically and mentally. He encourages me to give priority to my career as he is committed to his career as a swimmer. I am fortunate enough to find a teacher, mentor and friend in my husband. I have developed a huge amount of patience, thanks to Sandeep.
Shakti Arora: My grandfather Chandrashekhar (Bollywood actor) is someone who shaped my thoughts
My mentor is my grandfather (yesteryear Bollywood actor) Chandrashekhar. He shaped my thoughts. The kind of work he has done in the industry and the respect he earned all over the years makes him my mentor. I am in total awe of his craft, the languages he can speak, his vocabulary, the way he recites shloaks... he is a bundle of energy. Whatever I am today, is his genes. I feel blessed to have him.
Ridheema Tiwari: My mother taught me to always nurture myself
My mom has steered my life in so many ways. My mother has been my mentor in my life and my source of strength when I have fallen weak. She taught me respect and discipline. She helps me become a better person everyday. She has taught me to be grounded and not get affected by success or failure and always nurture myself and believe in the bigger plan of the universe.
Ssharad Malhotra: My mentor pulled me through one of the worst phases of my life
Anant Patwa my guide, mentor, my friend, walked into my life a couple of years back when nothing was working out right, the cards were down, energy levels were down, when life seemed impossible, he held my hand and pulled me through one of the most toughest phases of my life some time back. It was like a God sent messenger introduced to me by my best friend for which I thank him for till date. We all need mentors at different stages of life and I'm lucky to have found one. He taught me to always remain positive in life irrespective of the situation and love your parents the most, as no one can replace them.
Suhani Dhanki: I have learnt discipline, inspiration and art as a way of life from my guru
Bharatanatyam is and has always been my first passion and love. I aspire to be a reflection of my Guru Dr. Sandhya Purecha who has inspired, ignited and ingrained this discipline in me. When I dance, I experience a sense of satisfaction and liberating joy which is incomparable. It’s been 15 years since we met and from day 1 I fell in love with her dance. I have not only learnt dance but also discipline, inspiration and art as a way of life under her. Whatever I am today I am because of her.
Vikkas Manaktala: Atul Mongia helps my emotions flow smoothly
I am extremely fortunate to have a mentor like casting director Atul Mongia, who’s helped me be a better version of myself. He has been an unmatched inspiration whose teaching is about being centred in all phases of life. His approach towards teaching about acting is extremely personal since he aims at making one’s life happier by dealing with one’s issues, which in turn helps one’s emotions flow smoothly and organically. And I am forever grateful to him for the experiences I have had under his guidance.
Karan Jotwani: Persis and I hit it off well
I haven’t made a lot of friends in the industry, but I randomly met Persis Siganporia and we hit it off. I think it was a Mumbai thing. My current creative director on the show, she’s a veteran from the industry who shares a similar vibe and sensation towards surroundings and things, similarly how I do. We love lights. Conversations. Silence around her also is enough for us to communicate what we want. She’s my mentor here. I do my job and go back home, but I call her time and again for many decisions, we discuss life, we discuss stories, emotions and more. She’s made me wise, brings in calm during chaotic days, and has understood me when maybe a lot wouldn’t have.
Anita Hassanandani: Ekta has been my constant guiding light
Ekta Kapoor is more than just a great friend. She has been a mentor, an inspiration and a constant guiding light. In all ways possible, she has been like a teacher. Just like a good teacher, she has taught me morals and ethics alongside professionalism. All these have helped me shape into a better person.