I would like to thank my late mother for my tiny success I have made of my life. She was a fun, joyous person, who was very strict and stood no BS from anyone, least of all me. She always encouraged me to be ambitious and base it on real hardwork and talent and not just shortcuts and knowing the right people.
Like most people of her generation, she did not study beyond high school which was the 11th grade for her. Inspite of that, I consider her a very practical person, and a true intellectual. She loved literature and history and languages which I have inherited 100%.
Its because of her, I went onto pursue some acting on stage (and loved every minute), express myself through dance, music and drawing. She sponsored a movie a week for us (which was really cool), always decided I needed new clothes, instilled some fashion sense in me, and taught me to chase my dreams no matter what. She taught me never to expect a free ride, and that there was a price to pay for every action good or bad, and whatever I do, I do it with open eyes. It is her high standards that helps me to date not to compromise, and to always put the interest of my child before mine.
In the more sweeter moments, I remember her coming to school and declaring that I have a doctor’s appointment and both of us would sneak off and see a movie and get home before my sis and brother came home! She had the secret knack of making each one of us feel special and wanted and important.
So thank you mom, for whatever you did. I shall always treasure you and love you.
My mom and Miti, at her house in Hyderabad, India. Miti was two and you can see him with his almost permanent companion at that time, the bottle. (The photo is a scanned one, and hence the so so quality..)
