Father and Daughter

Bollywood movie ‘Dangal’, the true story in a cinematic adaptation of a father encouraging his daughters to excel in a ‘man’s world’, is truly inspiring. There are certain scenes that reminded me of my own father, who would massage my legs to ease ‘growing pains’ as a child or encourage me to bring out the best.

Newspaper reports of fathers traumatizing their daughters or suppressing their talents leave me shocked as I was fortunate to be ‘made much of' by a father who treated me like a princess!  In conservative societies where the son is usually treated better in some parts of our country, while daughters are not even educated, being relegated to do daily chores, it is truly wonderful to see daughters treated equal to sons in many places.

Being a great achiever himself as a celebrated sportsman of India in the 1940’s, he showed great interest in my ability to sing, act and to paint. As years advanced  and I felt the urge to be creative, it was my father who would discuss and encourage me. He made sure that I followed my talents to realize my dreams and felt proud of my achievements as an artist over the years.

A man who taught me to respect others while not to expect anything in return.  A man who taught me not to crave for what another person owns. A man who taught me to think of the value, of what I would want to acquire as (in my native tongue Malayalam), “Avishyam,Anavishyam,Athiyavishyam” (Desire, Greed, Need ).  A man who taught me to love and said in a profound note,“ If you are happy on account of my unhappiness, then I am happy!”.  A man who taught me to radiate positive energy and to lift the spirit of people with a smile.

 Mutual admiration was the base of our journey through life for more than 4 decades as he passed on leaving me with a wealth of ideals and values.

I may be called a ‘Daddy’s Girl’ on a lighter vein, but I lived that with immense love and nurturing.