EXCLUSIVE: Bollywood Life got actor Shashank Vyas aka Jagya of Balika Vadhu to write a special letter for his dad on Father’s Day and here is it…
Dear dad,
As kids, we often take our parents for granted. It is only later that we understand what went into all those efforts that you took so happily for us. On the occasion of Father’s Day, here is a small note to highlight and thank you for the small lessons you gave me on love, equality, money management and humility.
As a kid, I often went to your office. While it was normal for middle management people to be extra gracious with their seniors, you were always the same with everyone. Whether it was your superiors, the peon or canteen boy, you held them with equal regard. You always said that everyone was special irrespective of their position or financial standing. As an employee, you earned only what you received as your due salary but winning hearts was always more important for you. I tried to imbibe a part of your ideology and trust me, I am a happier person for the same.
It has been quite some time since I quit Balika Vadhu but till date I get calls from my make-up dada, spot boy and everyone. It feels nice. I remember I was never in my allotted room during Balika Vadhu days. I would be with in costume guy’s room with the spot boys and canteen walas. They would share their conversations with me. I would get so much knowledge about the technical part of acting and some gossip too (wink). I never behaved like the lead of a super-hit show nor lived like one.
Today, if I don’t step out of my flat for a couple of days the watchmen come up to enquire. Dad, you go out for trips when you’re away from home for days. Trust me, everyone misses you. They miss your warmth, small talk and how you care for each one of them.
Throughout childhood, mom would complain that you never had enough time for your family. It was not that you did not give us importance. We were a middle class family. You were the sole bread earner and you worked hard. I know that if I sign a contract that needs me to work for 12 hours, I will be there on the sets for that duration. I won’t come home in eight hours.
As a daily soap actor, one earns well when one is working but there can be an uncertain lull before grabbing the next show. Thankfully, you always taught us to lead a middle class life. Throughout childhood, we would manage to meet all our needs and yet save a certain amount. You did not hanker after money but made the best of what you had. Today, I am happy to know that at 64, you are happy and most importantly, hale and hearty.
Even after I made my mark in Mumbai, your lifestyle did not alter even a bit. I remember us going shopping in a mall where we must have spent a few hours. Throughout I kept asking if you were hungry and you said No. Once we were back, you headed straight to the kitchen to make yourself some tea and toast. At that point, I might have found you miserly but now I realise that it was out of sheer habit. You have a few shirts and you’re happy with those. Once, I bought you a shirt worth Rs 3,000 and you kept on lamenting why I spent a bomb on a simple shirt. It is not to say that you cut your costs or deprived yourself but your attitude towards money has taught me a lot. Seeing you, I am also motivated to differentiate between my needs and desires. This is one lesson I want to pass onto my kids as well. You have given me the confidence to manage my own money and till date I have fared well.
When I look back I laugh at the occasion when I was keen to buy a BMW for myself. You just did not understand me when I said an actor ‘looks good’ stepping out of an BMW. What you spoke of was the high insurance costs, maintenance, petrol and so on. You kept on saying that I invest in any profit-yielding asset than a swanky car. I am happier and better off with your wise suggestion. And I have realised than a good actor will get the same amount of respect from fans irrespective of his trappings.
Lastly, I know you’re keen to see me married. Har cheez sahi time pe honi chahiye. You make enquiries from my friends whether I am seeing someone or not. I’m sure you’ll accept my chosen one (if that happens) with open arms. Then, there will be two teams at home. Team B, where I will be alone and Team A with your bahu and you! Love you loads!