Mum's the word

Unbreakable bond

She is by your side when you are burning the midnight oil during exams or in your moments of happiness and sorrow. As another Mother’s Day approaches, Bengalureans talk about their bond with their mothers and what it means to them.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder and most people agree that it’s when they are away from their mothers they realise the vital role that she has played in their lives. Nisha Jain, a businesswoman who will be sending a personalised letter and gifts to her mother Pushpa in Jaipur through a friend, says that it is only after she moved away from Jaipur that she realised how much she misses her mother. “She is my biggest strength and has taught me that one should always stay calm. She taught me to move on in life and let go of negative thoughts. She is the foundation of my life.”

The others are ready to go out of their way to surprise their mothers. Chetana Patra, a product manager at a bank, will be visiting Suchitra, her mother, who is in Mumbai. “Almost every year, my mother’s birthday is around Mother’s Day and it becomes extra special. Though I don’t believe in these special days as they are observed for just one day, they are a good reminder of the special people in your life.” She adds, “My mother taught me everything — be it the values I have or how to live life to the fullest.”

Sandalwood stars are also gearing up for the day. Radhika Pandit’s life revolves around her mother, Mangala Pandit. “My mother is my entire world. She is there with me everywhere — be it at shoots or otherwise. It is when I get a break that she gets to do her own things. When she is away, I feel so lost. I keep calling her to know about something or the other.” Radhika says that her mother “is the anchor” of her life. “It’s only when she is away that we realise how she has been holding us together. She is a very strong woman,” says the actress.

For youngsters like Suraj Gowda, who is new to the industry, “everyday is Mother’s Day”. He says, “I’m definitely a ‘mamma’s boy’ and I love pleasing her. Whatever I am today is because of her. She has been constantly motivating me and been my strength. There’s no one in my life who has supported me like her.”

He narrates that there was a time in his life when he almost gave up on acting and applied for another job. “I called my mother and asked her to send me my certificates but she told me that she wouldn’t as she wanted me to keep trying. And that’s how I am where I am today.” Suraj adds that he tries to please Surekha, his mother, at any given time of the year and it is not restricted to just one day.

Actress Nikki Galrani says that she is lucky to be blessed with “the extra love”. “I don’t believe that this is the only day to shower my mother with love. This day is a good excuse to make her feel a little more special. This year, I will start working on two movies on Mother’s Day and those are my gifts to her. I will also be taking her out for shopping and dinner the day before.” Nikki adds that her sister has “also been like a mother” to her. “I certainly can’t imagine life without the two.”

‘Ugramm’ star Sriimurali says that his mother is an integral part of his life. “She has played the most important role in my life. It’s through your mother that you learn how to interact with everyone.”

The actor says that he loves his mother’s cooking and cannot live without it. “Her chicken curry and ‘ragi mudde’ are the best dishes that I have eaten in my life. They are the best comfort food ever. I will never be able to repay her for everything that she has done for me,” he sums up.