Student’s Day: What I Learnt From These Bollywood Celebrities

From respect to generosity to silence - the learning list is endless.

A few days ago was Teacher’s Day. They say you are never too old or young to learn from people. I have learnt many valuable life lessons from both juniour and seniour film folks I’ve interacted with over the years.

I was introduced to late Nargis Dutt at a trial show in their preview theatre Ajanta Arts in Bandra in late 70s. We were watching an extremely boring film and young as I was, I was making plans with my colleague to leave the film halfway. Nargis must have overheard our conversation, because in the interval she took us aside and explained that no matter how boring any film is, it’s rude to walk out halfway. I have remembered that.

Rishi Kapoor taught me that the one who barks, does not bite. He likes intimidating people, but once you cross that hurdle with him, he is not just charming but a loyal friend.

Naseerudin Shah taught me that a healthy actor devotes as much time to his craft as to recreation. He would play badminton on the sets of Gautam Ghose’s Paar but once on the sets, he was always prepared.

Late Nutan made me conscious that it is the journalist’s duty to come prepared for an evolved interview because there is nothing more boring than talking to ill-informed scribes, who invade shootings and dubbings and disturb an actor all geared up for an emotional scene.

Some like Lalita Pawar revealed that being selective is being special. Pawar was selective not just about her roles, but also people she interacted with. She kept away from gossip mongers and considered it a waste of time to talk to the media. ‘They come to us for nostalgic features but listen to us distractedly and in that case, is it worth making even an effort?

Asha Parekh taught me that one should always be ready for challenges. After a successful innings as an actor, Parekh turned producer, director, censor chief, CINTAA head and even had a stint on television. She won some and lost some, but she continued to experiment.

Ranbir Kapoor taught me that passion is all and if you follow your heart, and do the kind of work you love, there is no way you can go wrong. He did that and broke all the hearts and rules.

My grooming lessons predictably came from the diva herself -Rekha. No oil, no sugar, and no fluffy pillows to retain a neck without wrinkles. Walk five miles a day, drink gallons of water, sleep and wake early. There’s more: five almonds and a fruit a day is good for healthy skin and hair. I did not follow my guru and the result is showing.

Waheeda Rehman taught me how to be poised and graceful, how to dress and look your age, how to accept life and wrinkles with a smile.

I have imbibed many precious lessons of life just being around Shabana Azmi and observing her. Her reactions to films, theatre, acting, poetry or just her philosophy of life have been inspiring. I have sought her wisdom in conflict and she has never let me down.

Hema Malini taught me that destiny is in submission. Her mother forced her to learn dance as a little girl and even though she hated the discipline at that time, today she’s reaping harvest of those efforts. At a time when her acting assignments have reduced considerably, Hema Malini keeps busy with her dance tours around the world. She taught me that no matter how successful an actor, it is important to pursue an art beyond the arc lights.

Shahid Kapoor taught me how to evolve despite a bad beginning, how never to say die and keep trying until the tide turns for you.

Saif Ali Khan taught me to value one’s worth. He had the courage to refuse second leads. It was difficult initially to convince his filmmakers, but slowly they came around and today he negotiates what he deserves and perhaps more.

Jaya Bhaduri was already Bachchan by the time I became a journalist and those were days Amitabh was not talking to the media. When his war with the press was at its peak, I bumped into Jaya on a staircase and said ‘Hi’ spontaneously to which she responded just as naturally. In the coming years, I bumped into Jaya at the oddest places - a musical concert, airport, Prithvi Theatre, in the hospital when Smita Patil died and always, Jaya remained her own person. I learnt from her that loyalty to partner does not mean curbing natural responses.

In the 90s Amitabh Bachchan, in a surprise move lifted the ban on the media and made truce. Ever since, I have done several interviews and books with the actor and observing him have imbibed many virtues like patience, perseverance, submission and discipline. He is the finest example of the proverb - ‘silence is golden’. Despite innumerable provocation and attacks from the media for 15 long years, Bachchan did not retaliate. His life has been a roller coaster ride and he taught me how to rise after every fall, how to fly higher and remain grounded.

(Bhawana Somaaya has been writing on cinema for 30 years and is the author of 12 books. Twitter: @bhawanasomaaya)