Leslee Lewis 2.0—a name betrothed by the man himself for his majestic return. In fact, he likes to say he’s back to being 25 in his musical career. Writing, composing, producing, and recording his own tracks, Leslee is back, delivering hit after hit as an independent artist. It wasn’t too long ago that fans were vibing to Sa Ni Dha Pa or cruising to Krishna. And now, Lewis gifts us Meheki Khushboo, an electrifying tune infused with that unmistakable Leslee magic. His iconic rock swing adds flair to even the simplest lines, making them feel instantly catchy. The song is already winning hearts, marking just the start of his exciting new musical era. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leslee Lewis (@lesleelewisofficial) In an exclusive with Mid-Day, Leslee dove into some of your favourite questions, starting with the iconic duo: Colonial Cousins. A 90s rage, no adult’s playlist was complete without at least one Hariharan-Leslee track. When asked about his bond with Hariharan, Leslee said, “We were brothers from different mothers—we shared the same musical soul.” He emphasized that Colonial Cousins worked because of their trust and mutual respect. “It was Indian classical meets Western rock/pop, yes… but above all, it was two artists trusting each other and creating something that transcended genres and generations.” Speaking of old bonds, how could we miss his friendship and mentorship with the late legendary singer K.K? “K.K was pure joy,” Leslee recalled, with emotion. He spoke of recognizing K.K’s spark long before the rest of the industry caught on. And as we all know, Leslee played a pivotal role in KK’s breakout with the iconic album Pyaar Ke Pal. The timeless anthem Yaaron continues to spark nostalgia and friendship-fueled memories. But behind that magic was Leslee’s composition—the foundation of its lasting impact. Sharing more about K.K., Leslee said, “He would sit in my home and learn the songs to perfection.” Opening up about their camaraderie, he added, “Every time he came to my studio, Purple Haze, he was like a child in a candy store—excited, eager, and emotional.” And with a heart full of remembrance, he simply said, “I miss him. Every single day.” Of course, we had to ask the golden question fans have wondered for decades. What’s the story behind Leslee’s iconic red braid-tail? That signature on-stage style adds to his rockstar energy, bouncing in sync as we headbang to his music. “The red braid is more than just style—it’s the fusion of all my musical identities rolled into one bold, edgy, and sophisticated vibe,” he said. “It reflects who I am on stage and off it.” Even a hair detail carries meaning with Leslee Lewis, and that’s exactly why his music resonates. It goes beyond lyrics. Meheki Khushboo marks not just a return, but a reawakening. Fans say it brings back the vibe of some of his most memorable pop-rock numbers like Aasmaan Se, Dil Chahe Desi Girl, Stay Back Tonight, and more. If you loved Phir Se Rock & Roll, this is your moment. He followed it up with another full album, no breaks in between, just pure creative flow. In fact, during the grim COVID years, Leslee released a track nearly every month, often with a bonus for fans. His music uplifted thousands, carrying joy and comfort through one of the toughest global chapters. Since 2020, we’ve had Leslee Lewis 2.0, and we’re not complaining. With Meheki Khushboo, he promises many more hits. One of the architects behind the success of Coke Studio with 51 songs across 8 episodes, Leslee remains a master of his craft. “There’s a vacuum in the song space right now—songs that just hit you from the first listen. That’s what Meheki Khushboo is about. And that’s the space I’m here to fill.” Reflecting on the music evolution since his Colonial Cousins days, Leslee praised the range and richness of today’s scene, from Diljit Dosanjh and Arijit Singh to Anuv Jain. “The evolution is beautiful—and necessary.” Promising more releases, Leslee left us with a heartfelt, insightful conversation. He gave fans a peek into his process, his friendships, and his legacy. He let us live a little longer in the world of the late K.K. and reminded us of the golden age of music that shaped entire generations. So plug in Meheki Khushboo, and relive what summer, monsoon, and winter sounded like for 90s India—because Leslee Lewis 2.0 isn’t just back; he’s here to make us feel it all over again.
05 June,2025 03:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Viansha PancholiA compelling Hindi feature film rooted in real-life events is making global waves for its sensitive and deeply human portrayal of organ donation. Aye Zindagi, written and directed by US-based transplant nephrologist Dr. Anirban Bose and produced by Shiladitya Bora (Platoon One Films), has been officially recognised by the American Transplant Foundation, which has added the film to its prestigious list of titles that authentically capture the emotional and ethical landscape of organ transplantation. Featuring Satyajeet Dubey, Revathi, and Mrinmayee Godbole, Aye Zindagi follows the transformative journey of a young liver failure patient and a grief counsellor, based on a true story. Since its free release on YouTube with English subtitles, the film has resonated deeply with audiences across geographies, amassing over 6.5 Lacs organic views. Viewers have flooded the comments section with emotional responses — many sharing personal experiences of organ donation, grief, and healing, and describing the film as “life-affirming,” “a rare cinematic gift,” and “a gentle yet powerful call to action.” In a notable international milestone, the American Transplant Foundation has placed Aye Zindagi alongside global titles such as Seven Pounds (Will Smith) and Return to Me (David Duchovny), commending its ability to “spark meaningful conversations around the gift of life.” The film’s online success also speaks to a broader cultural shift in how Indian audiences are discovering and engaging with stories. At a time when leading voices in the industry — including Aamir Khan — have spoken about YouTube as a credible and democratic platform for quality cinema, Aye Zindagi stands as a timely example of a film finding renewed relevance and impact beyond the traditional release model. “This recognition is deeply humbling,” shares Filmmaker Dr. Anirban Bose. “As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how transplant stories unfold — full of uncertainty, grace, and profound humanity. With Aye Zindagi, our hope was to capture that emotional truth, and it’s gratifying to know the message is now resonating globally.” With English subtitles and CC-enabled accessibility, Aye Zindagi is now reaching a broader international audience, contributing to crucial awareness around organ donation — not through campaigns, but through the power of storytelling. Producer, Shiladitya Bora adds,“YouTube has long been a powerful platform for independent creators, and it continues to evolve in ways that make it incredibly supportive, from the creator-friendly algorithm and timely payouts to transparent analytics and unparalleled reach. I’ve always believed in its potential, which is why we chose to bring Aye Zindagi to YouTube in May. It’s heartening to see even major industry figures like Aamir Khan now embracing the platform. What’s remarkable is that YouTube, regardless of origin or profile, truly values good content, and that’s a game-changer for all."
05 June,2025 02:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThis monsoon, get ready to be swept away by the charm of first love, fleeting moments, and the ache of separation with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, a romantic musical drama starring Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor. Following the buzz around its first poster, the makers have now unveiled the teaser a visual and emotional treat that introduces a love story rooted in serendipity, soulful music, and silent yearning. Shanaya and Vikrant shine in teaser The teaser hints at a narrative where a spontaneous meeting between two strangers sets the stage for an emotional journey where connection grows in silence, love blooms through music, and separation becomes inevitable. From blindfolded dances to quiet moments on the road, Vikrant and Shanaya bring alive a story that is as much about inner emotions as it is about romantic highs and heartbreak. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Studios (@zeestudiosofficial) While the film holds back on full character reveals, it teases the central conflict: love that feels destined but is disrupted by personal choices. Vikrant Massey steps into a more vulnerable, emotionally layered role, while debutant Shanaya Kapoor impresses with her expressive screen presence and raw honesty. Backed by a lush visual palette and Vishal Mishra’s evocative music, the teaser promises a cinematic experience that is intimate, immersive, and deeply emotional. Whether it’s the innocence of falling in love or the ache of walking away, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan taps into the universal language of love and longing. Presented by Zee Studios and Mini Films, and produced by Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is directed by Santosh Singh and written by Mansi Bagla. With Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor at the heart of this poignant romance, the film releases in cinemas on 11th July 2025. What's next for Shanaya and Vikrant Apart from "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan," Shanaya also has 'Tu Yaa Main' with Adarsh Gourav by Bejoy Nambiar. It has been produced by Colour Yellow, the banner behind films like "Tumbbad" and "Haseen Dillruba." It is set for a Valentine’s Day 2026 release. It was announced on March 12 that Shanaya Kapoor has started shooting with Abhay Verma for Shujaat Saudagar’s new film in Goa. Meanwhile, Vikrant will be working with filmmaker Siddharth Anand for an international production titled “White,” in which the actor will be playing spiritual leader and humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
05 June,2025 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe country is shaken by the unfortunate incident that unfolded yesterday outside the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru. As fans gathered in large numbers to celebrate the win of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the crowds went out of control, causing a stampede. A victory parade was held in Bengaluru to welcome the team, including Virat Kohli and others. Actress and Kohli's wife Anushka Sharma, also accompanied the team for their victory celebrations. The celebrations soon turned tragic as a stampede led to 11 people being killed and left several others injured. Several celebrities have now reacted to the unfortunate incident, expressing their grief and distress. Notably, earlier, Anushka Sharma also expressed her 'heartbreak' over the incident. Celebrities react to the Bengaluru stampede Among the first people to react to the incident was Thug Life actor Kamal Haasan. He took to his X to express his 'distress'. He wrote, "Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bangalore. Deeply distressed, my heart reaches out to the families of the victims in this moment of grief. May the injured recover soon." Heart wrenching tragedy in Bangalore. Deeply distressed and my heart reaches out to the families of the victims in this moment of grief. May the injured recover soon. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 4, 2025 Actor R Madhavan also took to his Instagram stories to share his thoughts. He reshared RCB's official statement and wrote, "This is so heartbreaking. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Please be responsible and safe, and do not respond to rumours without checking with the authorities" Bollywood actress Saiyami Kher also penned a note on her Instagram stories reacting to the incident, which read, "Absolutely devastating to see what has happened at the Chinnaswamy" followed by a heartbreak emoji. Vivek Oberoi also penned a note on X, saying, "Deepest sorrow fills us as we mourn the lives tragically lost in the Bengaluru stampede. It's truly saddening to lose loved ones, especially during what should have been a moment of collective joy in cricket. To the families and friends now facing this unimaginable void, our hearts ache with yours. We send our deepest condolences and heartfelt support, hoping you find some solace amidst this profound grief. May strength and peace be with you. 🙏" About the Bengaluru stampede The unfortunate and fatal stampede is believed to be caused by confusion over the victory parade, free passes, overcrowding and limited seats at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that 11 people died and 33 were injured following the stampede around the stadium. Most of the deceased were youths, including men and women, with several of them being students. He noted that the stadium has a capacity of just 35,000 people; however, 2-3 lakh people turned up. He said, "The match happened last evening (Tuesday), and today this event was organised by the cricket association, so no one had expected that so many people would come. The expectation was the equivalent number of people for the stadium's capacity, or slightly more than that that may gather." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@royalchallengers.bengaluru) Explaining what led to the chaos, the CM noted, "There are small gates. The people entered through the gates. They have broken the gates also, so a stampede has taken place. Nobody had expected so much of a crowd to come. Prima facie looks like that. I'm not saying nothing has happened. The inquiry will bring out facts." "A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," the CM announced.
05 June,2025 01:04 PM IST | MumbaiCricketer Virat Kohli and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma arrived back in Mumbai after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory parade and felicitation in the Karnataka city. The couple were in Bengaluru yesterday to celebrate RCB's maiden victory in IPL. However, the celebration soon turned fatal with 11 people losing their lives in a stampede that occurred outside the Chinnaswamy stadium in the city. Lakhs of people had taken to the street of Bengaluru to catch a glimpse of the winning team that included star player Virat Kohli. Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli back in Mumbai On Thursday morning, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli were seen arriving in Mumbai and were papped at the airport. While Virat wore a white t-shirt, Anushka was seen in a black outfit. The couple were seen in a sombre mood following the stampede incident and quickly made way to their car. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Anushka and Virat react to Bengaluru stampede Anushka took to her Instagram, and reshared an official statement from the IPL team RCB, which brought the IPL trophy home this year. The stampede happened during the celebrations of the IPL team. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma) The statement read, "We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team's arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us". Sharing the statement, Sharma captioned it with heartbroken emojis. Virat Kohli also shared the same statement on his Instagram handle with the caption, "At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted." About Bengaluru stampede Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that 11 people died in the incident while 33 others were injured. CM Siddaramaiah said that the government will also provide free treatment to the injured. "A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," the CM said. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, CM Siddaramaiah said, "11 died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident."
05 June,2025 12:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who isn’t alien to trolls, opened up on those spreading negativity during his film. As he awaits Sitaare Zameen Par to hit the big screens, the actor states that a good film will sustain despite trolling. Citing the example of his 2022 debacle, Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir asserted that it wasn’t the flak that led to its failure but the fact that it couldn’t touch the hearts of the audience. Trolls don’t affect Aamir Khan When asked if trolling affected him, Aamir Khan said in a group interview, “I don't think trolling affects me. I mean, I do feel bad about it. Because you work so hard, you work so hard, and then a person is saying something wrong just because of negativity. He hasn't seen the film, nor has he known about the topic. You just have to be negative. So, whatever you say, that person will say it negatively. That's what trolling means.” He continued, “You might think Laal Singh Chaddha didn't work because of trolling. You're absolutely wrong. The film wasn't made well. It couldn't touch people's hearts. So, I don't get disturbed by trolling. You troll, I don't have any tension. The film should be good. I've done my work well. That's what I'm worried about.”“When our songs are released on YouTube, I read their reactions. I get to know it's a troll in seconds. Someone says, ‘Boycott! Boycott!’ I know it's a troll. ‘Go to Pakistan!’ It's a troll. So, that reaction doesn't affect me,” added Aamir. More about Sitaare Zameen Par Sitaare Zameen Par is a spiritual sequel to the 2007 superhit Taare Zameen Par, which marked the directorial debut of Aamir. The trailer of the film has struck the right chord with viewers, who are eagerly anticipating more from this heartwarming family entertainer. The film also stars Genelia Deshmukh, Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. It is directed by R. S. Prasanna, who previously helmed the barrier-breaking blockbuster Shubh Mangal Saavdhan. It will be released in theatres on June 20.
05 June,2025 12:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Oshin FernandesBollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who is gearing up for the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, recalled how his biggest red flag in a relationship was being passive-aggressive towards loved ones when hurt or upset. The actor opened up about his relationship with his second ex-wife Kiran Rao and revealed there was a time when he went without speaking to her for more than three days, which left her crying. Aamir Khan would shut down when hurt In a group interview, Aamir shared, “When I used to get hurt from people close to me, I used to shut down. If I'm upset with Reena (Dutta) or Kiran, I used to get so hurt that I wouldn't talk to them. Steel shutters used to come. Now, those poor people are not able to reach me. They want to pacify me. They want to apologize to me. You feel like you're talking to a wall. That's a very big red flag.” He continued, “I remember once Kiran did something, and I got very upset. I stopped talking to her for about 3 days. And the poor thing is trying. I'm ignoring her like she's not there in my life. How can a person be so hard? She started crying on the third or fourth day and said, ‘I don't understand what I should do with you. You're not answering me. You've cut me off. What have I done?’ The highlight is that when she's crying, I'm feeling bad too. But I can't say, ‘It's okay.’ I was very passive-aggressive.” (Photos by AFP) Aamir's two failed marriages Aamir married Reena Dutta in 1986. The two, who share a daughter, Ira, and a son, Junaid Khan, divorced after 16 years of marriage. He later married filmmaker Kiran Rao, and they have a son, Azad Rao Khan. They announced their separation in 2022, after 15 years of marriage. The actor is currently dating Gauri Spratt. He made the relationship public on his 60th birthday. Meanwhile, Sitaare Zameen Par is a spiritual sequel to the 2007 superhit Taare Zameen Par, which marked the directorial debut of Aamir. It will release in theatres on June 20.
05 June,2025 11:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Oshin FernandesBollywood superstar Aamir Khan is gearing up for the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, which is set to hit the big screens on June 20. Amid reports of the movie opting for a YouTube Pay-Per-View model, it was recently suggested that Netflix made a mega bid of Rs 125 crore for the digital rights. However, Aamir has dismissed it all, stating that there had been offers from OTT giants, but he’s declined them all. Aamir Khan on declining OTT offer for Sitaare Zameen Par In a group interview, Aamir said, “Sitaare Zameen Par is releasing only in theatres. Post release, what will happen, I have no idea. There have been a lot of offers and proposals to me, and I have said no to everyone. The reason? I am a believer in cinema. Whatever I am today is because of cinema. I am sitting in front of you because people have seen my films in theatres.” He continued, “So, I am a loyalist. It is possible that I am a fool. It is possible that I am doing stupidity. It is possible that I am making a big mistake by not selling to all these OTTs, and I am going to face a big financial loss. We will see that later. Right now, I have to revive the theatre business, which is decreasing with every film.”“I trust my audience and I trust theatres. In today's date, no producer starts a film until there is a sale of OTT. I am the only producer who is saying no to that thing. I don't want it. I have said no to the offer,” added Aamir. More about Sitaare Zameen Par Sitaare Zameen Par is a spiritual sequel to the 2007 superhit Taare Zameen Par, which marked the directorial debut of Aamir. The trailer of the film has struck the right chord with viewers, who are eagerly anticipating more from this heartwarming family entertainer. The film also stars Genelia Deshmukh, Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. It is directed by R. S. Prasanna, who previously helmed the barrier-breaking blockbuster Shubh Mangal Saavdhan.
05 June,2025 11:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Oshin FernandesBollywood actress Huma Qureshi took to social media to share a heartfelt trip down memory lane with her brother, Saqib Saleem. Along with nostalgic childhood moments, she gave a rare glimpse of their parents, delighting followers with this intimate family throwbacks. Taking to Instagram, the ‘Double XL’ actress shared two rare and unseen photos featuring her mother and father. In the first black-and-white image, a young Huma is seen sitting on her mother’s lap. The next photo is a childhood picture of Saqib Saleem alongside a portrait of their father. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Huma Qureshi (@iamhumaq) For the caption, Huma wrote, “My whole world …Pic 1 - She got it from her mummaa Pic 2 - Like Father Like Son #love #família #blackandwhite.” Huma Qureshi is very active on Instagram, as she regularly shares glimpses of her personal life and moments with family and friends. Yesterday, she posted a heartwarming video of her beloved pet dogs, Toosh and Kishmish, enjoying a luxurious grooming and spa session. Calling them her “pretty boys,” the actress shared a charming glimpse of how she pampered her furry friends. On Instagram, Huma posted a sweet video showing herself with her pets, Toosh and Kishmish, during a grooming session. The clip showcased the adorable duo receiving royal treatment — from gentle brushing to a calming wash, along with all the love that comes with a pet spa day. The video captured the soothing wash, careful brushing, and affectionate care that made Toosh and Kishmish look their best. In the footage, the actress posed proudly with her freshly groomed pets, who appeared neat, clean, and utterly adorable after their spa experience. Sharing the clip, the 'Jolly LLB 2' actress wrote in the caption, “My Pretty Boys … Toosh & Kishmish #spa #doglover #haircare #grooming #humaqureshi #trending.” Work-wise, Huma Qureshi was last seen in the web series “Mithya—The Dark Chapter” on Zee5. She also recently featured in the fourth season of “Maharani.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 June,2025 11:22 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has shared a throwback video from the time he was shooting for his upcoming film “Housefull 5” and said that the last year was all about laughs, chaos and countless memories with the “mad bunch”, which includes Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan and Dino Morea among others. Akshay took to Instagram, where he shared a video featuring candid and yet jovial moments he spent with Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Dino Morea, Nargis Fakhri, Jacquline Fernandez and Sonam Bajwa in between shoots. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) “Last year was all laughs, chaos, and countless memories with this mad bunch and now we’re back, ready to bring the madness to you! Grateful for the friendships, the fun, and every moment in between. #Housefull5 hits screens this Friday!” he wrote as the caption. The star also added the song “Pretty Little Baby” by Connie Francis as the background score for the video. “Housefull 5” boasts a massive star cast. It also stars Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Chitrangada Singh, Fardeen Khan, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, Nikitin Dheer, and Akashdeep Sabir. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the film is set to release in theatres on June 6. The film is bankrolled by Sajid Nadiadwala under his home banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. It was in 2010, when the first installment of “Housefull” was released. Two years later, the second installment came out. The first two films were directed by Sajid Khan. Housefull 3, which was directed by Sajid-Farhad, hit the screens in 2016. The fourth film came out in 2019 and was directed by Farhad Samji. Talking about Akshay, he will next be seen making his Telugu debut in a special role with Kanappa, a fantasy film by Mukesh Kumar. The film is reported to be based on the legend of Kannappa in Hinduism, a devotee of the god Shiva. The film’s stellar cast includes Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, Devaraj, Mukesh Rishi, Brahmanandam, Raghu Babu, Preity Mukhundhan and Madhoo. The film also includes special cameo appearances by Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay and Kajal Aggarwal. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 June,2025 11:21 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSA few days after the demise of her father LK Dutta, actor Lara Dutta Bhupathi on Wednesday took to Instagram and penned down an emotional note. In her post, she talked about how she learnt to "debate, argue, negotiate, reason and dazzle" from her father. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@larabhupathi) "My wonderful, brave, fighter of a father, went quietly into the good night on the 31st of May...... He fought long and hard against an illness that debilitated him over the last few months.... He bore pain with the stoicism of a battle worn soldier and displayed a courage and willingness to beat the odds, that sometimes defied all logic..... He rewrote any concept I had of the body breaking down or succumbing to an inevitable end....Some moments with my father are etched into my bones forever..... my dad hoisting a 3 year old me up on his shoulders to look at the stars at night and call out all the constellations...... the feet that I stood on as a five year old to learn to waltz......the hand that I held as I scampered as fast as I could beside him to match his stride as we walked through eucalyptus groves and planned how I would study under Carl Sagan..... the lap I sat on while I air played an imaginary piano to the sound of his favourite Richard Clayderman tape," she wrote. She added, "I learnt to debate, argue, negotiate , reason and dazzle from my father...... I also learnt to embrace my responsibilities, sometimes stoically, and hold my head up high even in the most challenging of times...... I learnt to find bliss in a packet of potato chips and a tutti frutti icecream because I knew it came with a scooter ride just for the two of us.....I learnt to be brave, I learnt to be fearless, I learnt to stand up for myself and for others, I learnt to tell a good joke, even at my own expense..... I learnt to try and be selfless.... I learnt it all from him.....I also know that this is not the end..... whether physically here or not, he and I are somewhere, on some plane, in some dimension, in some alternate reality, dancing a waltz together, with my hand in his .I carry your heart dad...... I carry it in my heart." Lara Dutta's father, retired wing commander LK Dutta, breathed his last on May 31. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 June,2025 11:11 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIADVERTISEMENT
