Ashley Rebello (DNA; August 12, 2015)


I know we all look up to our dads as our hero and I do know for a fact that the Khan kids do respect their dad a lot and stand up when he enters a room out of veneration for what he is — a father, a visionary and a man who has a way with words. And he’s sharp and dynamic and has a great sense of humour. I am dead sure that’s where Salman gets those genes from.

I also remember Sonakshi Sinha on the sets of Dabangg. Her mom would accompany her on the shoots, but every time she had to look sexy or sensuous, all she’d say was, “My dad is going to kill me, ‘cause he is my hero and I can’t let him down.” She would always look up to him for guidance and support. And I guess she did make him proud with her success. So, life teaches us a thing or two. Direction and reassurance is all that we look for in our hero.

And that’s why even when the leggy Athiya Shetty decided to enter the world of Bollywood, her dad put all his faith in Salman to launch her. I guess when he saw the film’s first look, he had a tear in his eye — seeing his little baby girl all grown up. And when Sooraj cried at the trailer launch, Salman said, “Here is Sooraj, my heroine and here’s my hero, Athiya. I do hope they will make their heroes proud.”

I was too young to know my dad; he passed away when I was only 10. So, I always looked up to my mum as my hero. She gave me the liberty and the choice to choose a career in design and said, “Start small, but think big”. Today, I thank her for all the faith and trust she had in me. That’s what made me what I am today.” So, like me, others, too, undoubtedly look up to their mothers as their heroes.