Tolly juniors drool over daddy dearest

They’re actors, musicians, theatrepersons in their own right. But they are also inspiring role models as parents. On the occasion of Father’s Day, CT speaks to the sons and daughters of some of the most recognisable faces in Tollywood to bring you stories of love, admiration and discipline. And every story tells you why these young guns idolise and listen to their fathers in every step they take in their personal and professional lives.
SARA SENGUPTA ON JISSHU U SENGUPTA

I’m blessed to have him as my father.God has been too kind, for he decided to gift me with the best father in this world. He is the anchor of my life, who taught us how to love my family and what attachment and bonding are all about. He keeps telling me that it doesn’t cost much to behave nicely and I try to follow that blindly.
RIDDHI SEN ON KAUSHIK SEN

Baba has been my best friend for the past four-five years. He is so biased about me that my mother calls him, ondho raja Dhritarashtra! He can’t find faults in me. From Baba, I have learnt to stay in a positive frame of mind, whatever be the situation. He keeps telling me that failure is the pillar of success — so the show must always go on! I follow that with my heart.
NEEL DUTT ON ANJAN DUTT

Idon’t share the usual father-son relationship with Baba. We are more friends, but there is immense sense of respect. My father opened the window to the world for me. He is the man who is responsible for developing my creative mind and creating my own space. Baba taught me how to take self-criticism in my stride.
IDA DASGUPTA ON BIRSA DASGUPTA

Baba is my best friend because he plays with me and never scolds me. He hardly ever wakes me up in the morning and lets me sleep and certainly doesn’t ask me to study — rather, he always tells me to play. So he is the best father in the universe. Baba has also taught me how to act and I love him the most, more so when we both tickle each other!
JASHOJEET BANERJEE ON JOYJIT BANERJEE

My father is my hero. He has taught be to be kind, humble and to say thank you without any hesitation. The most important thing he taught me is to accept my faults if I have made a mistake and to say sorry. He keeps telling me to be a good human being so that everyone loves me.
RWITOBROTO MUKHERJEE ON SHANTILAL MUKHERJEE

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there! To each one, his or her father is the real hero and so is my father to me. Baba has taught me nothing that is more important than being a good human being and respect is something you have to earn — and not ask for. He has taught me to be responsible despite enjoying my freedom.