Our bond was sacred: Bharathi

I’ve had a wonderful life with Mai... That’s what he’d call me and I’d call him the same. Mai even learnt to speak impeccable Marathi because of me.
He was such a fun-loving and mischievous person. He’d often tease me and I’d just smile and let him get away with it. But at the same time, Mai was deeply spiritual. I had similar leanings too, so our bond was even more sacred.In fact, spirituality has helped me come to terms with his demise.
Our first meeting was at Abhimaan studios, where he was cremated... It was during the film, Mane Belagida Sose. We used to talk and joke, and that was the beginning of our friendship. We later got engaged while shooting for another film, Bangarada Jinke. And while filming Bhagya Jyothi, we tied the knot. In fact, these movies are some of my all-time favourites; Mai and I starred in them as a couple. They had great themes, too.
Mai had no premonition of his death, contrary to popular belief... A lot of people have been speculating about how he knew about his death and had spoken about it to people. That’s not true. Mai was geared up to host a grand thread ceremony for our grandson, Jeshtavardhan, in June. But recently, his leg got infected, which is why we had to go to Mysore. He loves that city. And I went along because Mai was happiest when I was by his side. Throughout our stay, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Which is why when he passed away, I couldn’t believe it. I was in a trance even as they were cremating him.
Mai was a rockstar... He loved singing. In the early days when TV didn’t exist, we’d go to restaurants where orchestras played. And Mai would sing and groove along with the band. That was him — happiest on-stage. Which is why he started the karaoke club that has become very popular among amateur singers. Even while shooting, he’d give his call sheet only after checking the calendar for his next karaoke session. Second Saturdays of the month were dedicated to karaoke and Sundays were for cricket. So, avathu shooting illa!
Aptharakshaka and School Mestru will bring him back... I’m happy for his fans who’re still grieving his death along with his family. At least for those three hours, they’ll see the Sahasa Simha weave his magic again — even if it’s just in reel life.
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