‘Mom taught me to stay grounded, no matter how high I fly’: Actor Bobby Vij on lessons from actress Kishori Shahane

For actor Bobby Vij, his biggest role model isn’t someone from the sets, it’s at home. Ahead of Mother’s Day, the actor opened up about the values he inherited from his mother, veteran actress Kishori Shahane, and how they continue to shape his life and career.

“My mom has taught me most of the core values I live by,” Bobby shares. “She’s extremely hardworking, very disciplined and at the same time, genuinely kind and soft-hearted.”

Growing up watching Kishori balance film sets, television, and family, Bobby learnt early that consistency beats everything. “From her, I’ve learnt that your only job is to show up every day, give your best and trust that when the time is right, life or God will give you the results,” he says. “Hard work and discipline are two big things I always carry with me.”

Despite her decades-long career in Marathi and Hindi cinema, Kishori Shahane remains known in the industry for her humility. It’s a trait Bobby says he’s made non-negotiable in his own life. “She’s very humble and very approachable with everyone, no matter who they are or what they do,” he notes. “Watching her, I’ve understood that even if you get a lot of success, you should never let it get to your head. Staying grounded, being respectful and remaining human is more important, and that’s something I consciously try to live by every day.”

For Bobby, these aren’t just Mother’s Day sentiments, they’re daily practice. “The camera catches your face, but people remember how you made them feel. That’s Mom’s biggest teaching.”
This Mother’s Day, the actor says his plan is simple: “No grand gestures. Just time with her. Because showing up for her the way she showed up for me, that’s the real gift.”