FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL

Here are proud fathers who inspired their kids to take up their respective professions

RAJA, YAMINI AND BHAVANA REDDY

“I am proud of my daughters (Yamini and Bhavana). When my elder daughter (Yamini) was three, she would ask for costumes like ours. She’d even run on to the stage to dance... My daughters have inherited their passion. I’d like to tell them: our Bharat is known as Vishwa Guru and Prachi Sudha for its music and dance, and I’m happy they’ve dedicated their lives to it,” says veteran Kuchipudi exponent Raja Reddy.

RAGHU RAI AND AVANI RAI

“I was apprehensive when Avani chose to be in this line, but she won an award!” says veteran photographer Raghu Rai. “When she was three, she once asked me to pick her up. I told her no one picks up anybody. When I refused, she pointed towards a flower she held, and said: ‘Papa main bhi toh isko utha ke chal rahi hu’. I kissed her and picked her up. It was such a poetic, powerful moment.”

SUNIL SETHI AND TANIRA SETHI

FDCI president Sunil Sethi says he is happy that his daughter Tanira has joined the textile industry. “I was worried people will think of her as ‘someone’s daughter’ but her great work took that feeling away,” he says. Favourite memory? “Seeing her learn to cycle and swim. And, when her saris were sold out on the first day of sale.” Tanira’s message: “Happy Father’s Day! You say knowledge is power, be patient, I’m getting there. I love you more than Kanye loves Kanye!”

JIGGS KALRA AND ZORAWAR KALRA

“My father is the biggest influence,” says restaurateur Zorawar Kalra, son of food pioneer, Jiggs Kalra. “He would bring cheese, cold cuts from his travels and make omelettes. We would value them more because they were a rare treat. Later, I learnt to make the same omelettes myself.”

PHOTOS: YOGEN SHAH AND VIRAL BHAYANI HT PHOTO Text: Nikita Saxena