#RakshaBandhan: We are each other's biggest cheerleaders: Shraddha & Mikhil Musale

Time of India

a day ago

Shraddha & Mikhil Musale
For National Award-winning filmmaker
Mikhil Musale
and his actress-sister
Shraddha Musale
, this year's
Raksha Bandhan
is 'a little more special.' Shraddha, currently seen in C.I.D., shares, 'Usually, we celebrate it with a simple, sweet evening at my place.
But this time, we've planned a fun get-together with all our cousins in Mumbai.
There will be games, dancing, and a proper
Rakhi
lunch. I'm also planning a few surprises to make it more memorable. Mikhil never liked wearing a rakhi as a kid. His face would just drop the moment I brought it out. Once, one of my friends tried to tie him a rakhi, and he ran away! That was him, full of drama.'
Mikhil adds, 'While we fight and argue a lot, we make it a point to not do that on Raksha Bandhan.' In a chat, they talk about their unique bond, and how it has evolved over the years. Excerpts:
'A Raksha Bandhan gift needs to be meaningful'
Shraddha:
A couple of years ago, Mikhil gifted me this really thoughtful mic set.
I had just started my business, and it meant a lot of online meetings and video calls. He said, 'Shraddha, you need good sound quality now!' He always supports me in his own sweet way. It made me feel so seen and understood.
Mikhil:
These days, I don't know what to gift her. A Raksha Bandhan gift needs to be meaningful. I am not much into gifting but sometimes, I ask her what she needs.
'We have deep understanding and respect for each other's choices'
Shraddha:
While I am the elder sister, I was never the overly protective type.
As we grew older, our bond evolved. For all his film releases and big moments, I've always been one of his big cheerleaders. Today, I value our friendship more than anything else. Both of us have grown into independent individuals with strong opinions and different life paths, but what keeps us close is the deep understanding and respect we have for each other's choices.
That silent support-knowing we're there for each other whenever needed-matters a lot.
At times, there are differences in how we think or see things. Earlier, if something felt off, we would just not talk for a few days. But over time, I've realised how important it is to communicate. Now, if something bothers me, like a certain tone or a comment, I tell him and that helps. I truly admire how deeply he cares — not in an overt or showy way, but he's always there for you, no matter what. I really value that quiet presence.
Mikhil:
We share an interesting bond,and, in some matters, I am like the elder sibling.She is more disciplined andfocused when it comes to following a daily routine. She is calmer and more people-friendly, while I can be a bit aggressive at times. I have learnt a lot from her about staying calm and how to communicate better. If we fight over something, she is usually the first one to call and resolve it. Having an elder sibling is a blessing because while your parents may be cool, you can't discuss everything with them.
An elder sibling understands the problems faced by your generation better. I have learnt a lot from her about staying calm and how to communicate better. If we fight over something, she is usually the first one to call and resolve it.
'We discuss work, but not that much'
Being from the same industry, do they discuss work? 'Since he's a director and I'm an actor, I often share my thoughts on performances or the challenges I face as an actor, and I love getting his perspective.
He's creatively sharp, so his inputs really help. I admire his work ethic. He literally forgets everything else: food, sleep, everything! That kind of perseverance and passion for work inspires me,' says Shraddha.
She adds, 'I guide him on things like attitude towards life, maybe a little bit of spirituality. Also, I keep reminding him that it's time to get married (laughs)!'
Mikhil adds, 'We discuss work, but not that much.
We discuss other things more and if I am in a bad mood or something is bothering me, she is my go-to person.'
Unforgettable childhood memories:
Shraddha:
When Mikhil was very small, he'd sit on the stairs with a little katori of shakkarpara in his hand every evening, waiting for my rickshaw to arrive. He'd get so excited when he saw me- that image is etched in my heart.
Mikhil:
Dad had a scooter and we would fight over who gets to sit in the front.