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Mint
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Why it's important to give the kids a glimpse of your younger self
Gift this article I was visiting my daughter's school for a parent-teacher meeting, when I caught a glimpse of students practising adavus or fundamental Bharatanatyam steps, in one of the classrooms as I was climbing up a flight of stairs. It brought back memories of that unfettered joy of learning the classical form as a child, and practising the intricacies of Varnam—a composition combining nritya (dance) with abhinaya (expression)—with my classmates. I was visiting my daughter's school for a parent-teacher meeting, when I caught a glimpse of students practising adavus or fundamental Bharatanatyam steps, in one of the classrooms as I was climbing up a flight of stairs. It brought back memories of that unfettered joy of learning the classical form as a child, and practising the intricacies of Varnam—a composition combining nritya (dance) with abhinaya (expression)—with my classmates. 'Did you know I was the youngest in my batch to have the arangetram (a performance that marks the completion of formal training in Bharatanatyam)?" I remarked to my daughter. 'Really? You?" she blurted out in disbelief, as she watched me huffing and puffing up four flights of stairs—I had even considered requesting the teacher to meet me halfway, that's how out of breath I was. That's when I realised there were parts of me that I hadn't introduced my daughter to. Our single lifetime is made up of so many selves—avatars, if you may—some of which overlap with our current state of being, and some that we have bid adieu to keep up with the pressures of adulting. And as parents, we are so firmly ensconced within the role of caregivers that we forget the many layers that make up the mosaic of our personalities. Usually every spare minute in our lives is centred around furthering our children's interests. This holiday, why not reclaim some joy that was once associated with an activity or a hobby, and share that with our kids? The idea is not to take time away from them, but include them in something that was an integral part of our past. It could be a great way to bond, serve to inspire them or just offer the kids yet another chance to guffaw at us as we hobble back to a hobby. Also read: This summer, bond with your kids in a no-Wi-Fi getaway For starters, I have dusted my old albums with dance photos, and been poring over them with my daughter. I have also taken baby steps back into dancing, with my daughter firmly in charge of my sessions. She ferries me to class, and attends the feedback sessions with the instructor, making her feel all grown up. For the past few weeks, she has had loads of fun chastising me, correcting my posture and making sure I get some practice. But most importantly, this has been an opportunity for her to look at me as a person rather than just a mom. It is a similar thought that drove Mumbai-based Ashutosh Parekh to opt for a unique track-and-field programme this summer for his family. While growing up, he was an early riser and thoroughly enjoyed the great outdoors. Over time, he helmed leading global brands within the kids and family entertainment space, which got him to understand the precarious balance between what a kid likes and what the parents want for them. Now, as a hands-on parent to a seven-year-old daughter, he has figured that the best way to introduce her to fitness and the joy of the outdoors is to lead by example. 'My wife and I also realise that being fit parents is the biggest gift you can give your child," he says. So, the family has enrolled for a unique programme with Automotive Sport, a passion project by entrepreneur Sachin Sanghvi, which caters to people of all fitness levels. For three days a week, you can find them jumping around with abandon at the Khar Gymkhana. There is no pressure of reaching a goal within a particular time frame. For Parekh and his family, it is just about seizing the day early, bringing a bit of discipline to their lives and for Parekh to relive the joy of doing track-and-field again. 'Usually, parents take time off in the day by going away to the gym or for a walk in the park. Activities with the kids are pre-programmed into the calendar—such as a dinner, a visit to the mall, or a holiday. But by including them in something you like on a daily basis, by allowing them to see you run a track, falling at times and gasping at others, makes it easier for the children to relate to you as a person, not just as mom or dad. This is my way of bringing my real self to her without making a big deal about it," he says. Also read: Isn't it time that Snow White learnt stranger-danger? Bengaluru-based Gayatri Vijayan, 43, too wanted to share her journey back into music with her children. Vijayan, who along with her husband Karthik Srinivasan helms a designer kids-safe furniture brand, Gosh!, had always been interested in different genres. The couple would sometimes jam at home with their friends. However, during the covid-19 pandemic, Vijayan decided to take up music seriously again. 'Some part of me wanted to show my children (aged 9 and 5) that there was more to me than just my work and role as a parent. I also craved the idea of learning something again," she says. With that thought, she enrolled with singer Bruce Lee Mani and picked up nuances of piano, vocals and guitar. Soon after, she started learning Hindustani classical with artist Bindhu Malini. 'I travel from Good Earth Malhar on the outskirts of Bengaluru to Koramangala for classes, but the long travel hours are worth it," she says. In recent years, Vijayan has performed as part of an ensemble in front of an audience of 3,000 people—her husband too played guitar in that gig. The day after that show, her daughter came up to her and wondered at how she had managed to sing in front of so many people. 'That is why it was important for me to do something like this. She needed to see how significant music was to her parents and the kind of effort that we were willing to put in. Today, both the kids are part of our performances or participate as audience members," she says. Their home is filled with a myriad of instruments, which the parents and kids play on a daily basis. Vijayan's re-engagement with music has inspired the children too, making them curious and open to the idea of exploring different things. Also read: Raising Financially Savvy Kids: The Essential Guide for Parents We usually burden the act of learning by time frames. As a society, we tend to believe skills and hobbies should be acquired by a certain age—the sooner the better. When, as adults, we break free of these fetters and pressures, we empower the younger generation as well. They too realise that curiosity and learning has no expiry date, and that you can rekindle a hobby or find a new one whenever you make space for it. In life, heroism often lies not in perfection but in perseverance—of returning to something you had abandoned in youth. And when we present the sum of all our parts to our kids, they get to imbibe this important life lesson, more than any lecture or moral science lesson can ever impart. Raising Parents is a monthly column about art culture ideas to inspire both children and adults. Topics You May Be Interested In
Mint
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Why it's important to give the kids a glimpse of your younger selves
I was visiting my daughter's school for a parent-teacher meeting, when I caught a glimpse of students practising adavus or fundamental Bharatanatyam steps, in one of the classrooms as I was climbing up a flight of stairs. It brought back memories of that unfettered joy of learning the classical form as a child, and practising the intricacies of Varnam—a composition combining nritya (dance) with abhinaya (expression)—with my classmates. 'Did you know I was the youngest in my batch to have the arangetram (a performance that marks the completion of formal training in Bharatanatyam)?" I remarked to my daughter. 'Really? You?" she blurted out in disbelief, as she watched me huffing and puffing up four flights of stairs—I had even considered requesting the teacher to meet me halfway, that's how out of breath I was. That's when I realised there were parts of me that I hadn't introduced my daughter to. Our single lifetime is made up of so many selves—avatars, if you may—some of which overlap with our current state of being, and some that we have bid adieu to keep up with the pressures of adulting. And as parents, we are so firmly ensconced within the role of caregivers that we forget the many layers that make up the mosaic of our personalities. Usually every spare minute in our lives is centred around furthering our children's interests. This holiday, why not reclaim some joy that was once associated with an activity or a hobby, and share that with our kids? The idea is not to take time away from them, but include them in something that was an integral part of our past. It could be a great way to bond, serve to inspire them or just offer the kids yet another chance to guffaw at us as we hobble back to a hobby. Also read: This summer, bond with your kids in a no-Wi-Fi getaway For starters, I have dusted my old albums with dance photos, and been poring over them with my daughter. I have also taken baby steps back into dancing, with my daughter firmly in charge of my sessions. She ferries me to class, and attends the feedback sessions with the instructor, making her feel all grown up. For the past few weeks, she has had loads of fun chastising me, correcting my posture and making sure I get some practice. But most importantly, this has been an opportunity for her to look at me as a person rather than just a mom. It is a similar thought that drove Mumbai-based Ashutosh Parekh to opt for a unique track-and-field programme this summer for his family. While growing up, he was an early riser and thoroughly enjoyed the great outdoors. Over time, as he helmed leading brands within the kids and family entertainment space, outdoor sports took a back seat. Now, as a parent to a seven-year-old daughter, he understands that the best way to introduce her to fitness and the joy of the outdoors is to lead by example. 'My wife and I also realise that being fit parents is the biggest gift you can give your child," he says. So, the couple and their daughter have enrolled for a unique programme with Automotive Sport, a passion project by entrepreneur Sachin Sanghvi, which caters to people of all fitness levels. For three days a week, you can find them jumping around with abandon at the Khar Gymkhana. There is no pressure of reaching a goal within a particular time frame. For Parekh and his family, it is just about seizing the day early, bringing a bit of discipline to their lives and for Parekh to relive the joy of doing track-and-field again. 'Usually, parents take time off in the day by going away to the gym or for a walk in the park. Activities with the kids are programmed into the calendar—such as a dinner, a visit to the mall, or a holiday. But by including them in something you like, by allowing them to see you run a track, falling at time and gasping at others, makes it easier for the children to relate to you as a person, not just as mom or dad. This is my way of bringing my real self to her without making a song and dance about it," he says. Also read: Isn't it time that Snow White learnt stranger-danger? Bengaluru-based Gayatri Vijayan, 43, too wanted to share her journey back into music with her children. Vijayan, who along with her husband Karthik Srinivasan helms a designer kids-safe furniture brand, Gosh!, had always been interested in different genres. The couple would sometimes jam at home with their friends. However, during the covid-19 pandemic, Vijayan decided to take up music seriously again. 'Some part of me wanted to show my children (aged 9 and 5) that there was more to me than just my work and role as a parent. I also craved the idea of learning something again," she says. With that thought, she enrolled with singer Bruce Lee Mani and picked up nuances of piano, vocals and guitar. Soon after, she started learning Hindustani classical with artist Bindhu Malini. 'I travel from Good Earth Malhar on the outskirts of Bengaluru to Koramangala for classes, but the long travel hours are worth it," she says. In recent years, Vijayan has performed as part of an ensemble in front of an audience of 3,000 people—her husband too played guitar in that gig. The day after that show, her daughter came up to her and wondered at how she had managed to sing in front of so many people. 'That is why it was important for me to do something like this. She needed to see how significant music was to her parents and the kind of effort that we were willing to put in. Today, both the kids are part of our performances or participate as audience members," she says. Their home is filled with a myriad of instruments, which the parents and kids play on a daily basis. Vijayan's re-engagement with music has inspired the children too, making them curious and open to the idea of exploring different things. Also read: Raising Financially Savvy Kids: The Essential Guide for Parents We usually burden the act of learning by time frames. As a society, we tend to believe skills and hobbies should be acquired by a certain age—the sooner the better. When, as adults, we break free of these fetters and pressures, we empower the younger generation as well. They too realise that curiosity and learning has no expiry date, and that you can rekindle a hobby or find a new one whenever you make space for it. In life, heroism often lies not in perfection but in perseverance—of returning to something you had abandoned in youth. And when we present the sum of all our parts to our kids, they get to imbibe this important life lesson, more than any lecture or moral science lesson can ever impart. Raising Parents is a monthly column about art culture ideas to inspire both children and adults.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vijay Sethupathi recalls how director Arumugakumar supported him in his early days: 'Strongly recommended my name...'
One of India's most loved actors, Vijay Sethupathi , has recalled with gratitude how director Aarumugakumar, who has now directed his eagerly-awaited upcoming film 'Ace', played a crucial role in ensuring that he got two important film opportunities when he was just starting off as an actor. Participating in a pre-release press conference called by the unit of 'Ace', actor Vijay Sethupathi said, "When I first went looking for an opportunity in a film, I went to audition for a film called ' Varnam '. My photo had been given to the makers of that film by a manager called Bhoopathy. When I went there, they told me what the scene was and asked me to write my dialogues myself and act. "That was where I realised even I could write dialogues. I bought some hair gel from a shop nearby, applied it on my hair and delivered my lines comfortably as I had written them myself. The director of this film Aarumugakumar was the one who recommended my name to the makers of that film, saying, 'This person's acting is good. Pick him.' "Aarumugakumar and I did not know each other then. However, he was the one who strongly recommended my name and ensured that I got that opportunity. I am thankful to him for that," Sethupathi said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Glicemia alta? Misture 1 gota disso no copo e teste Saúde Melhor Idade Veja agora Undo Again while I was doing Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kanom , I was not the first option for that role. I got to know from director Prem, who directed the cult classic '96', that it was Aaru who strongly recommended my name for the role. Aaru had told them, "Please watch his audition and then reject him. Do not reject him without giving him an opportunity to audition." I am thankful to him for both these opportunities." Sethupathi, who is now one of India's top actors, went on to say, "Help that comes at a time when you are doing well is one thing. But help that comes your way when you yourself don't know who you are is invaluable. It is like lighting a lamp in a house filled with darkness. Aarumugakumar was the man who lit that lamp that day. So, my heartfelt thanks go to him." The actor further went on to say, "Also, when my father was on his death bed worried if I would ever make it as an actor, the picture that I showed him to convince him that I had made it as an actor was a picture that was shot on the sets of 'Varnam'. It helped him ease his mind about my future," said Sethupathi. Ace, which has been directed by Aarumugakumar, features Vijay Sethupathi, Yogi Babu and Rukmini Vasanth in the lead. The film, which has been predominantly shot in Malaysia, is slated to hit screens on May 23. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Vijay Sethupathi recalls with gratitude how director Arumugakumar batted for him when he was a nobody!
Chennai: One of India's most loved actors, Vijay Sethupathi, has recalled with gratitude how director Aarumugakumar, who has now directed his eagerly-awaited upcoming film 'Ace', played a crucial role in ensuring that he got two important film opportunities when he was just starting off as an actor. Participating in a pre-release press conference called by the unit of 'Ace', actor Vijay Sethupathi said, "When I first went looking for an opportunity in a film, I went to audition for a film called 'Varnam'. My photo had been given to the makers of that film by a manager called Bhoopathy. When I went there, they told me what the scene was and asked me to write my dialogues myself and act. "That was where I realised even I could write dialogues. I bought some hair gel from a shop nearby, applied it on my hair and delivered my lines comfortably as I had written them myself. The director of this film Aarumugakumar was the one who recommended my name to the makers of that film, saying, 'This person's acting is good. Pick him.' "Aarumugakumar and I did not know each other then. However, he was the one who strongly recommended my name and ensured that I got that opportunity. I am thankful to him for that," Sethupathi said. Again while I was doing Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kanom, I was not the first option for that role. I got to know from director Prem, who directed the cult classic '96', that it was Aaru who strongly recommended my name for the role. Aaru had told them, "Please watch his audition and then reject him. Do not reject him without giving him an opportunity to audition." I am thankful to him for both these opportunities." Sethupathi, who is now one of India's top actors, went on to say, "Help that comes at a time when you are doing well is one thing. But help that comes your way when you yourself don't know who you are is invaluable. It is like lighting a lamp in a house filled with darkness. Aarumugakumar was the man who lit that lamp that day. So, my heartfelt thanks go to him." The actor further went on to say, "Also, when my father was on his death bed worried if I would ever make it as an actor, the picture that I showed him to convince him that I had made it as an actor was a picture that was shot on the sets of 'Varnam'. It helped him ease his mind about my future," said Sethupathi. Ace, which has been directed by Aarumugakumar, features Vijay Sethupathi, Yogi Babu and Rukmini Vasanth in the lead. The film, which has been predominantly shot in Malaysia, is slated to hit screens on May 23.
