NOW AND FOREVER

Why did you stop working after “Maine Pyaar Kiya”? And my answer is always the same, “Maine Pyaar Kiya. I was in love”. Did I want to work more? Yes! I was all of 19 and I had just about discovered this new side of me…I could act, a revelation for me too, especially after being petrified on stage in school.

“Maine Pyar Kiya” changed my perspective towards myself… I found myself enjoying the art. Surprisingly, Sooraji gave me a free hand too, “I want you to perform Suman the way you see her.” What followed is of course history. After a hit like that, I was floored by the offers pouring in and the euphoric response that I got was enough to imbalance anyone. However I was given a choice, family or career and I chose for love. I wasn’t ready to allow anything become a bone for contention between my husband and me. For me it was all about the commitment of love. And if at any point of time my mind had questioned my decision, it was put to rest by the birth of my son, Abhimanyu, my world lay cradled in my arms. It was a joy that overwhelmed me, cocooned me in its own world of paradise and I couldn’t see beyond him. I was called for all the award functions, the Bollywood parties, had everyone fawning over me…I would mingle for a while and then rush back home to my own small world.
From around the globe there was appreciation pouring in. Phones would be ringing incessantly. The postmen would ask for extra Diwali bonus as they had to carry sacks of letters and gifts to my door. I couldn’t even go shopping for my first born. There would be a crowd outside the building to get a glimpse of me. It was a surreal experience. People crave their entire lives for that, and I gave it all up without a blink. Love does make you do crazy things.

I have enjoyed both my children’s growing up years to the fullest. Shared every fun moment. I went to all their classes, karate, swimming, dancing, piano lessons, took their tiffins to school, arranged the biggest and best birthday parties without any party planners, played board games throughout weekend afternoons, celebrated each and every festival teaching them all traditions while doing them. All the normal routine things all mothers would do and more. They are everything to me. Today, when my children hold me close and say, “Mom we are proud of you, for what you achieved and what you have given up to be with us.”, it makes everything worthwhile.

It’s been over 25 years since “Maine Pyaar Kiya”, but people still remember and give me the same warmth and affection when they meet me. I feel blessed indeed that I have stayed alive in their hearts and mind. However, the incredulous truth is that there is a constant effort to move a little faster to keep up with the flow of time. And no, I am not saying it is the miraculous sting of the botox ….. It is constantly trying to slow the aging process by keeping one’s body fit and agile with high metabolism and correct food habits and the mind sharper by being abreast of the changing technology, latest trends, connecting with the Gen Next. The want to better yourself is growth but happiness lies in the journey.

I am told my face reflects positivity…. I take that as a far superior compliment than being beautiful. When you begin your day with gratitude…things usually go alright. My life has not been without its own ups and downs…but I always remember that I have more to be grateful for than to be sorry for. “Peeche dekhoge toh apni parchayi milegi, aage badhoge toh roshni dikhegi.” Believe that God has a better future set for you and every problem is meant to make you stronger.

27 thoughts on “NOW AND FOREVER

  1. Agrima Srivastava Reply

    I was born when Maine Pyar Kiya came out and my parents tell me that they left me at my Nani’s place and went to watch the movie. And then years later I watched it and enjoyed it too. But I always had this question that why didn’t such a brilliant actress continue acting. I think I got my answer in this blog. The message is clear and it’s all about what you prioritize in life. I am blown away by the charm of Bhagyashree Ma’am. I saw her beautiful picture on Instagram today and just couldn’t stop looking at her. I wanted to know how she manages to remain so positive and take such good care of her health and family so I started searching more about her. I even watched the very first episode of Kacchi Dhoop online. I was so surprised to read that it’s based on Little Woman. TV in the 80s and 90s was so mature, sensible, and different altogether. I just couldn’t take my eyes off her, she looked so pretty in the pilot episode wearing that pink frock. Then I discovered her blog and I scrolled all the way back to this very first post and I am reading all that Bhagyashree Maam has to share and I am also making notes of the same. Thank you so much Maam, you have inspired me so so much !!!!!!

  2. Ishika Roy Reply

    I m just 16 nd all I could say is amazing , fabulous, mesmerizing , . I just don’t have words how I m feeling now ???????????? love you so much ????????????

  3. Tejal Samant Reply

    Excellent read! I stumbled on your blog after you were featured in Humans of Bombay. It does require so much courage to choose family over career, a career that brings so much fame and name. Thank you for posting this and hats off to you.

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  6. SIMRAN Reply

    I loved reading every bit of it..U really touched my heart from within…I m glad I came across your thoughts and m so impressed rite now with you…thanks for writing such a beautiful and honest note…humanity..generosity..and above all being true to your own self and family and also the surrounding is what I can relate to after reading this amazing lines…love you more and more seriously….

  7. Krishnaraj V Reply

    I still remember Maine Pyar Kiya. It was a perfect romantic film and you were beautiful then and now as well. Not only Physical beauty but a beautiful mind as well. I also loved your voice.

    I also remember your first tele serial Kachhi Dhoop

  8. SNEHADAS Reply

    being a women, a lady, a feminie I SALUTE TO U, TO YOUR ZINDA DIL……. HAT’S OFF TO YOURALL HAPPY & SAD JOURNEY IN YOUR LIFE TILL NOW!

  9. Archana Reply

    Your best blog yet Bhags! I loved it. Simple. Straight from the heart. So real.

  10. dipali Patil from sangli Reply

    yes, I appreciate you. I love u. I am also a mother. I want to be like u.

  11. Aseem Reply

    Salute to you, no doubt if you carried on acting you would have been the biggest star maybe .. but you chose family and that does take serious courage over the fake life on screen ???? salute

    • Bhagyashree Dassani Post authorReply

      If you can prioritize, life becomes easier. That said and done…yes its a strong choice to make when its put up against the adulation that the entire world craves for.

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