Mother’s Day: Television stars salute the hero their mothers have been

Be it teaching household work, driving, or just providing never-ending encouragement and support—our television stars share their best memories with mommy dearest, on this Mother’s Day.

Aashka Goradia: I have only one word to describe my mother and that is ‘Giver’. She has been my biggest inspiration till date and will always be. I have acquired the trait of extreme patience from her, and not giving up easily on things that matter as well! She will forever be my ultimate role model.

Rohan Mehra: My mother is my backbone, my lifeline— the most important part of my life. She influences me to value relationships. She has also taught me to be patient and focused in life. Before entering the Bigg Boss house, my mom used to prepare me mentally to be strong and courageous. She used to teach me household work especially cooking. We would spend time in the kitchen, and cooking with her is my best memory. I really look up to my mom for her patience and the way she handles our family with unconditional love and care.

Rithvik Dhanjani: Mom is like God, more than just God— a friend, a believer, my support—somebody I look up to. She is not just God, as God grants when you pray. My mom has granted my wishes even without praying. For me, if there is anything beyond God, it has to be my mom. I remember the time I was back home in Dubai and was struggling to explain to my father that I wanted to come to Mumbai and become an actor, but he just wouldn’t listen as he always wanted me to be part of the family business. At that time, it was my mother who would every now and then secretly let me go, perform at my shows, and let me do whatever I liked doing. I would give all the money I earned to her, which she would save for me and that came in handy when I first came to Mumbai. So every moment in my life is filled with my mother’s love and it’s because of her I am here today.

Ridhima Pandit: My mother has faced a lot of hardships, she has raised me and my sister in such a manner that we can be put under any situation but we will still crack it and get out of it victorious, just like her. Her ability to be such an ace homemaker and provide us with so much security, love and tasty food makes me want to be like my maa in every possible way. Fond memories are too many; to just say one is so difficult. Something I remember clearly, is when my mother started to become my friend in my teenage years. She became a little less strict and I could confide in her regarding anything. She took away the fear from me and made me a strong independent woman. When I turned 18, first thing she made me learn was driving, so that I am never dependent on anybody [people or public transport) and so that I give no excuses to be late at night and hence follow deadlines and be safe.

Shantanu Maheshwari: My mother is my inspiration. She is a friend and a motivator. She has influenced my morals and has taught me to strive for my aspirations. My mother is a dance teacher, so when I was kid, she would send me to dance classes and make me participate in a lot of competitions. I was preparing for one of the competitions and my mom would sit and watch me practising.For some reason I wasn’t doing the steps properly, so she got angry, slapped and yelled at me for doing it all wrong. I don’t know what’s so special about this incident but it is, in its own way, in my heart.