She is my inspiration

This is one day of the year that celebrates women. It is another story why this should be restricted to just one day. In our male- dominated society we more than often find that men do not recognize, appreciate or even acknowledge the contribution of the stronger sex in their lives. However, this women's day, some of our tellystars unflinchingly thank the women who've played a pivotal role in their lives.

Who is that one woman who inspires you the most?

Sharad Malhotra:
When it comes to inspiration, one doesn't need to look beyond your mother. Anyone who comes close to her is my elder sister Reema Bawa. Right since childhood, she's been an extremely hard-working girl. She always topped in her academics both in school and college. She went on to become a very successful fashion designer. In fact, last year she received the best designer award in the east. More than all her achievements, what really inspires me is the way she manages both her personal and professional life. She's both a successful professional and a mother.

Varun Badola:
Mothers, sisters and wives have become common. You don't need to mention them. Inspiration in true sense comes from outside. For me my two school teachers, Mrs.A.Singh and Mrs.Khattar have been the most inspiring for me. The former was simply outstanding.

Mrs. Singh used to teach us English. She not only imparted knowledge but made sure we enjoyed learning. She taught us the values of life. Besides everything, what set her apart from the rest was the ease with which we were able to communicate with her. After completing schooling, I learnt she had become the principal of a school in Meerut. I was keen to have her on Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai but sadly she passed away in a road accident in 2005.

Talking about, Mrs.Khattar; she had an extremely sharp mind. She knew world history at the tip of her tongue. She hailed from a rich family and thus never charged a single penny.

For me the sparkling thing about these women is that they were never like the typical teachers.

Ronit Roy:
There are three women in my life who are very inspirational. First is my mom, then it's my wife Neelima and then Ekta Kapoor. A mother is a mother and one doesn't need to say why she is inspirational. As for my wife Neelima, she's brought a lot of changes in me. Post marriage, she's helped me change my mindset which has enabled me to become a better person. As for Ekta, one simply has to admire her as a professional. Often, she's ridiculed by the media but not many take into account the kind of hard work she does. She gives numerous hours everyday looking after 10-12 serials. The success that she's achieved that too for such a young woman is indeed worth praising. She truly is a driving force for all of us.

Annu Kapoor:
If you want, I can give you 10 names but the truth is I don't find any inspirational woman today. To get inspired by one is something really huge. I respect and admire women but inspiration is all together a different thing.

As a true patriot, perhaps, people will be surprised to hear this. May be one would have expected me to name an Indian woman leader but if I have to be inspired by one then she will have to be like Osho or George Washington.

Anoop Soni:
There are many women who inspire me but if asked to name one then it will have to be Kiran Bedi. For a woman police officer to have done well in what is mainly a male dominated profession shows her courage and determination. Apart from facing the ire of the criminal, she's often had to incur the wrath of people from her own backyard. She's braved such odds and emerged triumphant. That for me is really inspiring.