Found Article Of Nakuul

'My dad's my true mentor and guide'

(Nakuul Mehta, actor, on his father Pratap Singh Mehta)

As a kid, I was close to my mother and rather scared of my father, whom I call 'Kaka'. But as I grew up, I found that the relationship between the two of us had transformed into a warm friendship long before I had even realised. In fact, I now call him my true mentor and guide.

Right from the time I was a kid, other than my studies, Kaka also wanted me to try out different activities like painting, gymnastics, horse-riding, singing, dancing, etc. There was a time, I remember, he'd insist I jog for about 5-10 kilometres every morning. I'd get angry, after all I was a kid then, but now, I realise the importance of all these activities. And having ventured into the acting profession, all these exercises and activities are standing me in good stead.

I know that had he not pressurised me at the time, I wouldn't have taken them seriously. And I'm so glad he did that. When people compliment me on my physique now, I have only my father to thank.

Kaka always told me to pursue my dream and put my heart and soul in doing so. I think, he always knew I wanted to be an actor. And I don't think I could have become one, had he not supported and guided me. And that's been possible because he not only gave me the freedom to make my own decisions, but also ensured that I took the right ones by giving his advice at the right time.

I remember the time when I used to fall sick, he'd sit by my bedside all night long. I'll always cherish the concern, the fondness and the warmth he always had in his eyes for me. And when I go out partying, he even now, stays up all night, though he never says a word to me. Just the other day, I got to know that he knows exactly what time I return because he keeps track of the lights in my room. This shows how much he cares for me and at the same time, wants me to enjoy myself too.

Though he knows how much I admire him, I've always wanted to tell him how much I love him, though I've never really done that. On Father's Day now, I want to just say to him, 'I love you Kaka'.