Back in 2020, Filmfare launched the Lessons Forever series to celebrate Teacher’s Day, a tribute to the mentors who shape lives beyond classrooms. Today, six years later, we look back on our four beloved stars, Dulquer Salmaan, Shruti Haasan, Amruta Khanvilkar, and Sonam Bajwa, who shared deeply personal memories of the teachers who guided them and the lessons that remain close to their hearts.
“She is always encouraging and always sort of nudged me in the right direction.” Dulquer recalled his days at Sushir School in Chennai, where one teacher stood out, librarian Mrs. Rani Abraham. Adding, “Me and Rani ma’am had such a strong bond and we were such good friends. She was always full of cheer and advice, and we would love to discuss books and life in general.” He credits her for nurturing his lifelong love for reading, saying, “If anyone inculcated the habit of reading and just exploring all my interests… she would always encourage me to keep educating myself beyond the school syllabus.”
Shruti spoke about two mentors who defined her artistic journey. She said, “The two people who changed my life completely would have to be my first music teacher in Hindustani Sangeet, Pandit Malohar Kulkarni ji… He totally changed my life because he taught me the discipline of Indian classical music and that shaped my voice.” Later, she found guidance in Mike Campbell at Musicians Institute. She added, “He took what I had learned and polished it and made me find my artistic voice. So, I’m forever indebted to these two wonderful souls.”
Amruta described her mother as her greatest teacher. She said, “The best teachers are the ones who tell you where to look but don’t tell you what to see. And one of my best and brilliant teachers in life is my mother.” She admires her mother’s fearlessness and optimism, “No matter what the situation is, there is a constant smile that she has… she’s taught me that you never give up on yourself and your family.” Amruta added with pride, “Even being a simple housewife, there are some things that are extraordinary about her and the way she’s handled both her daughters… So mom, thank you so much for teaching me life.”
For Sonam, her mother has been the greatest influence. She said, “I’ve always been in awe of her, the way she loved, the way she spoke with so much compassion and kindness, so much patience.” What inspired Sonam most was her mother’s resilience. She further stated, “She lost her father at a very young age, got married young, but she never gave up on her dreams. I never saw her complaining. I never saw her saying that I’m tired, but she was really passionate towards her dreams.” Sonam added proudly, “My mom, I think she’s a wonderful teacher in real life and even to her kids.”
These heartfelt stories remind us that teachers are not confined to classrooms. They can be parents, mentors, or friends, anyone who leaves a mark on our hearts and shapes who we become.
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