Value of a paisa

I remember my dad telling us that we did not know the value of money. He used to say that if we earned a paisa (penny) we would know how much effort it takes or how hard it is.
At the time I used to get upset, but now I realize how hard it is to earn a decent living, and how difficult it was for him, to put in gruelling work hours and raise four young children. I miss him so much.

Sholay and Anta mana manchike

My dad once came back from our hometown of Nellore. He then told us about the movie Sholay that he had seen there- it was a big blockbuster. He really liked the movie, and could relate to many parts since he was there in Chambal valley for quite a while. I saw it much later. He also saw the movie Anta Mana Manchike with Bhanumati. We went along with him and saw it. It was a very entertaining movie as well.

A Happy Birthday

Tomorrow is our mother's 74th birthday. All of us are with her together- something that has not happened for many years. Of course, the main person is missing- my father.
I don't remember my mom celebrating her birthday- she would always make something special, usually a great dessert, on my father's birthday and on our birthdays.
I remember a trip to Tirupati with my dad- going with him in his Jeep. It was a heck of a drive. Afterwards, we got the laddus and enjoyed ourselves.

Designing the Sofa

My earliest memory of our Himayat Nagar home includes a beautiful sofa my father had bought. Later, I remember my father drawing a beautiful design for a new sofa, with very artistic touches and beautiful curves. He then had it made by the Carpenter Mestri. It really was a beautiful sofa, with nice depth and comfortable back. The top had a beautiful curve.

Kanhaiya

One of my favorite songs while growing up was "yaad ayi adhi raat ko" by Mukesh, a record my father had in his collection. For many years I thought that Kalyanji Anandji composed the tune, but I realize now that it is SJ. Of course, the song on the flip side, Ruk Ja O Jane Wali Ruk ja, should tip anyone off that is a SJ tune.
By dad was also very fond of songs from Challia- Dum Dum Diga Dig, a beautiful rhythmic number from Kalyani Anandji, was his favorite.
We also had songs from Choti Bahen- Mukesh gems composed by SJ. One of the finest songs by SJ was in Katputli- "Manzil wahi hai pyar ki" by Subir Sen. His voice is very similar to Hemant Kumar- it would be interesting to find out why SJ used him.

Being curious and well-read

This evening our family was assembled in the living room and we discussed a number of topics- one of them being our father and his wide interests. Even though he grew up in a small town, his interests and tastes were very varied and cosmopolitan. It is unfathomable to me as to how he gained interest in western music- he had a huge collection of army marching band music, in addition to songs like Come September. He was exceptionally well read and knew in depth about many topics. An amazing intellect, blessed with the desire to know.

Honors

As I was recognized for some work today, I wished my father was there to see it. It would have meant a great deal to him. His world revolved around us. The amount of effort and interest he put into our upbringing is simply unfathomable. Unfortunately we did not have many awards or ceremonies for him to enjoy. Hopefully he is around us and watching all the activities.