On Teacher’s Day, Bollywood celebs expressed heatfelt gratitude to their teachers, thanking them for their guidance and love.
Kriti Sanon has progressed from an engineering student to a National Award-winning performer in the nine years after she first made her debut in the industry. Kriti uploaded a montage of old photos with her mother on Instagram Stories, writing, “From being my first teacher to my forever cheerleader Happy Teacher’s Day Mom.”
On the occasion of Teacher’s Day, Kriti’s school teacher also wrote a note to the actress expressing how pleased they are of their alumna. Kriti posted a video of her teacher stating, “Hey Kriti, we are so proud of you. What a wonderful achievement to get a National Award for your film Mimi. We, at DPS RK Puram have always known that you were going to create a niche for yourself in the film world. In school, I remember in Class 6, what a wonderful dancer you were, and always occupying the centre stage.”
“And when I became your class teacher in 11th, I realised that not only were you a wonderful dancer, you were so academically oriented – one of our toppers, a great speaker and a great writer and you were a part of the poetry club as well, and the student council. It was always so evident that you will create a niche in your future life, doing engineering, going to the world of films and reaching here, at this point, getting the National Award. Congratulations to you, from all of us and all the best,” added Kriti’s teacher.
Sara Ali Khan thanked her filmmakers for teaching and preparing her as a performer. Aanand L Rai, Rohit Shetty, Imtiaz Ali, Abhishek Kapoor, Laxman Utekar, and David Dhawan are among the filmmakers she has worked with.
Sara said: “I feel that as an actor it’s most important to always be a student- and to keep learning and unlearning on every set. From Rohit Sir’s masala commercial cinema to the sensitivity of Aanand Rai and the mass appeal of Laxman Sir to the quirky and unique story telling of Homi sir.”
“I’m very privileged and thoroughly grateful to have had such versatile experiences. I hope I can continue leaning and growing and entertaining my audiences under the guidance of my directors,” she added.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared a Reel video and conveyed his greetings on the Teacher’s day. “My teachers played a great role in every aspect of my life. Whatever I am today, it is because of their education,” he said.
Rajkummar Rao wrote on Instagram Stories: “Happy Teacher’s Day. A Big Thank you to all my teachers.” Rakul Preet Singh said: “A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers who spend their time, energy, and love to educate our children. Happy Teachers’ Day!”
Kriti Kharbanda shared childhood school photos of her and penned a long note, saying: “When I was in class 2 at Baldwin girls high school in Bengaluru, Mrs Sheila Mathews, my class teacher, looked at me one day and said you have such expressive eyes my dear!’ She was well dressed, confident and so charming. I was in awe of her!” “I looked at her straight in the eyes and said, ‘Miss, I want to dance in the class play’. Next thing I know, I was standing tall on stage, facing an empty hall, with just a handfull of seats filled up front with teachers. That was the first time I danced on stage and felt like I belonged. But so did she,” said Kriti Kharbanda.
The actress further said: “She was the first person who saw a fire in me, that maybe even I didn’t see at the time. She called in my mother and said we want your daughter to headline the play and my most amazing and supportive mother encouraged me to not just be a part of it but also contributed to our rehearsals post school hours!”
“I got very lucky. This was probably the first step I took towards acting, in my own way. I’m grateful for everything that followed I performed in every lit club activity, auditioned for ads, shot for ads, watched movies day in and day out! I genuinely and honestly, thought about Mrs. Mathews the day I signed my first film too. This teachers day, I want to thank every single of my teachers, who helped me become a version of myself that I’m so proud of P.S. I don’t have a picture from this particular performance, but here’s a little something from another performance at school,” added Kriti.
Dealing with young children, according to Nimrat Kaur, who plays a school counsellor in the programme ‘School of Lies,’ is a different ballgame. Nimrat talked about her favourite Teacher’s Day memory and her experience filming as a teacher for the show.
The actress said: “Teachers form an important part of a child’s life and while we celebrate our teachers, recognising and thanking the people who are key in helping us grow. I remember celebrating Teacher’s Day with such gusto – dressing up, performances, cards, roses and celebrations for our mentors in the best way possible.”
“School was fun because of them, in a way. But in today’s time what’s amazing to see is how teachers focus not only on students’ academic well-being but mental as well. It’s an added responsibility and they do it so well, without complaints,” said Nimrat. “With ‘School of Lies’, I got a chance to step into their shoes in a way. While it was different than a subject teacher, dealing with young children is a different ball game altogether. Kudos to all of them who do it all day, everyday with such grace,” she added.
