While she shared a close but rather disciplined and strict relationship with her father, actress Radhika Vidyasagar says that her daughter shares a fun relationship with her husband, and the two are like friends. The actress, who is currently seen in Rahul Tewary and Rolling Tales production’s Udne Ki Aasha and also recently made her Hindi film debut with Munjya, produced by Maddock films, says that days such as Father’s Day must be celebrated every day!
“Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there! I don’t believe in celebrating just one day as Father’s Day. As a typical Indian woman, I have a typical Indian relationship with my father, which is characteristic of the 70s and 80s. My dad, an ex-serviceman, was very disciplined and strict. Our relationship was built more on respect and discipline than on friendship, unlike today’s more friendly father-child relationships. My father has taught me many valuable lessons. He instilled in me a love for plants and animals, especially dogs and cats. My father is a big pet lover and gardener, and these passions have been passed down to me. My bond with pets and my love for gardening are directly inherited from him,” she says.
She adds, “I believe that every day should be celebrated as Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. However, since Father’s Day is on the 16th and we’re going to meet in Pune, we will try to celebrate. Coincidentally, this month is filled with special occasions for us—birthdays, anniversaries, Father’s Day—all in June. We will have large family gatherings, and I look forward to all of it.”
Talking about her father, she says, “My father is happiest when he is with his plants. Even at the age of 80, he spends his days gardening from morning till evening. He enjoys plucking mangoes and other fruits from his garden. Besides gardening, he finds joy in being with his patients, repairing his car and two-wheeler, and doing various tasks around the house. He also loves watching television and keeping up with the stock market, a habit he has maintained for years. Moreover, he loves travelling and makes sure to go on trips frequently. On this Father’s Day, I wish him a very healthy and happy life.”
She says that fathers today are expressive in their love for their kids. “I agree that fathers tend to be less expressive, but I see this changing with the new generation. For example, my daughter and my husband share a friendship-like bond rather than a traditional father-daughter relationship. Yes, our films and television are often dominated by motherly emotions, but this dynamic is evolving,” she says.
