A Tribute to my Father

Shree Nandlal Kanji Sagar
(1955-2008)

Here I’ll start with my late father. I want to pay tribute to him. And I don’t mean that in any kind of simple, celebratory way. Rather, this is a tribute worthy of him, one that brings together the good and the bad. In the real world, where power and cruelty link with all aspects of our lives, there are no easy, uncomplicated sources of inspiration. But there are lessons. I look to my dad, then, for lessons about how to struggle against problems personally and professionally that lurked inside him and continue to lurk inside me. In his example, I find both inspiration and warning, inseparably tied.

My dad was different. Sure, he and I used to work together, watched cricket and enjoyed movies like Hungama, Hera Pheri together. But he also talked about business, workmates, make strong cup tea regularly every morning. And when I was with him, he always kept a backup of cigarettes for me.

I remember him buying me Miniature Luxury Trains & Cars when I was small. When I was in 4^th grade, I used to make lame excuses at school saying that I am not feeling well and my teacher used to call up my dad and my dad used to pick me up… And on the way he bought me toys – which I shared later when I grew up playing with my younger brother, Abhishek Sagar (Abhi).

I loved the way he makes people laugh at home; either by teasing mom or dancing terrible steps and proposing my mother, Chandrika Sagar (My dad calls her Chandu) or even Aishwarya Rai. He gelled up well my younger brother Abhishek and my elder sister Dolly. We are 4 childrens, Bhavna (Bhavni) | Dolly (Dolly) | Sandeep (Sunny – that’s me Ish) and Abhishek (Abhi).

My dad was special to his boss Mr. Tawfique, Tawhid & Tamjid Abdullah and his family (brothers & owners of Damas Jewellery) – They always have been around when my dad needed and in-return my dad scored his best innings (he scored a ton & was not out till the end). Damas was in his blood and he always encouraged me to work with them, unfortunately I could not fulfill his wishes coz my passion wasn’t gold & jewellery, it was media & fashion.

His Favourite Song I remember him telling me “Tu hi meri shab hai subha hai” a soundtrack from the movie Gangster. I feel he sings this song for me whenever I hear it… and it brings tears to my eyes…

His last words to me were “I love you son, I’m with you, I’m not going anywhere”.

I spent 25 years with him and for last one year I couldn’t be with him when he needed me… but I’m sure he was there with everyone of us, he worked hard and at the same time he was there for family, even when he was struggling with cancer.

And, I don’t regret anything now… coz my dad is here right next to me… watching me and showing me the way to success, happiness & love.

May his soul rest in peace. His blessing are there to one & all…

P.S. Dad, you were god for me and you’ll always will be… I love you Dad…

“Jai shree Krishna Papa”