Today’s a rather special day for actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, as the entire Mukesh family is gearing to celebrate the Father’s Day, with cake, balloons and a huge lunch party at home, et al.
“It’s always a special occasion for us. And this time around my sister’s also down with my nephew, so the entire family will be celebrating it together. Spending a day with all his kids means much more to him than any gift, no matter how expensive,” says Neil, who is glad that he’s been able to take a day off from his shootings to be home today.
Surprisingly however, though the actor admits that he is very close to his dad, he admits that he can never call him a friend. “Papa and I are really close, but I can never call him a friend. It’s just that I idolise him far too much and I can never relate to him as a friend. For me he’s always someone I will look up to. And I would never want to change this equation,” he adds.
In fact, the doting beta even credits his dad for his own achievements. “He has always been my inspiration,” he shares.
“I grew up on a high on the fact that my dad was always instantly recognised wherever he went, India or abroad. It used to be the proudest moment for me, as I would walk by his side as a kid holding his hand and people would come up to him to shake hands or take autographs. It was then that I had decided that someday I would want my dad to feel just as proud of me when we walked together,” adds Neil, who seems to have made his wish come true.
But he’s quick to add that it’s not the only thing he’s been inspired by his dad and reveals that it’s his dad’s quality to stay calm that he would most like to imbibe.
“I’ve seen my dad struggle and smile through all the ups and downs. In fact, it has taught me to stay calm no matter what life has to throw at you, good or bad. I’ve learnt to take it all in my stride. Stay relaxed and stay focused at the work on hand, that’s the mantra I’ve learned,” he shares.
The actor adds that it’s especially difficult to not let the pressures that come with being in such a competitive field get to you. “But at times like these I always derive my strength from my dad.”
At times like these, when most kids want to move out of their parents home, into their own as soon as they are financially independent, Neil reveals that he would never leave his parents.
“Right now I am investing to buy a new house, not for myself, but for all of us. I can’t imagine leaving my dad ever,” he smiles.
