THE BOND

With every generation, the expectations around fatherhood change. But some things remain the same when it comes to being a solid dad. Respecting your child's individuality. Acceptance and grace and the space to grow. Walking the talk. Teaching not preaching. For Father's Day, we spoke to some eminent personalities about the ways in which their fathers have shaped them.

- SHIKHA SETHI

FILM-MAKER

Mozez Singh on Bhai Manjit Singh

One of the most pivotal moments in my relationship with my father came when he allowed me to follow my dreams, and pick the career I wanted. I come from a very privileged background, from the Ranbaxy family, and there was always this expectation that everyone born into the family would work in the family business. I was never interested in the pharma industry, and was inclined towards the entertainment business-music and movies. I never thought I'd be able to express that part of myself. As the younger generation, we did what was expected of us. I studied business and politics at Tufts University, [Massachusetts], and then moved to New York, and started interviewing with different investment banks. That's when I realized that something was completely off. I remember standing on the corner of 64th and Park when I called up my father, trembling with fear at the thought of telling him I didn't want to do these interviews or join the family business, and instead do something completely different. My voice was shaking. And all he said was, "That's great. You should do exactly what you want!" I wept-I had so much pentup anxiety about how this conversation would go. I felt so empowered by his acceptance of what I wanted to do. He told me that I'd have to make my own way, and that's what I did. And here I am, the first film-maker from the Ranbaxy family, the only one who branched out back then. I've always had my dad's support when it's come to the choices I've made in my personal life too, my sexual choices. I'm lucky to have the father-the parents-that I do."

DIRECTOR

Kayoze Irani on Boman Irani