Monday, Mar 20, 2017

As a Canadian teacher took home the $1 million (Dh3.67 million) Global Teacher Prize at a glitzy ceremony in Dubai on March 19, stars including Ranbir Kapoor and Mahira Khan remembered their teachers who shaped their lives.

“My favourite was my Hindi teacher. I loved his patience and encouragement. He made me into a confident person and I will always be grateful for it all my life,” said Kapoor.

But it’s not his high school degree that made him ecstatic that night. The sight of his fans calling out his name and seeking his autograph was his biggest validation.

“Meeting my fans always feels amazing. When they scream my name, it’s like getting a report card for all your efforts,” said Kapoor, who added that several people including director Sanjay Leela Bhansali had shaped him as an individual.

“You can never disregard the contribution of teachers in a society... Some of the teachers don’t even have blackboards or a classroom to teach, but they still persevere,” he added.

His advice to his young fans?

“Love what you do because that will give you the greatest happiness,” said Kapoor.

The actor is eagerly waiting for the release of his much-delayed film Jagga Jasoos in May with his former girlfriend Katrina Kaif.

“It was a very hard film. Just the fact that there were mad geniuses working in the film makes it a great project. It will be first production and I am sure that the audience will enjoy and have a lovely time,” said Kapoor.

Khan, who made her Bollywood debut last year in Shah Rukh Khan-led Raees, also gave a big shout to all the teachers who are motivated to bring greater good.

The two actors also expressed an interest in working with each other.

“I met her for the first time and she’s amazingly beautiful and talented. I would love to work with her,” said Kapoor.

Khan, who did not promote her Bollywood debut in India due to the cultural boycott of actors from Pakistan in India due to rising tensions and political rivalry, also expressed her hope that the situation would return to normal.

“He’s a fantastic actor. I hope we can work together when the situation is better and such borders are nullified,” said Khan in Hindi.

Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Senior Reporter

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