MUMBAI: ‘Family comes first’ is a phrase we often use, but how much of it do we really follow is worth a thought. We all work hard to take care of our family and their needs, but little do we realise that while money is necessary, our family also needs our time and attention. Time is the most precious gift we can give them and is also one of the most important aspects in strengthening family bonds.

Due to the ongoing lockdown, we are all compelled to stay home 24/7 and, in a way, the current situation has made us realise the importance of it now more than ever. As a responsibility, we do fulfil all their needs, but that is not the only thing. So, this International Day of Families, &TV artist talk about some special moments with their family members and their commitment to keep the momentum going not only now but for generations to come.

Yogesh Tripathi, Daroga Happu of Happu Ki Ultan Paltan is making the most of his time bonding with his family members. Sharing his thoughts on International Day of families, he says, “Nothing is better than spending some quality time with family, eating good food and relaxing, and I have realised the importance of this in the lockdown phase. After a long time, I have been able to enjoy small joys in life such as drawing sessions with my son, helping my wife in the kitchen, catching up on favourite movies, and exploring many other things that makes us happy as a family. And it has also made me realise that due to busy shoot schedules, I was missing on so many things. Having said that, even when work resumes its pace, I will always give adequate time to my family.”

Himani Shivpuri, the Katori Amma of Happu Ki Ultan Paltan shares, “Time is a precious commodity, and one that is often undervalued. As we grow, we begin to realise that there is no bigger gift we can give someone than our time. In my family there is just the two of us - my son and I, and we have been closely knitted. Yes, I agree there was a time in my life too when I was consumed by work, but I ensured that I spend quality time with my son. Even amidst heavy work, we watched movies together, went for holiday and picnics and made some beautiful memories. In lockdown we are spending more quantity time, talking to one another. We still do the same things, only with more intensity, more love because time is on our side.”

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Kamna Pathak, Dabangg Rajesh of Happu Ki Ultan Paltan shares, “It has happened for the first time in 10 years that I am spending quality time with my family. I didn’t have my family around for a long time during college days. I have lived by myself and soon after which work life began. On a regular day I couldn't give them enough time due to busy work schedule. It’s wonderful now to be staying with them at a time when family support is utmost important. Each one of us is working hand-in-hand helping and supporting each other. Not just in terms of physical work, but also in completing back-breaking household chores alongside mental support. We do everything for our family, but we often forget our time is what our family needs the most. Staying indoors with them has brought a realization in me that taking out time regularly and supporting each other is the real essence of a family.”

Tanvi Dogra, the simple and down to earth Swati from &TV’s Satoshi Maa – Sunaye Vrat Kathayein shares, “My father who hails from Chandigarh is a die- heart Punjabi and loves food so does he love cooking. Due to my erratic shooting schedule I didn’t get time to help my father in the kitchen but thankfully, I am able to do it now. I recently made Punjabi samosa all by myself and the smile on his face made my day. I intend to continue cooking with my father’s guidance. Also, the amount of time I can give my family now is making our bong grow stronger. On regular days due to my tight schedule, I seldom got time to spend with my family. However, this is the perfect time to engage and learn new things about each other, and I intend to continue it.”

Ashish Kadian who plays Indresh in &TV’s Santoshi Maa – Sunaye Vrat Kathayein shares, “I love consuming art films and Bollywood masala movies and my mother is a fan of classics. Due to the lockdown me and my mother indulge in movie sessions where we take turns and watch each other’s favourites. This is one activity that I would like to continue post lockdown is uplifted. One new thing that I taught my mother was the importance of Yoga. During my usual working days, I didn’t get time to induct her into yoga, but in the current scenario we have our morning mother-son Yoga sessions. Staying at home made me realise that giving each other time is so important, hence, I would continue our yoga sessions ahead.”

Sarika Bahroliya, the Gudiya of Gudiya Humari Sabhi Pe Bhari shares, “I have been staying away from my family since I started shooting for Gudiya Humari Sabhi Pe Bhari. Now because of the lockdown, I am staying home and missing my parents even more. Since the travel ban has been imposed, I have been seeing them on video calls. Also, the show has introduced me to another family which keeps checking on me time and again. This includes Samtaji, Raviji, Manmohanji and Shwetaji. I am so blessed to be around people who are nothing less than family members. Post the lockdown upliftment, I intend to meet my parents and spend some good time with them.”

Manmohan Tiwari, Pappu of of Gudiya Humari Sabhi Pe Bhari shares, “This lockdown has in a way been a vacation for me where I got to spend quality time with my family. The dinner table talks, fun game sessions, movie nights, etc. has been on my list since a long time but on regular days we hardly got time for each other. This time when I am home, I am striking off a lot of things from my wish list and it is making us love each other even more. I request all of you to make sure your Family comes first and in the process of being the breadwinner do not ignore the basic requirement of giving time to them.”

Sneha Wagh, Mata Anjani of Kahat Hanuman Jai Shri Ram says, “Due to work commitments, me and my family members barely got time to spend with each other. With the current lockdown scenario, we are undertaking a lot of family engagement activities. Not just with immediate family, but video calls with distant relatives have become a regular affair too. Also, we have divided household chores among ourselves to share the load and ensure everyone’s participation in such times of need. It has brought us all together and we would like to continue sharing the load and giving each other adequate time.”

Also read: International Day of Families: TV actors say family first