Celebs share their Teacher's Day messages

Teachers' Days is one of those special days where we thank our teachers for paving our life in the right direction and shaping us into better individuals. Here Rajul Hegde speaks to some young celebs/TV stars about the teachers who have influenced them most:

First up is Raj Singh Chaudhary (of Gulaal and Antardwand fame):

Br T P Fitzpatrick, the principal of my boarding school in Darjeeling - Goethe's Memorial School has been a teacher who believed in me and inspired me a lot.

Since I spent most of my formative years in boarding school, Br Fitzpatrick was one person who had a major influence on me in becoming what I am today. He instilled a sense of discipline and strong morals which holds me in good stead even today.

Along with studies, he made it a point that we played sports and were physically fit. Even before the whole fitness fad came into vogue we had physiques and "six packs" because of him and I could walk onto any basketball, volleyball and soccer team in my college. I also played tennis at the national level.

He taught us not to waste precious time. Though he was strict, when needed he had a benevolent side to him.

Since he is more than 90 years old today, I wish him good health for a long time to come and thank him for making us the men we are today.

On the occasion of Teacher's Day, we invite you to share a story about your favourite teacher with us. It can be amusing, interesting or sentimental -- but it has to be about that special someone who made the biggest impression upon you in the course of your academic career.

Simply write in to us at getahead@rediff.co.in (subject line: 'To Teacher, with love') with your experience and, if possible, a photograph of your teacher and you. We'll be publishing the best entries right here on rediff.com!

Here Prachi Desai (Kasamh Se, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, Rock On):

I auditioned for my first TV show Kasamh Se when I was in Sinhgad junior college, Pune. Everything happened so fast that I had to start shooting for the show within a week. Thankfully I had enough attendance for the board exams and could miss the classes. Without my principal's cooperation, though, it was impossible for me to go for the shoots. She was more excited and enthusiastic than I was. Though she made all the arrangements for my board exams, I couldn't appear for the same due to my hectic shooting schedules.

Another teacher I can never forget is my Psychology teacher Asha. She would explain so well that we didn't have to study again. She was my favourite teacher and I wanted to become a psychology teacher like her. Since we were living in a hostel she would always pamper me and my friends.

My close friend Manti lost her mother one day before the board exams. There was no way that she could go for her mother's final rites, come back and appear for her exams. She was depressed and shattered. Asha Ma'am took care of her, was at her side and helped her to overcome the tragedy and take the exams. The best thing is she scored the highest in the college.

Recently I met them during the promotions of Once Upon a Time... in Sinhgad College. I have an immense respect for these teachers and I will be grateful to them all my life. Hope they will be an example for others as well.

Nandish Sandhu from the TV series Uttaran:

I used to like my English teacher Mr Atul Varma in Army school (RIMC) Dholpur in Rajasthan. He was very patient and would never get irritated, even if our queries were repeated.

He was like a friend after our school hours. I would always score highest in English because it was one of my favourite subjects. I would always reason with him and that is one of the reasons he liked me more than the other more obedient students. I believe that teachers have dedicated the whole of their life to groom us and we have to be thankful to them for the same.

Thank you so much for helping me to grow in every aspect of life!

Here Hina Khan (Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai) shares her memories:

Rachna Bannerjee is my favourite teacher (Skyline Business Management, Delhi). I don't think she is anymore in the profession but she was more of a friend than a teacher. She would advise me as a friend when I used to go to her with all my problems. We would go out to lunch and shopping together.

Everything happened so fast that I couldn't inform anyone when I moved to Mumbai for acting. She got to know about it and somehow managed to get my number through a chain of four people. We are still in touch with each other and discuss lots of things.

I love you very much. I wish you were here in Mumbai on Teacher's Day so I could take you out shopping! 

Bhavana Balsavar (from Dekh Bhai Dekh, Zabaan Sambhal Ke, Gutur gu) talks of teh teacher who left an indelible impression on her:

Mrs Babulkar, my history teacher, really left her mark. Though she taught me for a very short while she made an indelible impression in my heart and mind.

She commanded respect and yet she was a friend to each and every student. Her method of teaching made us enjoy her subject because she taught us to understand and learn and not to mindlessly memorise.

I remember her for her positive attitude and cheerful disposition. She inspired me not only as a teacher but also to be the person I am. Thank you Ma'am!

Next Sparsh Khanchandani of Uttaran talks about why teachers are special:

Teacher are friends, philosophers and guides. My school teachers have proved this dictum. After our parents, it's our teachers who play a very important part in our life. 50 per cent of what the child is is because of teachers and they help mould the career of a child.

I was only 7.5 years when I got chance to do Uttaran. My school teachers constantly motivated and encouraged me. I can not mention any one teacher's name because everybody contributed to my success. To list a few my Principal, HM, past class teachers etc at Kendriya Vidyalaya Ambernath.

And finally Hansika Motwani (Aap Ka Surror)

My mother is my special teacher. My mother is the one who guides and understands my problems.

My mom has helped me blossom from a bud to a flower. For me my mother is the best teacher and on Teacher's Day I cannot think of anyone else other than my dearest mom to pay my sincere tributes to.