A line by Naseeruddin is the reason behind the most memorable moment of my life.

My early days in Mumbai were living in a one-room kitchen home, travelling by local bus/train, and sometimes walking to cut the distance to save a few bucks. When I decided to start my career in theatre in Mumbai, I denied any financial help from my parents. I hustled in the theatre world and made just enough to live each day.

Yes, I had low moments in those times, but never the idea of leaving acting came to my mind. I am thankful for the blessing of my parents. ‘Your future is in your hand – Jo bhi faisla lo usey puri shiddat se pura karo, Maa Baap ke taur pe hum hamesha sath hai’ were the words, my parents told me.

I still remember the day my father came to Mumbai. He respected my lifestyle choices and chose to travel with me by train. To save a few more bucks, I was used to crossing over bridges and railway tracks to go to Andheri West from Andheri East. Abbu also walked with me with his walking stick, but suddenly he stumbled and fell. I cannot describe that feeling. That was when I decided not to consider saving money over my parent’s comfort.

The most memorable moment of my life was when my parents watched me perform live on the stage for the first time, all thanks to (Naseer Bhai). He wrote a letter to my parents. And a particular line in the letter did the trick in bringing my parents from Bhadhoi to Mumbai to watch me perform live.

The line was, ‘mere baba ne kabhi mujhe live perform karte hue nahi dekha, main nahi chahta ki Jameel ki zindagi mein aisa hi afsos reh jaye jo meri zindagi main reh gaya’.

The life decision moment came when I finally bought my home and married. Having a sense of responsibility is a euphoric yet scariest feeling in one’s life. But my optimistic self always saw everything happening in life as a blessing. And during this time, I finally prioritised films over Theatre. Since then, there has been no looking back. Be it the all-time hit Loins of Punjab, Gangs of Wasseypur, Baby, Ram Leela, Pagglait and Gulak 1 and 2.

“Ek aur baat don’t miss Gulak Season 3 on Sony Liv India ”

Jameel’s is a birds' eye view of a layman aiming high and working hard to achieve it.

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