|
« continued from previous page
|
Five decades of perfect harmony - Anandji and Shantaben spill out the secrets
|
Shantaben mock-complains that things have not improved even after Anandji stopped doing films about a decade ago. 'The man within is the same, so how can things change?' she grumbles humorously.
Anandji crinkles his eyes into a smile and retorts, 'I would say that the entire fault lies at her door! She never once put her foot down or taught me a lesson by sending back my guests hungry or without the best of hospitality! Even today when I tell her that I will manage on my own for a few days if she wants to go to our village and do charitable or social work, she refuses to leave me alone and asks, "But who will take care of you?"'
Asked how involved she is in his music, Shantaben replies, ' I have never got involved in any way with his work. Only since I have begun accompanying him for his shows do I occasionally suggest something. As a music director, I obviously find him very good and he is a master at composing sad songs.'
The couple lives with their son Dhiren's family, while other sons Deepak (the only one into film music) and Bharat stay very near. Bhavna got married a few years ago while the first-born Rita runs a travel agency in London.
Anandji credits his wife with managing money very well by a judicious blend of charity, saving for rainy days and smart spending as opposed to consumerist approaches. Agrees Shantaben , ' While he has never asked me to account for the money he gave me to run things, I was always particular to keep at least 50% aside as savings. I never believed in stylish living and I still take a bus to the suburbs if I travel alone. I have maintained my house spick and span and have got it painted only twice in 25 years! I believe that if you get trapped in the money game, there can be no end to desires, greed and needs. Even my husband never had money as his primary aim when he was doing music.'
A final query: did they celebrate the beginning of the 50th year of the marriage in style? To my surprise, the normally humorous Anandji replies soberly, ' We decided against it as there have been three deaths in the family in the last three years, and I recently lost my elder sister.' And it is the practical, hardheaded Shantaben who quips, ' Of course we celebrated in style. Our anniversary this year was at the time of the IIFA awards in Sun City, and we took 700 people from the film industry to Africa to celebrate with us!'
|
|
|
Rajiv Vijayakar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| | John Players Casual T-Shirt for Men | John Players Signature Line T-Shirt for Men | John Players Signature Line T-Shirt for Men | | | | | | Rs.995 ($20.67) | Rs.1,095 ($22.75) | Rs.1,095 ($22.75) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask our Experts :
Expert Advice, Personality, Immigration (US), Tarot, Hot Couture, Body Care, Matrimonial Laws, Sexual Health, Life, etc, Man vs Woman, Fitness. |
|
 |
|
Furl it
Reddit
