Last July, I lost someone incredibly close to me — my grandmother.
During her final days in June, I was constantly travelling between my hometown and Chennai every couple of days just to be with her.
After she passed away, my sister flew all the way from Boston and voluntarily took care of the finances for the last rites.
The money wasn’t something my parents or I couldn’t afford. But what was relatively easy money for her was almost a month’s salary for me.
That stayed with me.
I had consciously never chosen an abroad career because when my grandmother needed me, I wanted to be here. With her. With my family.
After she was gone, I thought, Why shouldn’t I move now?
Dubai had always been my go-to option. I decided to seriously explore it and told
@shahir_muneer first. Despite being the Director, he was kind enough to guide me through the process.
When I told my parents, my father said something I’ll never forget:
“What your sister did might have instigated you. But what you have done for the family, me and your grandmother cannot be measured against hundreds of crores.”
I started preparing to apply.
And then I watched Idli Kadai.
I cried. Not once. Multiple times.
That film gave me the clarity I desperately needed.
I realised I didn’t necessarily have to choose between ambition and my roots.
I could stay in Chennai. Pursue what I want. Make money. Build my career. And still be there for my parents.
It has been a year.
I may not make today what my sister can easily spend in a moment.
But I know I’ll get there eventually.
And when I do, I want to have built it without forgetting my roots — and while taking care of my parents in their old age.
Thank you
@dhanushkraja sir and
@wunderbarfilms for giving me an answer at a crucial juncture in my life through Idli Kadai.
The film may not have had the box-office run expected.
But perhaps its impact cannot always be measured at the box office.
For someone like me, it changed the direction of my life.