Dear All,
As they say, one story leads to another good story… Well known acupuncturist Sarojtai Bavadekar was our neighbor from Mumbai. She was a wife of renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. AV Bavadekar. Sarojtai was fond of oldies and read my book ‘Sun Ja Dil Ki Dastan’. She was so impressed she came to see us during our visit in Mumbai. Later on, It didn’t take long for our friendship to become strong…
Sarojtai is most versatile person. Due to her successful profession and veryinfluential person, many film industry personalities were her patients. Coincidently,when she read my gulf experience in my book, she shared her story to me about actress Purnima. You will be amazed to read it with pride…
4) I am with Saroj Bavadekar at her Mumbai home…
Dear Jayant,
Both Suhas (Suhasini Kannamvar-wellknon cameraman V. Avadoot’s daughter) and me were very happy to talk to you.
Now about actress Purina:
She first came to my husband (orthopedic doctor AV Bavadekar) for her frozen shoulder. He thought acupuncture will be better for her. So he sent her to my clinic. In one sitting she could lift up her hand without pain. She came to me for ten days and got cured completely. Then she brought Dulari (old actress) for similar problem. More than patients they became my close friends. Her niece Shila Darshan was Mahesh Bhat’s (film director, producer and screenwriter) sister who was my patient too. I don’t know why but all of them were very fond of me. Every problem in their life they shared with me.
Jayant, as you may know Purnima (born Meherbhano Mohammad Ali; 1934–2013) was born to a Muslim mother from Lucknow and a Tamil Brahmin father (Ram Sheshadri Ayangar). She began her career in the late 1940s while still in school to support her family after her first husband, journalist Syed Shauqat Hashmi, moved to Pakistan. She later married filmmaker Bhagwan Das Varma in 1954. And became Purnima Das Verma…
Purnima looked after all her family members, with love and care. Her brother lives just opposite our building facing Shivaji Park, Mumbai. For last two years of her life she suffered from Alzeimer. I did not want to see her in that condition. And then one day her brother told me that she passed away two months back. I miss her a lot. She was most gracious, non filmi person. Imran Hashmi the present day actor is her grandson.
Unfortunately I do not have her picture. Have you seen Dev Anand and Guru Dutt’s film Jaal. If not do see it. Purnims looks wonderful in it. Rest everything is fine. We are going to Udaypur for Diwali and will be back on 21st.
Wish you and Veenatai A very Happy and Prosperous Diwali.
Regards,
Saroj
October, 2017
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Proud to mention we are still in contact with Sarojtai and share our memories…
Best regards,
Jayant.
Sharing is Caring…
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