Om Puri tells Sayanhya Roy about his nine-year-old prankster Ishaan.
He’s a bright child—he scores 95-97 per cent in school. He is also systematic when it comes to his toys. You will never see them littered around in my house
My son Ishaan was born premature and was kept in the incubator for three months. He weighed only 950 gm — a normal birth is at least three kg. Because of this, he has a slight limitation — weak eyes.
When I came to know about it, I was devastated. But Ishaan is a survivor and for that, I hold him in high regard. Some years back, when Ishaan was just a baby, I was in a bus on my way out of Ooty.
It was early morning, and the first rays of sun were lightly kissing the trees and flowers—it was a beautiful sight. I remembered Ishaan and my eyes blurred with tears. I prayed that he’s able to appreciate such sights later in life.
I was worrying unnecessarily. Today, Ishaan is all of nine and a bright child—he scores 95-97 per cent in school. Recently, he even won two medals in sports—novelty and obstacle race.
He has the memory of an elephant and is very systematic when it comes to his toys. You will never see them littered around in my house.
Ishaan is also well travelled. I take my family for shoots across the globe whenever possible.
When Ishaan was a baby I remember taking him to England. He was in a pram, wrapped in woolies, only his face was exposed. Every now and then, I would rub my palms hard and place it on his cheeks. His face would brighten up and he would give a gleeful laugh.
He continues to be outgoing and talkative. I remember once he came to see me on the sets of Dev, where I was shooting with Amitabh Bachchan. Ishaan was munching on something.
{{/usCountry}}He continues to be outgoing and talkative. I remember once he came to see me on the sets of Dev, where I was shooting with Amitabh Bachchan. Ishaan was munching on something.
{{/usCountry}}When I asked him about it, he said ‘Bachchan saab gave it to me’. While I was busy giving a shot he had hopped into Bachchan’s van and conversed with him.
His enthusiasm is amazing.
He wants to play cricket but I encourage him in sports like table tennis and swimming. And he’s good at both.
He is also learning music and loves to paint. He wanted to become a pilot because on a flight once he got a badge from the pilot. Now, he wants to become an actor. As a father, I try to give him as much exposure as possible. Later, it’s up to him to choose.
Today, the only time we realise Ishaan wears glasses is when he asks, “Baba, mera chasma kab uttrega?”