Gulfam Khan Hussain: A good mentor will always keep you grounded

Teachers Day has always been a day of great significance for actress Gulfam Khan Hussain. The actress, who is currently seen in Gehna- Zevar ya zanjeer on Dangal TV, says that her family has always taught her the importance of respecting teachers. 

“For me, 5th September and Gurupurnima are as important as a festival. I was born in a Muslim family and the teachings were simple, in terms of respect, after your parents, it's your teachers. Teacher is your parent outside your home. I have had mentors at every walk of life. Ms Rose Fernandes my primary school English teacher who introduced me to book reading, Mr Boney our school PT teacher who told me I have more strengths than weaknesses, My college professor Ooma Shekhar, who became my guide in life, Anupam Shyam, who I called Baba fondly who taught me tricks of acting, Rohini Hattangadi ji, who is my Guru in more ways than one,” she says. 

Talking about a mentor in the industry, she says, “Having a mentor or a guide in the industry definitely helps, it helps you improve your craft, it helps you realise your flaws and it helps you overcome your fears. You get work on talent, hardwork and a lot of luck... But a good mentor will always keep you grounded and in check with reality.” Recollecting some treasured moments with her mentors, she says, “I remember Anupam Shyam telling me 'Bitiya Yeh camera hai issey kuch nahi chipta, kehne ko to ek auzaar hai par Yeh tumhein roz kisike ghar, kisiki zindagi mein le jaata hai' that made me realise that I have to improve my skill so much that people should think that my character is a real  person. Once While discussing negativity and insecurities on the sets, Rohiniji told me, 'What people talk about you is none of your business' and since then people have stopped affecting me adversely.” She adds, “So my guides have been a major driving force in my career. As for teachers, you will find them at every walk of life, as long as you're ready to be a student, as long as you're ready to improve.”