Tanuja celebrates her birthday: Tanishaa Mukerji reveals how the actress was a single parent to her and sister Kajol

Veteran actress Tanuja, known for her remarkable performances and contributions to the film industry, celebrates her birthday today. She began her acting career at just 16 with the 1960 film Chhabili and went on to star in notable films like Memdidi, Jewel Thief, Haathi Mere Saathi, and Do Chor. She married to Shomu Mukherjee in 1973 and the couple later separated, Tanuja remained dedicated to her craft and family, playing a pivotal role as a single mother to her two daughters, Kajol and Tanishaa Mukerji.
On the occasion of Tanuja’s birthday, Tanishaa Mukerji shares insights into how their mother shaped their identities and lives.
In an interview with Mid-day, Tanishaa reflected on her upbringing under Tanuja's guidance, emphasizing the strength and independence instilled in both her and her sister Kajol. Tanishaa highlights that Tanuja raised them to be strong women with a clear sense of self. “That's what any mother should do, create a strong identity for her children. One that's not based on what clothes they wear or how many boyfriends they have,” she explains. Instead, Tanuja focused on instilling values such as honesty, love, and integrity. According to Tanishaa, these qualities are essential for developing a pure heart and a positive mindset towards others.
Tanishaa expresses gratitude for the moral foundation their mother provided: “We are very straight-up, very honest, clean-hearted people. That's the most beautiful thing a mother can give her child.” This perspective has helped her navigate societal pressures like fat-shaming and superficial judgments about appearance. “I don't look at people as fat or thin, black or white, big or small. That gift has been given to me by my mother,” she adds.
Reflecting on their family dynamics, Tanishaa recalls how Tanuja treated everyone equally, fostering an environment of open communication. “She never looked down or said something condescending,” Tanishaa notes. Instead of dismissing their concerns as trivial, Tanuja engaged in meaningful conversations with her daughters. “It was always a conversation. I think that was the beauty,” she emphasizes.
Tanishaa believes that every mother should strive to be both a friend and a disciplinarian to their children. She acknowledges that while Tanuja was nurturing and approachable, she also maintained discipline in their upbringing.
On this special day celebrating Tanuja’s legacy, it is evident that her influence extends beyond cinema into the hearts of her daughters. Through love, discipline, and open communication, she has created strong identities for Kajol and Tanishaa—an enduring testament to her role as both a mother and an actress.

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