Social media is one of the most dynamic tools our generation has been offered. It is something which allows us to exchange stories and express ourselves. For instance, when someone posts a heartwarming memory or experience online that gives us the opportunity of insight and introspection all at once.
Speaking of which, this post by writer Manish Gaekwad is one of the best things we’ve come across today. In a Tweet, Gaekwad, posted a photograph of his mother alongside Alia Bhatt as Gangubai, in her film Gangubai Kathiawadi.
That’s my mother on the right Rekhabai. Almost same na, white saree, red bindi, bangles, qamar mein kassa pallu, dancing in 80s Kamathipura kotha district, Bombay, separated from #GangubaiKathiawadi by a few decades, but twinning by fate that unites them.❤️ pic.twitter.com/PAq8sSzhru
— manishgaekwad (@manishgaekwad) February 26, 2022
In the post he mentions how his mother Rekhabai, who was a courtesan in the Kamathipura district, was dressed in a similar white sari, with a red bindi, bangles, and pallu tucked into the sari just like Alia Bhatt. And yes, the resemblance is so on point, that one cannot take their eyes off of the image.
He also shared Begum Akhtar’s rendition of the beautiful ghazal, Ulti Ho Gai, which coincidentally, is sung by Seema Pahwa’s character in the film, as a way to signal her demise. Gaekwad also made it a point to subtly push for the inclusivity of sex workers, which we’re all for.
Ok, thank you for indulging me everyone. 🙏😎 Time for wordle now. K O T H A – a five-letter word that should be admissible, nai?
— manishgaekwad (@manishgaekwad) February 26, 2022
Waise this is the gorgeous Begum Akhtar ghazal Seema Pahwa recites at the exact moment when she sees it coming. Enjoy & gn. https://t.co/ekCgUO5hvE
And he proceeded to post an adorable, more recent photo of his mother as well, that too by quoting her like a total desi kid, FYI.
So here she is Rekhabai, from her hospital bed, saying hello to “tyooter”, getting ready to go home today. I forgot to get her a change of clothes. “Kya hum nange ghar jayenge!” she chuckled. Her humour is indication she is well. Thank you all for your wishes.👍🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/QzRGJbPOGe
— manishgaekwad (@manishgaekwad) February 27, 2022
Here’s how twitizens responded to this beautiful thread.
She looks pristine in white. Respect 🙏
— Sandeep Kumar (@peednas31) February 27, 2022
Looks like Aalia’s look was modelled after her. Your mom looks so pretty.
— Ridhi Singh (she/her) (@badassbrownmom) February 27, 2022
Your mother is breathtakingly beautiful Manish… do share a photo of you two when she’s back home with you… sending you lots of best wishes for her speedy recovery
— poulomi das (@PoloDas) February 27, 2022
Absolutely Beautiful! I am indulging with your writing at a different level; how we need to rework everything that we see around us, like- Feminism, “such” work, “Kotha” … We need to change/challenge so many things/terms in Education, Sociology, Social Work, Childhood …
— R Raman Vishewar (I teach CALCULUS in Preschool) (@Vishewar) February 27, 2022
I didnt read the whole thread but i will but whatever little i read i am so proud of this man and so touched ,respect to him and his mom.
— @NO DMs PLEASE (@Uroosahaidar) February 27, 2022
She really does look stunning in that white sari!