Guru Purnima: Individuals Share Powerful Life Lessons They Learnt From Their Gurus

Pandit Aditya Kalyaanpur, Tabla Maestro

"On Guru Pournima, that memory of legacy through listening, observing and grasping — one master shaping another not by imposition but by immersion — truly captures the essence of what it means to be a disciple. There are innumerable moments shared with my gurus, every moment spent with them was a learning experience be it a musical moment or just a way of life. One learns how to stay grounded, surrender to one’s instrument and unconditionally shower love on every human being that came into their lives is something one could emulate and incorporate in one’s life!! Carrying a Guru’s legacy forward is both an honour and a responsibility. Whether on stage or in teaching, it involves staying deeply rooted in the values, techniques, and philosophy imparted by the Guru, while also allowing room for personal growth and contemporary relevance. Today, ‘Guru’ carries a layered meaning. Traditionally, in Sanskrit, “guru” means dispeller of darkness (with gu meaning darkness and ru meaning remover). A guru wasn’t just a teacher of facts — they were a guide to self-knowledge, someone who helped you see clearly rather than simply know more. Guru is a bridge between the unknown to the known and I feel blessed to have studied under legends like Ustad Allarkhan and Ustad Zakir Hussain."

Vishal Kamat, Executive Director of Kamat Hotel India Ltd

"While I don’t have one singular guru, I’ve had the privilege of learning from many individuals over the years—each one a master in their own domain. For instance, I’ve deeply admired and learned from Param Kannampilly, who was with the Kamat Group. I worked under him and observed him both up close and from a distance, and both experiences were equally enriching. I’ve also learned valuable life and business lessons from my father-in-law, although I believe it’s tough when a fatherly figure tries to play the role of a guru—it can cloud one’s perspective. Even so, those indirect lessons left an impact. Similarly, my grandfather has had a significant influence, not always through me directly, but through stories shared by others who learned from him. One such story that’s stuck with me came from a chef I worked with at Samrat Restaurant. He recalled how my grandfather, known for his strict discipline, once pulled his ear for being shabbily dressed and gave him ₹50—a huge sum at the time—saying he never wanted to see him look untidy again. That moment, both painful and transformative, stayed with the chef for decades, and sharing it with me made me understand the lasting power of leadership done right.

The most profound takeaway from all my gurus is the importance of people and process. Neither should overshadow the other. Whether you're leading a hospitality team or playing a sitar, the process must be respected, but the people and passion behind it are equally important. You can’t lose sight of either. It’s that balance—that harmony—that builds long-term success and meaning in anything you pursue."

Shaina NC, Fashion Designer & Political Leader

"Definitely my father for my political journey. Because he used to run two NGOs – Giants Welfare Foundation and I love Mumbai. He taught me how to be a people's person. Humble, hard working, and humility being the key. My fashion journey would have to be my mother because the genes played up. She was the first fashion designer India ever had. And in that sense, she taught me the art of draping a sari in 54 styles. I would have to attribute it to both of them. In my learning and journey as a political leader, if you ask me who really influenced me the most, I would say Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. And if you ask me why, because RSS truly shows us and teaches us how the principles of nation building are above all."

Quasar Thakore-Padamsee, Theatre Director

"My earliest guru in theatre was Rehaan Engineer. While I was in college, he taught me how to imagine the unusual. Then I spent some time working with my father Alyque Padamsee, and I think from him I got a sense of how a story told on stage is also an opportunity to comment on the world around that... and, of course, his eye for detail. But probably the largest influence of my theatre life, particularly as a director would have to be Tim Supple, with whom I spent three years touring the world with a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. From him I learned how to be secure in trusting the team you are working with, a lot of my process, the importance of the text... but most of all - you have to be the most excited person in the room. It's a privilege to be in a rehearsal room, and we must treasure it and be excited to be there. But, perhaps, even more than that might be my mother. Her hunger for art and her generosity of spirit is probably what shaped me in becoming who I am today. Even now at the age of 82, she is still curious about everything, and travels all across the city to watch whatever is playing. I still yearn to have her stamina and zest for life."

Varun Inamdar, Chef & Restaurateur

"Chef Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook fame was my earliest influence, an absolute master of culinary wizardry and magnetic showmanship. While in school, I grew up in awe of how he connected with his studio audience and with millions watching him through his show, and I shaped my own path by channelling culinary empathy by using easily available ingredients, geography bound substitutes, easier techniques, perfect recipes, no-secret-ingredients and to-the-point conversations not getting into story telling to reach food hearts. From idolising legends to now sharing deep, ongoing conversations with friend Chef Marco Pierre White, I’m reminded that the journey of a chef is as much about continued soulful dialogue with your gurus as it is about honing skills. That continued exchange keeps the fire alive."

Sandip Soparrkar, Ballroom Dancer & Choreographer

On the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima, I bow down with deep respect and gratitude to my ballroom dance guru, the legendary Polish ballroom dancer and teacher Ewa Maria Cherukuru. Her guidance, grace, and uncompromising discipline laid the very foundation of my dance journey. It was under her sharp eye and nurturing spirit that I understood the true essence of quality, poise, and storytelling through ballroom dance. She didn’t just teach me steps—she instilled in me the value of precision, partnership, elegance, and the courage to be original. Because of her, I could dream bigger, dance better, and represent Indian ballroom dance on global platforms. Her voice still echoes in my mind every time I step on stage—reminding me to glide, to feel, to honour the music, and to always dance with heart. Thank you, Ewa ma’am, for shaping me into the dancer I am today. I carry your teachings in every move I make.

Malishka, RJ and Actor

Oh, to have a single mentor a single Guru that would hand-hold you through every lesson in life! I’ve realised life gives you many gurus. Professionally I’ll tell you two. One unlikely guru was a finance guy at my first radio station who said content is king and consistency is the key to that kingdom. I never forget that. The other one was my ex PD saying ‘Let them first fall in love with you/get to know you and then show them your wild side’. Best advice ever considering I was about to break into song with a tambourine the very first day on the radio! I realise that this advice is sneaky (if you use it to manipulate so please don’t) and amazing at the same time.

--As told to Manasi Y Mastakar and Saachi Shinde