More friends than siblings!

As many would agree, brothers and sisters tend to be at loggerheads when growing up. But, later, they start realising that they don’t only have a shoulder to lean on, but also a best friend in each other. So how special the bond is and how important a role the siblings play, especially when they’ve taken different career paths? This Raksha Bandhan, a few K’town celebs open up about their off the filmy limelight siblings.

Priyamani
I  share a very good bond with my elder brother Vishak. Right from the beginning of my film career, my mother used to accompany me to the shooting spots. We would always be out, with only two men — my dad and my brother — at home. But, he had never complained at any point of time and they (dad and brother) pulled off the household chores with aplomb! Vishal is happy for me, my growth, and is always encouraging. I’ve  had important discussions with him whenever it is required and he is open to ideas. We also fight at times, but it has never lasted long. He is a ‘gadget guru’ and whenever I have any problem with my electronic stuff, he is there to clear it in a jiffy.

Many times, we travel abroad as a family and if I go alone, I would get a lot of gifts for him as I know his tastes!

Vishal
More than brother-brother bonding, brother-sister bonding is very special for me. My sister Aishwarya is my best critic — she’s very open about what’s good and bad. We discuss a lot of things including personal matters. She is also my guiding force and, in fact, a second mother at home!

She even made a surprise visit by coming all the way to Pichavaram (where Vishal is currently shooting for Thupparivaalan) just for tying the Rakhi! It was a heartwarming moment. She is very level headed and a controlled person. After seeing her management skills, I started the V Music label for her and she is managing it extremely well. The only thing that bothers me is that Aishu is getting married soon and we are going to miss her so much!

Tamannaah
I  guess brother-sister bonding signifies a true reflection of our culture. In our country, relations are cherished like a religion. I pray for my brother Anand’s well-being while he protects me all the time, so it helps to build a healthy family relationship.

Raksha Bandhan encompasses all the little fights we had, and this day just encapsulates all those things that make me nostalgic. We had great childhood memories, and I remember friends, my brother and I used to hangout and watch films together. The celebrations were the same even after I became an actress. He is working as a doctor in the US — though he is staying there, I make sure that I send Rakhi to him every time! He too never misses to tie it.

Sibiraj
She’s my best friend! Right from my school days, I’ve always shared my personal matters first with my sister, Divya Sathyaraj, only — be it about my love or my desire to act, she’s the first one to know it.

Generally, if you’re discussing an important topic or about taking a decision, people only get sceptical in the beginning. But my sister is not like that — she has an optimistic point-of-view towards everything. Even today, whenever I’m listening to any script, I share it with my sister if I’m in a dilemma whether to take it up or not.  Since she’s a prominent nutritionist, she makes sure I eat and look right. I’ve come a long way from being a chubby boy in Student No.1 to a fit man — mainly because of her guidance!

(With inputs from Sashidhar Adivi and Balajee C R)