Today is the birth anniversary of my father-in-law late Shri Surendra Nath Kaul. Many know him as the writer of ‘Namak Halal’, few others recognise him as the first cousin of the late Raaj Kumar. To my husband and me he was just ‘Dad’..our hero.
I miss him dearly. A friend who over endless cups of tea gave me the most enchanting, delightful. enlightening stories that enriched my life and made me look up to him with awe and wonder. A huge personality who lived life on his own terms, looking it squarely in the face and facing it all on the chin.May his soul rest in everlasting peace.
Please read my husbands tribute to him here.
Sachiniti 
Kaveetaa ji ..What a fabulous face. He looks like a Hollywood star. I think after readin on your husbands blog of him you both were blessed to have been his family.
Comment by Jatin Lall — February 5, 2010 @ 9:50 pm |
Absolutely Jatin ji. Dad and his personality will always remain an inspiration.
Comment by Kaveetaa Kaul — February 8, 2010 @ 11:36 am |
Gosh!!!!what looks. and namak halals dialogues are just superb. You guys must be really missing him. And your mom in law?
Comment by Neha — February 6, 2010 @ 7:47 am |
Neha..if only youd met him personally even when he wasnt as young youd been floored. He was a body builder at a time when gyms were unheard of. His biceps were 24 inches and I remember my kids asking him. Dadaji become Superman and show no”.
And that loving and kind smile and wonderful voice. He used to solve the TOI cryptic crossword everyday. Can you imagine?
Comment by Kaveetaa Kaul — February 8, 2010 @ 11:38 am |
I remember to have met him once in Bombay with Premji.
Comment by B K CHOWLA — February 6, 2010 @ 7:02 pm |
Oh Really Chowla ji. You have met him? Who is Premji?
Comment by Kaveetaa Kaul — February 8, 2010 @ 11:39 am |
Premji was a producer himself
Do you remember a film called Mera Saaya?
Comment by B K CHOWLA — February 8, 2010 @ 12:42 pm |
Oh ..Ok. Yes I do remember the film. It had wonderful songs by Madan Mohan and a stupendous story. If I am not mistaken it was directed by Raj Khosla.
Comment by Kaveetaa Kaul — February 8, 2010 @ 2:01 pm |
Kavita,
Thanks for sharing with us, believe it or not this is one movie I have seen in the theater and on the video I have lost the count of it.
This one of my the favorite movie so far. Like Jatin Ji said you both were blessed to have been part of his life.
My best wishes to you and to your family. One more thing I would like to point out I am big fan of your Sachiniti as well.
Thanks
Qwest
Comment by Bob Chowdhury — February 7, 2010 @ 5:05 am |
Bob ..you are so kind. Thanks a lot for your warm and encouraging words.
Comment by Kaveetaa Kaul — February 8, 2010 @ 11:40 am |
I had known him since I was a kid. He was my dad’s first cousin. Grew up with my Dad in Nagpur,where his father ( we call Kaptaan daddy ) was I believe DIG police. Surendra Bhai’s younger brother Ravi bhai was the wild one..My dad used to say that I was like Ravi Bhai..carefree & wild. University was a one big party for me. I have been living in the uS for last 48 years. Have lost touch with all the old relatives. It is so nice to see your blog. Keep up the good work.
Surendra Bhai was with Mahesh Kaul for many years. I used to see him at Ranjit Studios whenever I came to Bombay. He was a very hard working & intelligent man. He should have been a big star in Bollywood. But life is so short & passes so fast & success becomes a fleeting moment.
Comment by Vijay Kaul — April 7, 2010 @ 10:41 am |
Oh but its is wonderful to hear from You Vijay. How lucky that you could meet Dad in the days when he was with “Mahesh Bhai’ as he used to refer to him. Yes Vijay Dad deserved so much more. He was so multi faceted and multi talented. But I am sure he is evolving even further to greater heights on another plane.After all death is only of the body.
I didnt have the opportunity of meeting with Ravi uncle..but Dad spoke of him ever so often. Other relatives in India like Rahul Bhai are in touch with Ravi Uncles son, who I believe now is an eminent surgeon in NY. My daughter too is married and settled in NY.
Thanks for the kind words on my blog. Do keep dropping in often.
Comment by Kaveetaa Kaul — April 8, 2010 @ 5:30 pm |