Last birthday with my father was unforgettable - Tisha

With a few acclaimed film performances behind her, versatile actor Tisha is a celebrated face in the showbiz world. With a successful modeling career as well as being an actor of the big and small screens, her popularity has been growing steadily over the years. Today marks a very special day for the star as it is her birthday, and in a recent conversation with The Daily Star, Tisha shared her plans for the occasion, as well as memorable birthday stories.

“To be honest, I don't have big plans for the day. It is a day that fills me with great joy every year, but I've stopped having grand celebrations since the demise of my father. While he was alive, we would make big plans and have fun together. 

“When father was alive, we would begin festivities the day before which would continue to the next day. All birthdays were a two-day celebratory occasion, and I will never forget how we observed it each year. 

“The last birthday I spent with him is something I shall never forget. He gave me an apartment as a birthday present, and that was his last grand gesture for me. My father's absence is a constant painful reminder, and I miss him all the time. However, in my heart I feel his presence, blessing me from afar. I miss him the most on my birthdays.

“Since my marriage, my husband (filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki) goes out of his way to make each birthday memorable. Last year, he tried his hardest to surprise me, but his plans were foiled when I found out. I found it quite funny, but his efforts touched me. He gives me wonderful presents every year which I love.

“There were times when my birthdays coincided with shooting schedules. My husband bought a cake and waited for me at home which meant a lot to me. We cut the cake together when I returned home, and the wait was worth it.

“Although I love receiving presents, nothing makes me happier than someone keeping me in their prayers on the day. It doesn't take a lot to make me happy. 

“My childhood birthday celebrations are still etched in my mind. On those days all my friends from school were invited and we would have a lot of fun and games. My parents would arrange an elaborate meal and it was all quite grand.

“I'd like to share something interesting outside birthdays. When I was a child, I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up. I don't regret it as my goals changed over the years and I aspired to become a painter, and then a dancer. Now finally, I am an actor, and I believe this was the destiny God intended for me, and I am very content with what I have.

“I don't believe in planning for the future, as no one knows what will happen 10 or 20 years down the road. I live for the present, and it is __more important to be a good human being. If you commit yourself to doing good, good things will happen. 

“I would like to leave my fans with one wish. I hope that you all keep me in your prayers on my birthday, and be charitable to others, especially those that are less fortunate. Nothing will make me happier than this.”