MUMBAI: This Father’s Day, actress Varsha Hegde has opened her heart to share a touching tribute to her father, expressing the deep bond and admiration she holds for him. In a heartfelt message, Varsha described her father, Vasant, as her hero, first love, and forever love, reflecting on the immense impact he has had on her life and career.

“I cannot imagine my life without my dad. He is my hero, my first love, and my forever love. I have never witnessed, seen, or felt anyone loving me or caring for me as much as my dad does. He is simply magic,” Varsha shared.

Varsha highlighted her father's uncanny ability to understand her emotions, saying, “Whether I'm stressed or happy, he can read my expression and tell what's going on in my life. He knows when I'm upset, happy, or overwhelmed. He is my lifeline. I am a typical daddy's girl.”

Reflecting on the values her father instilled in her, Varsha noted, “I have learned to be a very honest person from him. He is truthful, and I never lie because my dad never lies. Today, I am honest, true, and straightforward, and it's all thanks to my dad's influence during my growing up years.”

Her father's expressive nature and their special connection were also highlighted. “When I don’t call him for a day, he immediately calls back and asks me why I didn’t. The way he expresses his love for me is magical. He is very expressive and makes my day beautiful,” Varsha remarked.

In a nostalgic recollection, Varsha shared how her father named her, inspired by his own name, Vasant. “Movies like Gunjan Saxena were amazing and I was even named after my dad as his name is Vasant, so when I was born he named me Varsha,” she said.

Varsha also reminisced about the cherished moments from her childhood, including the songs and movies they enjoyed together. “When I was small, my dad used to sing this song to me – 'Tu Mera Dil, Tu Meri Jaan' and 'Papa Kehta Hai'. We had our share of movies and songs that we loved to watch together. Also, the film 'Akele Hum Akele Tum' was amazing.”

Her father’s creative side shone through during times when her mother was away. “When my mom used to be out somewhere, my dad used to cook for us and he used to make so many creative dishes for me and my sister so we would eat properly,” Varsha recalled.

This Father’s Day, Varsha plans to celebrate by treating her father to a movie date and shopping, combining two of his favorite activities. “This Father’s Day I would take my dad for a movie date and for shopping as he is a big Bollywood movie buff,” she said.

Despite being around 75 years old, Vasant Hegde’s dedication to fitness remains an inspiration for Varsha. “He works out regularly and keeps a check on his diet. He is a very fitness freak dad who can jog with me and work out with me. Me and him cooking together or working out or watching a movie together makes him very happy,” she shared.

Varsha credits her entry into the film industry to her father's unwavering belief in her capabilities. “Taking him out for a movie is his best day and I came into this industry as my dad has always manifested to see his daughter on screen and he thought I was so capable to work as an actress in movies and I hope I make his dream come true,” she concluded.