The first founder I knew.. (my grandma)

I've always said that starting up is madness and that I'm full of it. This was subliminally embedded into me since I took my first breath.

This post is not about me, but about the person that shaped and changed the journalism and entrepreneurial landscape of India. Madhuri Kotak, Madhuben as she was fondly called is and will remain Daaadi (grandma) that I called her at every step of my life.

My grandfather passed away at a very young age leaving Madhuben (Daadi) at the helm of Chitralekha . She probably played more roles than I know of or will ever know. She set onto the path of taking the company to greater heights and inspiring others with her ever smiling persona every step of her journey. From being India's first lady press photographer to co-founding the company with Vaju Kotak (Daada) who is a legend.?

She hated limelight, I know hate is strong word. She probably just wanted her work to have an impact on the industry in silence. Every event where she was to be a part of, every award she was to receive, believe you me - she did not want to go and for most of them she didn't go either. I know this for a fact and saw that with my own eyes on countless occasions as she'd send me, my cousins or have us alongside her.

Despite the above, she got me into public speaking, body language etc. Quite contradicting - right? I would follow her to interviews she took to being a photographer for celebrities which she'd then print in Jee Magazine. Till today, I haven't improved much in photography - my wife is proof of that.

Till the age of 89, she'd attend office for work and inspire invisibly. Often I'd go visit her and talk to her about what I was up to. Inquisitive as always and the hunger to learn surprised not just me, but everyone who she met and interacted with. For people who asked me, where do I get my energy and zest from, you now know!

There were times we argued, times we didn't speak for months on end. Times we didn't see each other - I now realise what an idiot I have been. In more ways than one, I was able to carve my own identity is thanks to her and my parents.

On the 4th I came to Mumbai for work, 5th morning I went to check in on her with Mum and my wife. She was in excruciating pain and had immense trouble breathing; despite that she complained of me not being there sooner and asked me to shave off my beard (she hated it). She didn't let go of me and my wife's hand till the caretaker asked her to rest.?

We exchanged smiles and I promised her I'll be back the next day since I had to go for a few meetings and then to an event where I was speaking at. On my way back from the event - I got the news and was shattered to bits. Didn't know what to do nor say. If this was me, I can only imagine what Papa and Mum are going through.

PM of India, Shri Narendra Modi tweeted one of the best eulogy to encapsulate Daadi's journey, I'll share the link and translate here too;

"Saddened by the demise of Madhuriben Kotak from the Chitralekha family. Her passing is a great loss to the reading world. Prayers for the peace of her soul and condolences to the bereaved family and the large readership.. Om Shanti!"

Now you see where I'm coming from, she was and will remain a legend to the world. Till we meet again, Daadi - lots more to catch up over Chai and Parle G about how hard I'm trying to be a % of what you and Daada did for us, your family!