An ode to Kulsum

Kulsum with Shahnaz Khushi. Photo: Collected from Facebook

Renowned actor Shahnaz Khushi paid a wonderful tribute to Kulsum, her house-help, who took care of her family for nine long years, through a social media post. Kulsum passed away recently, after a post appendicitis surgery.

 "Life has taught me a new definition of relationship. I hold it higher than a blood relationship. Although we didn't share a blood relationship, we were definitely connected through our souls. We love you very much Kulsum, I will remember you forever. I tried to give you the right respect, you have given me infinite love. Wherever you are, rest in peace," Shahnaz Khushi wrote in her post.

Kulsum's demise also impacted renowned actor Chanchal Chowdhury, a family friend of Shahnaz Khushi. He paid his respect to her on social media.

"Kulsum knew that I like hot porotas and fried eggs. She knew how much sugar I liked in my tea.  She knew the amount of cold water to mix in my glass of water. Kulsum used to call me bhaiya. she ushered me with immense love and respect. Kulsum was not related to me by blood, but she was more than that," he wrote in a Facebook post.

It is not uncommon for people to show love and respect for their domestic workers, but when our celebrities share such heartfelt stories of love and bonding, it shines a ray of hope for people to practice compassion for each other.

The author is an art researcher and writer in the making. Email: priyanka.chowdhury@gmail.com.