Samyukta Hornad pens heartfelt note to her dear departed grandmother, actress Bhargavi Narayan

Veteran theatre and film actress Bhargavi Narayan passed away on February 14, following age-related complications. She was 84, at the time of her passing. Days before her death, Bhargavi had accompanied her granddaughter Samyukta Hornad, to fill out the forms at a Bengaluru city hospital for body donation, following in the footsteps of her late husband, Belavadi Nanjundaiah Narayana, a.k.a. Makeup Nani. In deference to her wish, the family donated Bhargavi’s mortal remains to science. Samyukta, who was known to be quite close to her grandmother, affectionately referring to her as her ‘Ajji Bhajji’ took to social media to let her followers know of these developments, but also posted a heartfelt note about the impact her grandmother had on her.

Along with a bunch of images with her late grandmother, Samyukta wrote, "The greatest journey in my life has been my relationship with my ajji… she has been the single largest influence in my life.

From stitching her own blouses, to drawing that perfectly round bindi on her magnificent face, my ajji Bhajji paved her own path and was brave enough to walk it. She owned everything she did, completely.

She lit up an entire venue with her fire; she was power, personified. And she knew it, everyone else around her knew it, but the reason she won hearts is because of her grace. She brought grace into eveything she did on and off the screen, she was the greatest feminine force, a sight to behold.

My ajji was my first director, I was six when she directed my first play, Undadi Gunda, she was the boss, the captain… and led in such a manner that everyone would follow her, voluntarily. She would lead from the front, she used to build people up, and encourage them to be the best version of themselves and you couldn't help but fall in love with her.

I used to follow her everywhere, I wanted to do everything she did, just like everyone else. She was that charismatic. I used to watch her, and my ajja- Make up Nani- have the audience erupting with laughter. My ajji, in her inimitable style, used to walk up on stage, take the mic and begin by cracking a joke about herself and at life. Everyone would just laugh with her, I realise now that it’s only when you have understood and love life and when you have understood and love yourself that you can find the strength to understand, love and laugh at yourself. My ajji had mastered that skill. So, more than acting, directing and singing what I learnt from my ajji is how to be, how not to take life too seriously and to let go of things that you can’t control, and to focus on the things you can.

She had a gift, she left people she met a little softer and kinder with her generous smile and words. I think it’s what the world needs now. She was never judgemental, she just lived her life and that was very admirable. Its amazing how she'd inspire you, with seemingly no effort to want to be something like her.

My ajji Bhajji called me one morning and said “Samyu, I need you to drive me to the post office”. I asked her why and she said she had to submit her registration form for body donation to St. Johns. I said I’ll do it online and she doesn’t have to stress, as she was already very weak. She said if I don’t take her, she will walk up to the post office, that was said with such a tone of determination that I was sure she'd find a way or make one! I pleaded with her to wait a day, wondering whether she'd change her mind over night. The next day when I reached she was already waiting at the gate!

I can still clearly picture her, She was dressed in silk, with her perfectly round bindi, Kajal and even her favourite necklace, ready for anything. She looked like the ocean, beautiful, strong, ready and calm. I didn’t know if she knew that she this was going to be her last trip with me. It was like she was celebrating life, herself and this mission, I’m glad i had the privilege to do this last trip with her.

I was with her at St. John’s just two days back and while overcome with emotion I see how she was generous even in death, donating her body to science. How can anyone beat that? How can anyone keep giving even when they can't give any more? She looked so peaceful. It was important for me to be a part of this journey to St. John’s, I still yearn to be something like her. It’s all I know, it’s all I ever want to be, my greatest relationship has been my journey with my ajji.

She was a role model not just for her grandchildren and her family, but for all women, artists and everyone who crossed her path. A true feminist in every sense.

She is in my bones, in my veins, in my DNA, in my thoughts, my acts and so much more. I miss her but she is me in every part of my body, mind and soul. I want to make her proud, I just collected my forms for body donation. I’ll take one step at a time, not too soon, not too late, but I’ll get there, I promise. Being all I can be, for all I can be, for as long as I can be, just like my ajji.”