Sachin Pilgaonkar recalled receiving his first National Award in 1963, where Nehru broke protocol to bless him, placing a rose on his sherwani and saying, “You will become very big.”
Pune | 22 July, 2025: Actor Sachin Pilgaonkar, a beloved name in Indian cinema, recently recalled a cherished childhood memory that’s capturing hearts all over again. Starting his acting career at just four years old, Sachin starred as a child artist in his debut Marathi film “This Is My Path Alone”, which went on to win a National Award in 1963.
Speaking on The Kapil Sharma Show, Sachin shared the emotional story of his first major recognition — and a rare moment with India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Sachin, who was only five at the time, had traveled to Delhi to receive the award from Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, then the President of India.
Recalling the moment, Sachin said, “My mother had stitched a black sherwani for me and brought me special shoes. I was so excited. But when my name was called, the audience expected a 12–13-year-old boy. They were stunned to see someone so tiny walk up!”
As the ceremony unfolded, Sachin bowed before Nehru as a sign of respect and began to walk away — but then came a voice: “Listen…” It was Pandit Nehru himself, calling him back.
Breaking the usual protocol, Nehru picked up little Sachin and made him sit on his lap. He then gently took the iconic rose from his own coat and pinned it to the boy’s sherwani. With a warm smile and a gentle pat on the back, Nehru said, “Go… you will become very big.”
Sachin added emotionally, “After this, I ran to my mother… she was crying. I didn’t understand why then — but today, I do.”
This nostalgic tale not only celebrates the early life of a seasoned artist but also reflects the heartfelt warmth of a historical figure whose blessing became a lasting memory.
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