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`She could have been your girl'

Aarti Agarwal's father Shashank speaks for the first time after his daughter's accident

FATHER'S WORD Aarti's father says her mishap has been blown out of proportion

Aarti has experienced so many tribulations and tumults at such a young age that documenting her journey in the film industry would be a cathartic experience. While she lies undisturbed and oblivious of bodily pain, an emotional and embittered father waits for the nightmare to end.

The media onslaught made matters worse, leading to intense speculation on the actor's condition, her future in films and last but not the least, her father's so called involvement in the accident. In an exclusive interview, Shashank Agarwal, the father relives the horrendous experience of carrying his daughter to the hospital once again, with a prayer on his lips and hope in his heart. Shashank Agarwal, in conversation with Metro Plus relives the trauma:

He says, "She just slipped and reported slight pain. She said she would see the doctor only if she doesn't get better. The next morning, when we summoned the family doctor he asked us to rush her to the hospital and she slipped into a coma in the ambulance itself. That she survived is a miracle. I thank all the doctors who have given her life and the film industry and fans who have extended their moral support."

Shashank wishes the media had been a little more sensitive and charitable in their remarks. "They have blown the whole thing out of proportion. None of us were inebriated and my wife was in Mumbai at the time of mishap. The watchman who is supposed to have triggered these doubts is actually senile. Aarti has not been working out for some time and preferred using the stairs and also insists that I do the same. Another story has it that she has an estranged relationship with her mum and wants to return to the US. If at all there is a problem with her mother, she should insist on staying here. Just wait for Aarti to speak and you guys will find out if I had harmed her."

An emotionally drained father adds, "She came here in 1999 without family support, to see her dreams materialise. Withover 20 hits to her credit, one expects nothing in return except to be left alone in peace at this juncture." Question him about her relationship with Tarun, Shashank shows no restraint, "Who am I to comment on this issue? They both are mature people and are good friends. If they want to continue or call off a relationship it's their choice." As a parting shot, Shashank says, "Watch her film Andala Ramudu. There is so much fire and talent in her. No one compelled her to take up this job in India and even now it's entirely her decision. Don't demoralise her and write her career obituary, she could have been your girl." While Shashank and his family hover around her bed, a group of fans are shooed out by the security. It seems like it will be a while before Aarti dons the greasepaint for the cameras and more important, put to rest many a rumour.

Y. SUNITA CHOWDHARY

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