The Role of Self-Confidence According to Pratibha Shahu Modak
A life mantra shared by poet, astrologer, and social worker Pratibha Shahu Modak
PUNE: In life, gurus and books serve only as guides. Ultimately, it is you who must face every situation. That is why self-confidence is the essential tool for having a rightful life, said poet, astrologer, and social worker Pratibha Shahu Modak, wife of the renowned actor Shahu Modak, as she shared her mantra for living life.
The occasion was an open interview titled “Me Pratibha Shahu Modak” organized by the Hindu Mahila Sabha in Pune. The program took place at the S.M. Joshi Auditorium in Navi Peth, where well-known anchor Vinaya Desai conducted the interview. The President of Hindu Mahila Sabha, Supriya Damle, along with the members of the organization, were present at the program. Through this program, Pratibha Shahu Modak unveiled her life journey from being a Jain Sadhvi to becoming a wife.
Speaking about her birth in a middle-class family, Modak recalled her father’s reaction upon her birth, saying, “My father’s first response was disappointment—he felt like he had picked up a stone instead of a diamond, as he would have had to give dowry for a daughter. But when I was born, he found a pot of silver coins at the place where my umbilical cord was buried, which brought wealth into the home. Because of that, I was named Shanti.”
Later, after witnessing the suffering her elder sister faced during childbirth, she decided never to marry. In Jainism, the two options for a woman were either to marry and go to her husband’s house or to become a sadhvi. So, she chose to become a sadhvi. “However, while living in the ashram, I often felt like I was betraying myself. Eventually, I left the ashram. Later, I married Shahu Modak and experienced the journey from a sadhvi to a wife,” Modak shared.
“Shahu Modak always saw me as his strength. He loved me deeply but also gave me equal status, dignity, and respect. He was truly a divine soul. That, to me, has always been more valuable than any award,” Modak expressed warmly.
“He had told me after I passed away, live in Pune instead of Mumbai. You will find belongingness, soulful people, social stability, and inner satisfaction.” She added that the people of Pune have upheld Shahu Modak’s faith in this city.
“All of us carry many thoughts in our minds. When an incident occurs, we must decide how much attention we want to give it. Whether to burn in hatred or remain detached and unaffected is a decision each individual must make. Try to keep your mind clean during this process. Be cautious that your thoughts do not negatively impact your body,” Modak advised lovingly. “I understood the essence of life more in my husband’s companionship than in the spiritual knowledge I gained as a sadhvi. That’s why I always remember him,” Modak expressed with emotion.
She also shared memories of her life as a sadhvi, the love she received from people, and the film world she experienced closely as Shahu Modak’s wife. Supriya Damle gave the welcome address for the event, and Vandana Joglekar anchored the program.
About Author
