Cooking, fashion designing, organising drama shows, feeding stray dogs, running community clubs and groups – Mumbai-based mother Devyani Kothari isn’t one to give up on her creative interests even at the age of 75.
After she got divorced over 50 years ago, at a time when it was still taboo, her family’s support empowered her personally and professionally.
“It was a love marriage. I was very young and divorced him within a year of marriage. Getting divorced back then was a taboo. People would comment, but I didn’t care. The society doesn’t feed us, it only talks,” she shares.
While she didn’t get married again, Kothari adopted one of her brother’s twin sons and brought him up. “His love became the purpose of my life and kept me going,” she expresses.
“My brother once said that Devaki Ma gave birth to Lord Krishna, but Yashoda Ma brought him up. So, you are like Yashoda Ma,” the mother of one reflects.
While her family was incredibly supportive after her divorce, she saw her mother and brother struggle after her father passed away. “That’s when I decided I wanted to work and support them. I worked hard and proved myself,” the Vile-Parle resident states.
Kothari pursued several jobs, primarily at apparel stores, and learnt the tricks of the trade. Eventually, she started her own business. “I used to design a range of things from sarees to home linen. I am not educated but using my creativity. I would design prints on paper and send for stitching,” she reveals.
But her creativity, passion and purpose couldn’t be restricted to one thing. Over the years, she has not only been a home chef but also a drama show organiser. “I cook dishes on order. Ladoo and Shrikhand are especially popular,” Kothari states. Sharing more about her drama group, she says, “I have been organising drama shows for the past 35 years, bringing exceptional work of theatre to my group members. Because I love feeding people, I also offer complimentary snacks at these shows. I have received a lot of blessings from people of the group. I also run a housie club and kitty party groups,” she shares excitedly.
While these pursuits keep her busy, what she finds the most joy in is feeding stray dogs every day. “I wake up at 5 am every day, finish all the food orders by 7 am, and then feed stray dogs,” Kothari reveals.
Her son and daughter-in-law are well-settled, and she is also a grandmother, but Kothari refuses to let go of her individual interests which have shaped her identity and continues to dream further.
“When my family asks me to rest, I always tell them that Dhirubhai Ambani also had money, but he still worked every day. If I work, I’ll be able to help others. I am planning to start a musical group now. And I really want to build a home for stray dogs,” she concludes.
