On Teacher’s Day, Mumbai Mirror asks celebs from the entertainment industry to look back on the people who have mentored them in their professional journeys. From colleagues and co-stars to directors and industry seniors, they tell us who has been their greatest teacher and the lessons they continue to carry with them.Shakti Arora: The person I consider my greatest teacher and mentor is my grandfather, Chandrashekhar VaidyaThe person I consider my greatest teacher and mentor is my grandfather, Chandrashekhar Vaidya. He was not just someone I looked up to as an actor, but someone from whom I learnt invaluable lessons about life, work, relationships and, most importantly, about being a good human being. He taught me a lot about acting and the craft, but beyond that, he taught me how to conduct myself, how to handle success and failure, how to maintain my personality and dignity, and how to constantly keep learning and evolving. One thing he would always say was, “Zindagi ek pathshala hai” — life is a school. I have carried that thought with me throughout my journey. No matter how much you achieve, there is always something new to learn, and every person and every experience can teach you something.Shiny Doshi: What makes Ekta a great teacher, even beyond the work itself, is the way she approaches her craftFor me, it has to be Ekta Kapoor ma’am. I grew up watching her television shows, and there was always a part of me that dreamed of one day being a part of that world. In many ways, she was one of the reasons I wanted to become an actor and enter television. What makes her such a great teacher, even beyond the work itself, is the way she approaches her craft. Her vision, her work ethic, and the sheer conviction with which she creates something are incredibly inspiring. Watching her has taught me that success is not just about talent; it is also about discipline, consistency, and having the courage to trust your own vision. I feel very fortunate that someone I once looked up to from a distance became someone I could actually work with. on my journey so special. She didn’t just inspire the actor I wanted to become; she also showed me the kind of dedication and passion I want to bring to my own work.Riddhima Pandit: I started my acting journey with Nadira BabbarjiCan I say that there isn’t one particular person who is my teacher? For example, when I was new, I didn’t know anything about being on a set. My first DOP ever was Vikas Sivaraman. He is one of the biggest and most senior DOPs. He taught me about the right angles and helped me understand lighting. When it came to makeup, one of the first makeup artistes I worked with was Vipul Bhagat. He taught me the basics of makeup. I started my acting journey with Nadira Babbarji. She was our guru and is one of the biggest names in Hindi theatre. But I am an amalgamation, as an actor, of all the people I have worked with.