Minissha Lamba
We all love our Bollywood stars and love to know more about them. And when the star is a dog lover, we just can’t help getting closer! While sniffing for a celeb dog lover, we met Minissha Lamba and you would be glad to know that this beauty is really a doggy person – just like you and me…. Here’s what Minissha shares about her pet love Misty.
Minissha and Misty Minissha Lamba, the bubbly Bollywood star, was born in Kashmir. She is a graduate in English literature and initially aspired to be a journalist, her idol being CNN international correspondent Christiane Amanpour. She featured in Cadbury’s ad, which resulted in her bagging the main lead opposite Jimmy Shergill in the film Yahaan. Nominated as most promising newcomer in 2006 by the Screen Awards, she also portrayed a journalist in the film Shaurya. She is currently awaiting the release of her first film with legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal. She will be seen in a completely new avatar as she plays role of a naughty village belle in Aaba Ka Kaun.
With her bubbly disposition and positive attitude, she is a perfect combination of beauty with brains. Outspoken and devoted to her work, she is also a perfect star mom to her long time companion Misty, an active and loving Tibetan Terrier.
My first pet…
My parents introduced us to the absolute joy of having a little furry family member in the home when they got us Lucky, a cute little Lhasa Apso. However, he did not stay with us very long as he was unable to survive a nasty bout of diarrhea. His untimely death after only spending six months with us left my mother very heart broken and she vowed never to get so attached to another canine ever again. Though my brother and I missed our puppy, we were at that age when it was easy to get over grief, so we persevered and finally convinced our parents to allow us to bring home another bundle of unconditional love.
My love – Misty…
My brother Karan had gone to kennels and as pre-decided he was going to bring home the pup that was the boldest out of the litter. That is how my pure white Misty, a holy dog by legend, a Tibetan Terrier, chose us as her future family. It’s been the best thirteen years of my life and she has proven to be the most loving companion that I could ever ask for.… And I know she feels exactly the same.
My pets and me…
Besides Lucky who is in doggy heaven and Misty who lives with me in Mumbai, we did adopt many stray cats who would walk in and out of our house whenever they pleased.
Since we have had only two faithful companions during my lifetime, it’s natural that I have beautiful memories of Lucky. My bond with Misty has lasted for most of my growing years and into my adulthood. She is and will always be my first priority, besides my career. She completely understands all my emotions and I am sure every pet parent will agree that our pets have an inexplicable ability to sense our human feelings.
Sweet memories…
While most dogs love to chase cars and bikes, Misty has set her sights very high. During our stay in Kashmir, we had a huge lawn which she valiantly defended against any impending attacks. She would chase the Governor’s helicopter every time it took off and landed and it was quite funny to watch this tiny snow white TT trying to down a huge, noisy two-tonne steel bird…Must give her credit for her perseverance.
Our vacations together…
Since Misty is prone to motion sickness I avoid taking her on any vacations that involve extensive travel. However, she has jet-setted with us all over the country when my dad had to relocate due to his postings in Chennai, Delhi, Shimla and Goa. In fact, she is in Goa right now as I am away on a month -long shooting schedule while my parents are taking care of her.
Prim and proper- that’s how my Misty is…
Misty is a very well behaved TT and has better manners than some humans I know. If she has an emergency and has not been able to go out, Misty will use the ladies room as appropriately as it should be, though of course I must be on hand to do the washing up.
Everything I do, I do it with you…
There is not a single move I can make without Misty checking up on me. She definitely makes up for all the time I spend away from her, constantly following me around the house. We catch up on the latest films and go out for drives together. I prefer to stay home and invite my friends over as Misty loves people around the house. She happily participates in all the fun and loves the sound of chatter and music. Initially my friends were quite exasperated with my devotion to her, but with time they have come to accept the fact that my world revolves around Misty. I don’t make any compromises as far as her comfort and freedom go, which is why I rather have dog-friendly people over as opposed to locking her up to appease someone who is not a dog lover.
And guess what, she’s with me even when I am upto some prank. Sometimes I sneak upto the fridge to indulge myself in a midnight snack and when I reach for some goodies, guess who is on my tail, … am left with no choice but to put a little bit into her mouth, too. And then she’s back to that look again!
Misty loves to…
Track my every move, including clandestine visits to the refrigerator, ice-cream trips and keeping abreast of all the latest films.
Qualities I love about her…
Her outgoing and social nature. Besides, I simply love her welcome dance on a very slippery marble floor, even if I have returned home after an hour.
Her annoying habits…
Misty has an affinity for the most foul smelling garbage bins and more so on the days when she has just been bathed and groomed.
Taking proper care…
Inspite of being quite advanced in years, touchwood she is a very agile and active little terrier. I ensure that she gets enough exercise and I pay special attention to her diet. Being a complete non-vegetarian she will turn her nose up, if she does not get her favourite chicken or mutton, along with rotis and veggies. I avoid giving her rice as she tends to mess up her face.
Her favorite foods…
Cheese, chicken, mutton and Vitamin C…
Tips for dog lovers…
I don’t advocate this notion of ‘gifting a puppy’. They are loving living beings with the same emotional and physical needs as a human baby. There are a lot of factors to consider when assuming responsibility for another life and a pet parent must be fully aware of all the adjustments required to make such a commitment.