When Sidharth Shukla recalled financial struggles after his father's death and revealed, 'Mom was our rock and never showed vulnerability'

Sidharth Shukla was a well-known name in the world of showbiz. After winning Bigg Boss 13, the actor reached newer levels of success and fame. His fan following multiplied and so did the love that came his way. His sudden passing away last year, thus, sent shockwaves in the industry and across the country. And on his birthday today (December 12), here's looking at the emotional side of the actor who was known for his macho looks. In this old interview, he spoke about his family and how his mom was his rock in tough times. (Excerpts from Humans Of Bombay) (Photo: Instagram)

Sidharth shared, "People know me as a man with a rough exterior. But I’ll always melt for my mom. Right from the time I was born, she’s been the most important person in my life. I was the youngest of 3 kids & too small to play with my sisters, so I was always around mom. Back when I was a toddler, I’d cry if I had to go a second without her–so even while making rotis, she’d hold me in one hand & the roller in another!" (Photo: Instagram)

Sidharth revealed how he shared everything about his life with his mother. He said, "As I grew older, she became my best friend! Every time I came back home after playing, we’d talk about everything under the sun–while other kids were hiding things from their parents, I wanted to tell her all about my life! She’s taught me so much too–I was a naughty kid who’d get away with trouble. But when mom told me to always be honest, I immediately owned up to my mistakes." (Photo: Instagram)

Sidharth praised his mom for being a solid figure even after his father's death. He revealed, "When dad passed away 15 years ago, it felt like the umbrella over us had been taken away. But my mom was our rock–she never showed any signs of vulnerability. Despite our poor finances, she ran the house, looked after 3 kids & fulfilled all our demands! I know now that she must’ve had to sacrifice so much to give us what we wanted." (Photo: Instagram)

It was his mom who unconsciously helped him find his calling in life. He said, "She played a pivotal role in helping me find my passion. I used to act like the ‘cool guy’–so to ‘teach me a lesson’, she sent me for a modeling contest thinking I’d be put in my place! Funnily enough, I actually won! So, even on a subconscious level, she’s been a guiding force in my life." (Photo: Instagram)

Sidharth was rather okay revealing how much he missed his mother while he was doing Bigg Boss. He revealed, "I was on Big Boss & for the first time, I didn’t speak to her for months. I know it doesn’t sound too cool to say it at 39–but being away from her was the toughest part of the show. So, when I received a letter from her on set, I sat & read it in her voice–it felt like she was right next to me & that letter was a piece of her." (Photo: Instagram)

He concluded, "Every time she tells me she’s proud of me, I feel like the happiest man on earth, because I was able to put a smile on her face; a woman who means everything to me. Even today, she’s my anchor & never fails to give me her daily dose of advice–when I finally saw her on set after 3 long months, the first thing she told me was to stop wearing shorts all the time & to put on a pair of jeans!" (Photo: Instagram)