DU’s farewell season: Bollywood celebs look back at their college days

It’s that time of the year again — farewell season for the graduating students of various Delhi University (DU) colleges. And that means some lasts and a lot of new firsts for them. HT City speaks to some celeb alumni about their favourite memories of their college days and one advice that they’d like to give to the final year students.

Nimrat Kaur, Shri Ram College of Commerce: I went back to college as chief guest and that was great

Nimrat Kaur, an SRCC graduate, says her favourite college memories are related to food. (Waseem Gashroo/HT Photo)

My favourite memories from college days are related to food. I graduated from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), and there was at that time a small stall near the football field, run by Irfan chacha. We used to go and sit there and he used to make the most delicious maggi I’ve had till date. We would often go there between lectures, and that’s something that I will always remember. I did go back there as a chief guest and it was great to be there in that capacity. I went back to Irfan chacha, sat there for a while and ate some food – thought it wasn’t magi.

When you step out in the real world, there’s nothing which and no one who can prepare you for that. You’re out in the wild country and you are on your own, mostly... there’s no looking back from there. One should always keep the faith and never let any adversity get the better of oneself. Materialistic symbols are very attractive when you are straight out of college, but do not look for shortcuts for a quick buck.

Minissha Lamba, Miranda House: Missing U-Special was semi-hell

For Miranda House graduate Minisha Lamba, the most special memories are of taking the U-special bus.

My most favourite memories have been of the U-special bus! It was a great place to make new friends. And if one missed the bus, then life was semi-hell getting to and back from North campus .. all the way back to GK -1, where I used to stay. As for a suggestion, I’d say that you must go to college as much as possible... it’s these days that you will cherish forever.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Shri Ram College of Commerce: Rang De Basanti came out of my DU days

Director Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra says Rang De Basanti came out of his days at SRCC, DU. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

One of the most exciting times of my life and my foundation was laid in Delhi University. It was a very vibrant environment, both academically, politically for sports and everything else. And that led me to make choices as I went forward. So I made a Rang De Basanti, it came out of my DU days. And thought processes and all the characters I borrowed from my friends in the university. Each boy I wrote was about my friends or a combination of their traits. Going to college everyday was something we really looked forward to. It was a period of huge interaction. Not only in the classrooms, but also outside the classroom, we talked and debated about the country, the affairs, were we’re headed and all that. And the great thing about DU is the North campus. You took admission in one college but by default you’re a part of 12 colleges so you’re free walking in and out of all colleges.

When you’re graduating, you’re always in a hurry to get on with life. Your job placements, what’s going to happen, I would like to dispel all that. Don’t be in a hurry. Getting a degree isn’t about job security or career, that you’ll find any which way. Travel abroad, meet people, give yourself time. Education is not something wghich ends up graduating, your syllabus, yes, put your best foot forward but that’s just a part of it. Not all of it. Over and above that is to keep the idea of learning. As you leave DU, you’ll enter the uni of life and that’s more important. Don’t be in a hurry, don’t pressurise yourself. Yes, you need a job but that’s not the end of it.

Mallika Sherawat, Miranda House: Be bold, be courageous

Mallika Sherawat is a Miranda House graduate. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

My favourite memory is having Chaat outside Miranda House. It’s the best chaat in the country! Yummmy. And for advice, I’d like to say that it’s the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Don’t buy society’s definition of success! Do all the things you have dreamt of , the ambitious things — travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love. Be bold, be courageous, be your BEST.

Richa Chadha, St Stephen’s College: My years in college were a lot of fun

Richa Chadda, who studied in St Stephen’s College, loved hanging out with her college friends.

My years in college were a lot of fun. I made a lot of friends and had a hectic life even outside of college, because I had started doing theatre and dancing and a bit of modelling. I loved hanging out with my friends. And even though we’re all in different parts of the world now, whenever we meet it’s like nothing has changed. And to all you graduating students, remember to work smart and have fun.

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