Behind every confident woman is a story—a journey shaped by love, lessons, and a tribe that stood by her. But at the heart of that story, more often than not, stands one woman—our first teacher, our silent strength, our mother.
They say God couldn’t be everywhere, so he created mothers. But I believe something more: I have seen God…I call her Amma.
The First Lesson in Leadership
Long before I ever walked into a film set or wrote my first line of dialogue, I saw leadership unfold right in my home.
Amma didn’t have a corner office or a corporate title. But she was the Director, Architect, and Chief Visionary Officer of our lives.
She raised five children, ran a household like clockwork, and still found time to smile, sing, and shine.
How she managed to do it all—run a home, a saree business, help with homework, manage the finances, make pickles, greet guests with warmth, and make us feel like the center of her universe—is still a mystery.
But she did it. Every single day. Wearing her trademark smile and an energy that lit up the whole house.
The Entrepreneur in a Cotton Saree
We didn’t grow up with luxury, but we never felt a lack of anything—because Amma made sure of that.
She began a small saree business from home, folding each piece with care, and speaking to her customers with warmth and honesty. Later, she quietly saved up to buy a sweater knitting machine—a big investment, made with small sacrifices.
That machine wasn’t just a tool—it was a symbol of her grit. With it, she started a small business, knitting sweaters and mufflers to bring in extra income. She didn’t wait for opportunities—she created them.
She was the CEO, CFO, and Chief Everything Officer—without ever needing a business card. Her dedication was her brand. Her integrity was her pitch.
And through it all, she stood shoulder to shoulder with my Appa—supporting him with unwavering commitment, never expecting praise or recognition. She took equal responsibility for the family, the finances, and the future—quietly, completely, and with grace.
A Heart Full of Song
And in between the hustle, she’d find joy in the simplest things. She loved old Hindi music, and her absolute favorite was:
“Zindagi ek safar hai suhana… yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana.”
That song wasn’t just a melody—it was her mantra. She lived each day with joy, curiosity, and courage, never taking anything for granted. And yes—she was a die-hard Rajesh Khanna fan. She adored his charm, his style, and the way he made the screen come alive. We often joked that if Kaka had walked into our house, she might’ve fainted.
My Story: Breaking the Mold
I’m Lakshmi R Iyer—the youngest of five. In our traditional South Indian home, the path was set: be safe, study hard, settle down.
But I had dreams of storytelling. Not just casually—but fiercely, fully, and without apology.
While others hesitated, Amma didn’t. She didn’t understand the world of cinema, but she understood me. That was enough.
When the world said, “Stay where it’s safe,” she said, “Go—I’ll be here if you fall.”
The Woman Who Never Took a Vacation
She never took a break. Not because she didn’t want to—but because her purpose was always bigger than her own comfort.
She poured her everything into us. Into building us. Into shielding us. Into raising not just children—but characters, values, and dreams.
So, when people today call me a “successful director,” I smile.
Because I know—I’m just the visible part of an invisible force.
I’m just the headline. She is the story.
What My Mother Taught Me
She taught me:
That kindness is power in its gentlest form.
That managing five children is harder than managing five start-ups.
That you can run a business from your living room and still serve love with every cup of chai.
That true strength is in partnership—standing beside your spouse, not behind.
That one woman’s strength can shape generations.
And most of all, that when women support each other, they don’t just rise—they lift the world with them.
To the Women Who Raise and Rise
This is for every mother who didn’t just raise a daughter—but raised a dream.
For every woman who built quietly, gave endlessly, and loved fiercely.
For every smile that masked exhaustion. For every dream she planted in someone else’s heart.
Amma left us too early—when she was just 68.
Not a day goes by that I don’t miss her.
But her song lives on in me. Her strength lives through me. Her love walks beside me.
Here’s to my mother—and to yours.
The original tribe leader.
The director of our lives.
The first God I ever saw.
About the Contributor
Lakshmi R. Iyer is a passionate and visionary storyteller with over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry. As a director and producer, she has captivated audiences with award-winning films like First Second Chance, starring Renuka Shahane and Ananth Mahadevan, and built a dynamic portfolio with titles such as Appa, Wrong Mistake, and Seasoned with Love.
Known for her emotional depth and cinematic finesse, Lakshmi continues to break new ground with upcoming films like What’s Up Buddy, Aloo Bhujia, and The Game. Her work spans from heartfelt narratives to high-impact commercials, including a celebrated Parentverse TVC featuring Kailash Kher. With expertise in artist management and end-to-end film production, she brings a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and cultural insight to every project she undertakes.
This contribution is for the Mother’s Day Initiative #builtbymothers.
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