Nargis often wore a ribbon in her hair when she was young. It’s unclear whether she and Sunil Dutt are pulling off or trying to put on little Sanjay’s pants

Sunday MiD DAY culls out the personal notes in Mr. And Mrs. Dutt, a memoir of Sunil and Nargis Dutt

Nargis’s tender letter to Sanjay, while he was studying at Lawrence boarding school, Sanawar near Kasauli

Darling son Sanjay,

After I left you in school I was terribly disturbed — you were crying and I was feeling very bad. Sanjay — I know my boy that you must be missing home and me, we miss you too.

The house is empty without you — but Sanjay you must try to understand that it is for your own good — you will be a good student — and study well over there — Your results there are much better than what they were in Bombay. Now you have promised to do even better and I promise I will come to see you every month — you know you are our only son and we have great hopes on you — You must study hard and become a big man so that you can look after us in our old age.

So no more crying — pay attention in your class — there is plenty of time for you to play — please Sanjay for my sake be more attentive in your class. You must do this much to please your mother — I hope you secure better marks. Be a good boy; don’t give any chance to your teachers to be angry with you anytime.

Promise me that you will study well — look after yourself you are a big boy — we love you too too much — you know that — God bless you and keep you away from all harm.

With all my love and kisses to you,
Your loving mama

Mid-Day