When we first heard the doctor’s diagnosis, we were stunned. To hear that your son will never walk in his life – ever – is shattering. The doctor told me, “you’re Indian, and a Hindu – you are surrounded by a culture of sadhus and tantriks. But hear it from me – they may prescribe expensive treatments and rituals that will do nothing but take away your money – this is finality. This is the truth, accept it.

Prasad’s condition has always been delicate. When Prasad was two years old, even a cold was dangerous.

If he sneezed in the morning, he’d be in hospital by evening. We realised that his lung capacity was very weak. We used to make him do an exercise of blowing out a candle. If he ever ate out, he would get an infection. In the night, he used to have attacks and his mother used to take care of him.

Fortunately his mother realised that he has a talent for singing. We took advice from doctors and then got him started on classical music training with Pradeep Joshi. As he practised and sang, his lungs got better. Especially after he was 10 years old.

Prasad is my friend. Sometimes when I raise my voice, he’ll wait for his mum to come back and then complain about me to her.

The doctor had told us, “Keep him as happy as you can”. We never imagined that he would come this far. Singing, painting. He has won fame, and awards. And he did it on his own.