Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I simply love parties but not being present at them. I love to cook and feed their faces and see everyone having a good time.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A dog because dogs encompass some of my personality traits like being loving, caring, very protective of my loved ones & most importantly man’s best friend.
What were you like as a kid?
I was a very active kid, a real tomboy – good at sports and flying kites – not forgetting playing marbles and beating my friends at a game of ‘Gilli and Dandu’. I was the only girl amongst the boys – one of them ended up being my husband of 56 years. I was also always busy with my music and acting in plays which continued even after my school days.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I would have loved to be one of the people in the crowd, singing Hosanna, when Jesus rode on his donkey into Jerusalem.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
I wouldn’t enjoy inviting six dead guests to my table, but I’d love to invite any six homeless people, from the streets of Melbourne, to give them a warm home cooked meal made with love.
Tell us about your acts of charity.
My joy in Madras in India was on 24 December each year when I gave out hundreds of hampers so families would not have to starve on Christmas Day. Here in Australia, I continue to give a Christmas dinner each year to the less fortunate through the Sunbeam Foundation which I started in 2016. I am blessed to have a huge team of loving and willing volunteers who help me accomplish this. I also get great joy in being of service to others which keeps me joyfully busy.
What do you love the most about your volunteer roles?
I always get more than I give.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Kind, loving and boss-lady.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
Visit the sick and lonely.
Where is your happy place?
Church.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
My famous beef Masala chops.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
Heaven!
