Rooted in Love: Jackie Shroff Reveals How His Mother Inspired His Lifelong Bond with Nature

Veteran Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff has long been recognized as a passionate advocate for environmental conservation. Often seen carrying a plant or encouraging his fans to adopt greener habits, his commitment to a healthier planet is well known. Recently, the actor opened up about the emotional roots of his environmentalism, revealing that his profound bond with nature was sparked by his mother.

A Mother’s Balcony and Early Life Lessons

Reflecting on his childhood, Shroff shared a poignant memory about his mother’s deep affection for plants, despite living in a modest space. “My mother was very fond of flowers," he recalled. "In a 10-by-10 room, there was a tiny little balcony. She used to grow roses there, and she loved those roses." For young Jackie, observing these roses offered an early philosophical lesson. He noted that the presence of both the beautiful flowers and their sharp thorns helped him understand that pain and happiness exist simultaneously in life.

A Deep Connection to the Soil

This early exposure to nurturing plants eventually evolved into a profound respect for the earth itself—specifically, the soil. Shroff explained how his understanding deepened with time and personal loss. “I became friends with the soil. I understood that my mother would water it, give it a little sunlight,” he shared. The passing of his brother further cemented this connection. “Then I realised, as I grew older, where did my brother go? He went into the soil. And when I understood that he had gone into the soil, I started becoming friends with the soil. I started loving my soil.”

Advocating for Topsoil Conservation

Today, Shroff’s advocacy is intensely focused on the preservation of topsoil, a critical but often overlooked environmental issue. He expressed concern over the declining conversations surrounding it. "I want to save topsoil, which is not there anymore. There was so much talk about topsoil for a while, and then everyone became quiet about it."

He stressed the importance of educating the younger generation about this vital resource. “Every child should know that topsoil is the only thing that gives us food. Beneath it, there is all kinds of soil, but there is topsoil," he explained, urging people to research how much of it actually remains on Earth. Shroff also called for greater respect for the planet that sustains us. "We keep walking around, enjoying ourselves on this Earth, but we need to respect the Earth. We keep trampling it under our feet as we walk, but look at that Mother Earth. She is protecting us.”

A Call for Mindful Living

Concluding his thoughts, Shroff emphasized that while it is important to enjoy life, that enjoyment shouldn't come at the expense of the environment. “When I go into the ground, everything will become part of the soil. So, let’s be friends with the soil," he said. He encouraged his fans to have fun, dance, and spend time with friends, but to ultimately remain conscious and focused on their impact on the planet.