This Father’s Day, as the world celebrates fatherhood, Sahar Hashmi opens her heart and reflects on the man who shaped her dreams, inspired courage, and stood by her every step of the way.
There are some relationships in life that quietly shape who we are, and the bond between a daughter and her father is one of them. It’s not always loud or full of words, but it’s always there—strong, steady, and full of meaning. A father is always a daughter’s hero—the one who lifts her up when she falls, and the one who silently watches her grow with pride in his eyes. From holding her tiny hand on the first day of school to encouraging her to chase her dreams, a father gives without asking for anything in return. His love shows up in small ways—through early morning drop-offs, late-night check-ins, and an unrelenting care that never fades. Even when he’s not around, his words, values, and strength stay with her. It’s a connection that shapes a daughter’s confidence, her choices, and often, the way she loves others.
In an earlier interview with FUCHSIA, Sahar Hashmi spoke about her father not just as a parent but as her anchor, mentor, and biggest fan. What followed was a heartfelt conversation—one filled with admiration, memories, and the kind of love that leaves a lasting mark. Let’s revisit some of the most moving parts of that conversation, where Sahar paints a vivid picture of the irreplaceable role her father played in her life.
My dad is very supportive. He is my mom and he is my dad.
Sahar Hashmi
Sahar was just three months old when her mother was diagnosed with dystonia Parkinson’s. The illness left her paralyzed, and from that point on, her father took over everything. He didn’t just become the head of the house—he became both her mom and her dad. Every little thing a mother would usually do, he did it all. He raised her, looked after her, and made sure she never felt that something was missing. Whether it was emotional support or daily care, he stepped up in every way possible.
While talking to us, Sahar shared something that stayed with us. “My father used to wake me up for school, he used to boil eggs for me, and that was it.” She talked about how this is usually something mothers do, but for her, it was always her father. He would be the one waking her up, making breakfast, and making sure she was ready for school or college. And he kept doing this all the way till she entered university—until alarms finally took over.
While reflecting on her childhood, Sahar spoke with deep admiration about how her father cared for her mother through her illness. He never treated it like a burden—he saw it as his responsibility, something he did with love. She mentioned how they were five sisters, yet not once did their father think of hiring a nurse to care for their mother. He made sure his daughters grew up with the same sense of duty and compassion. Under his guidance, they all took care of their mother together, with dignity and without complaint. Sahar was clear—all the credit goes to her father for raising them with that kind of strength, unity, and love.
All the credit goes to my father for keeping us that way.
Sahar Hashmi
Talking about her parents’ bond, Sahar beautifully reflected on how their relationship shaped her understanding of love and marriage. Watching her father’s loyalty and devotion made her a believer in love that lasts through everything. “I’m a very hopeless romantic because I have seen it in my home,” she said with a smile. While people often say such men don’t exist, Sahar knows otherwise:
I know people like that exist because my father is that person.
Sahar Hashmi
She went on to describe how her father cared for her mother through every detail of daily life. From taking her to the washroom to feeding her, he never left her side. Even when he lived alone in the UAE, he stayed loyal.
My father didn’t get married again. My father had no affair.
Sahar Hashmi
He was once even advised by a doctor to remarry, but he gently refused, saying, “No, I have a responsibility. She is the mother of my children.” Through these actions, Sahar’s father gave his daughters a real-life example of what true love and commitment look like.
When asked if her idea of love had ever changed, Sahar responded with a clear no. For her, love still looks exactly like the unwavering devotion her father showed.
My idea of love is still the same because of my father.
Sahar Hashmi
When asked if her idea of love had ever changed, Sahar responded with a clear no. For her, love still looks exactly like the unwavering devotion her father showed.
Some parents raise their children with words; others, like Sahar’s father, raise them through action—through the way they live and love. His story reminds us that parenting isn’t just about providing love, it’s about becoming a living example of it. He showed his daughters that real strength lies in gentleness, that commitment means staying even when life gets tough, and that dignity is found in everyday acts of care. In a world that often glorifies convenience, he chose responsibility. In moments when he could have walked away, he chose to stay. And in doing so, he didn’t just raise five daughters—he raised five women who carry his values forward. That is parenting at its most powerful: being the kind of person your children are proud to become.
