THE daughter of two industry icons: writer- director- poet-music-composer Gulzar, and the emerald-eyed beauty, Rakhee; Meghna Gulzar, fondly known as Bosky, boasts beautiful genes.

But does she mirror her parents, or is she very much her own person?

Memories of my parents: My parents bonding? No, not at all. I think they separated when I was about one. So, all my life, they have been apart.

Parent trap: successful but too busy?: On the contrary. They made sure they were there for my birthday, annual functions, parent-teacher meetings--so I never felt insecure.

Advice to parents who are drifting apart: Don't turn it into a boxing game, with your child as referee. It is simply not fair. Sort your issues out directly, with each other, and leave the child out of it completely.

Children are very delicate and bear the scars of ugly scenes all their lives. In my case, I was fortunate to have escaped the mudslinging, blame-trading and ugliness that comes with a breaking marriage.

On mother Rakhee: I know it is a general perception that I am closer to my father. But actually, I am as close to my mother. It's just that the areas of closeness are diferent with each, which I suppose is the case in any parent-child relationship.

With Ma, I share a very strong bond, a woman-to-woman connection that has evolved into a friendship over the years. My father is my guide and my mentor, but he is a man and I am a woman, so that will always be a factor.

Photographs: Subi Samuel