It takes just a single sideways look for them to burst into laughter (or sometimes tears), and that’s usually how a fight over the remote gets resolved, or how they pick up when distance and time has kept them apart.
With some crazy endearments they have for another, this bond is special, one that's shared between siblings.
April 10, is National Siblings day, a day dedicated to all those partners in crime, who share not just blood, but the joys and griefs of the family, the insider jokes, and most of the time, end up developing similar passions, such as these Goans.
THROUGH THICK AND THIN
Running the show alone would’ve been difficult if it weren’t for the unwavering support these two brothers give each other.
“My brother and I have always been close,” says Carlos Noronha, who co-owns Caravela Cafe & Bistro along with his brother, Cyrus. “We aren’t just siblings, but best friends, supporting each other through thick and thin,” he smiles.
Growing up, the two shared similar interests, and that somewhere, ‘strengthened their bond’.
Says Carlos, “We often brainstormed innovative ideas and realized that combining our skills and expertise could lead to something impactful.” And that’s where the idea of starting a business together emerged from their shared passion for food and coffee.
But, navigating through the business world would've been quite a challenge if Carlos didn't find his safety net in Cyrus.
“The best part of having my sibling as my business partner is the unwavering trust and honesty we share. We can communicate openly without the fear of judgment, making decision-making processes smoother and more transparent,” informs Carlos, who quickly points out, there’s a down side, too.
“Occasional disagreements do arise due to our strong personalities and differing perspectives, but while conflicts are inevitable in any partnership, we've learned to approach them with patience and compromise,” shares Carlos, feeling grateful.
"Ultimately, it strengthens our bond, both personally and professionally,” adds Carlos.
ADMIRING THE DIFFERENCES
“My sister, Harshada, in fact was the only one who actually went and got an art education,” shares the founder of the Museum of Goa (MOG), in Pilerne, Dr Subodh Kerkar.
Although the two siblings had been painting since childhood, initially they'd chosen two different paths for themselves. Subodh went on to pursue medical studies, and Harshada to Art College. But, as fate had it, they ended up in the arts field.
Harshada was particularly excellent with portraits, skilled in charcoal and pastels. Subodh recollects that even as a school-going kid, his sister would go around the village of Pilerne, where they lived, and paint the villagers, especially the elders.
"She was always good and I was almost envious of her, because she'd do such lovely portraits," confesses Subodh, who himself did drawings, cartoons etc, but wasn’t as good as his sister in portraits.
After giving up medicine, and picking up the paint brush once again, Subodh became a student once more, sort of learning new artistry. And exploring the mediums, he found his sister's work traditional as she'd still stuck with portraits.
“I’d keep telling her to do this, maybe try that, and she didn't like that and, in fact, it caused some friction between us," Subodh says.
Although a painting looks seamless from a distance, when you walk close to it, you'll notice how each stroke stands on its own, quite like siblings, whose personalities may brush off each other, but are different in their own way.
"I soon realised Harshada is a very happy person, who found greater joy in drawing a child on the street than a commissioned piece for the Chief Minister," says Subodh.
"I realised not everybody needs to do what I’m doing, that sort of stopped me telling her anything,” he adds.
Today, the two siblings have carved a niche for themselves in the art space, both finding solace in the works they do.
“Harshada is currently in Mussoorie, painting the garbage collectors from there,” informs Subodh, who’s in awe of his sister’s free-spirited nature and perseverance that drives her to do the things that make her happy. “I’m happy that she is that way,” he smiles.
BIGGEST CHEERLEADER
You know what’s more fun than windsurfing in the sea? Well, having your sibling by your side – feeling the salty air caress your hair, balancing your surf and riding the waves, while making sure, the other is okay.
And, this is usually the scene, when this brother-sister duo go surfing.
“Windsurfing has always been something that’s been in the family, it was our father who introduced the sport to us,” says Katya Coelho, who along with her brother, Dayne, has won several laurels in the sport and even clinched the gold titles at the 37th National Games, held in the State.
She shares, “Well, it’s always better having my sibling by my side, we’re a team, and I’m extremely grateful to be able to represent the country along with my brother.”
What Katya loves about Dayne is his selfless nature, putting everything else before his own needs and looking out for others.
“But, what I tolerate…,” she pauses and smiles, “Sometimes, he can be a little too dominating,” and adds, “But we’ve always helped each other grow, and are each other’s biggest support system.”
WHAT’S YOUR’S IS ALWAYS MINE
“Initially, we’d have a lot of conflicts and didn’t share the same interests. In fact, till today, we don’t have matching tastes and are polar opposites of each other,” shares Shimei Nathan, who’s more social and outgoing than her reserved and focused twin sister, Shimron.
But, although worlds apart, the twins have something in common, other than their birthdays, of course.
The two sisters are professional models, who've worked with international brands and designers, including Vogue India, Lakme Fashion Week, Estee Lauder, Myntra and more, under their mother agency, Feat Artists.
Shimron was the first one scouted by the agency. But, once they’d found out about her twin sister, Shimei was on board, too.
“Our identical features and our chemistry has always been very prominent on set and a majority of the time, we get to shoot together,” reveals Shimei.
And, being on shoots and shows with your twin – someone who can relate to you on a cellular level and knows everything about you – is an entirely different ballgame.
Sharing about their unfiltered bond, Shimei says, "We usually introduce ourselves and mingle together while on set, and that adds more quirkiness to our personalities."
With twins, it’s always double the joy, and Shimei agrees saying, “There’s double of everything, including closet space; we are the same size and can share everything.”
But, there's the usual things that come along being a twin, constantly being asked if we have telepathic connection, being always clubbed together, being confused for your twin. “Even by our parents at times, and, well, personal space is not a thing – what's yours is always mine!” exclaims Shimei.
Siblings are your best friends and mentors, ready to join in the craziness. They know exactly how to aggravate you, and then make up after that. And deep down, you know when it’s you against the world, you’ll find your sibling right there beside you.
