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A Scroll Through Jimish Thakkar’s Instagram Feed

By Keith Tomasek Nov. 30, 2024

Every Brilliant Thing, on now at “The Rose Brampton,” explores the things in life that make its central character happy.

At age seven, the central character creates a numbered list of “every brilliant thing” that makes life worth living.

Social media can be seen as a similar list; people post meaningful images that form a chronological list.

I asked Jimish Thakkar, who stars in the production, about some of the moments on his Instagram page.

This is your first Instagram post, published in 2011. I imagine that the youngster is older than the young character in “Every Brilliant Thing,” how has your relationship with them informed your work in the play?

This is your first Instagram post, published in 2011. I imagine that the youngster is older than the young character in “Every Brilliant Thing,” how has your relationship with them informed your work in the play?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jimish Thakkar (@jimish_thakkar)

My first Instagram post in 2011 was of my daughter when she was just 5 years old—the daintiest in our family.

Today, at 19, she’s still just as chiffony, but with a strict regard for being just and has developed a strong sense of empathy. Perhaps, hers is the only opinion I truly trust. When she speaks, I listen. Actually, our entire family does—including my 13-year-old son, who, like any sibling, secretly seeks validation from her but pretends not to.

Like many of her age, she’s navigated her teenage years with doubts, insecurities, aspirations, fears, dreams, and disappointments. Yet the fact that she chooses to talk to me & my wife before anyone else is a constant reminder of the privilege we have as parents and family members. The privilege to listen, to be present, and to connect.

I hope we always remain her emotional 911. And as humans, I hope we all have someone we can talk to—a safe space to share our truths 24/7/365 – without risking being judged.

Reflecting on my relationship with my daughter has reminded me how vital connections and conversations are—an idea my director, Steven, encouraged me to embrace from the very first day of rehearsals.

While the play celebrates the simple joys in life, he guided me to center the play on the deeper power of human connections. This perspective has subtly influenced my approach to “Every Brilliant Thing,” but answering your question has helped me gather my thoughts and put them into words. I’m eager to let this introspection shine through in my performance. Thank you for asking.

In 2017 you posted a video from a rainy adventure on Route 66 near Kingman, Arizona.
What made that so memorable?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jimish Thakkar (@jimish_thakkar)

That rainy adventure on Route 66 in 2017 near Kingman, Arizona, remains one of my most memorable moments while holidaying with friends.

I vividly remember that rainy day when we realized we’d missed the turn-off and de-tour to see The Grand Canyon. The sinking feeling of knowing we’d never make it in time to see one of the wonders of the world was unforgettable.

The unexpected rain turned what was supposed to be just a road trip into a cinematic experience—there’s something magical about how rain transforms the landscape, making it feel alive and timeless. Soaking in that moment with no rush or agenda made it unforgettable. It was one of those rare times where the journey felt bigger than the destination.

Around the same time, you posted an image from the Museum of Broken Relationships in Hollywood.
Tell me about a relationship, of any kind, of yours that broke.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jimish Thakkar (@jimish_thakkar)

I had no idea about the Museum of Broken Relationships until I walked past it during that trip.

I didn’t go inside, but just standing outside and learning that such a place exists made me pause and reflect on the relationships in my life. It led me to ask myself: if I ever visited, would I walk out with a sense of closure, or perhaps even the courage to start a new chapter in relationships I thought were broken? It’s fascinating how the mere idea of a place like that can spark such introspection.

As for broken relationships, I’ve had my share with mortals—one friend in particular. It’s been a few years of experiencing (allow me to quote a line from the play) “that horrible feeling when something is broken and can’t ever be fixed.”

It’s a long story!

That said, the relationship that recently left me with a profound sense of loss was with our dog, Neo. Twice. We first brought home a Golden Retriever pup (named him Neo), but heartbreakingly, had to return him due to health issues after a few weeks. The void he left in our home and hearts was beyond measure. So, we tried again. In about a month, we brought home another identical Golden Retriever, whom we also named – Neo; in a hope to continue from where we’d left off.

But, despite our love and intentions, we came to realize that our family wasn’t ready to provide the environment he truly deserved. With heavy hearts, we re-homed him to a loving family.

It was a deeply humbling experience—teaching us that love sometimes means letting go, even when it’s incredibly painful.

My son, ever the pragmatist, suggested we stop being so emotional and get a ball python instead. None of us are convinced. Yet!

This post from 2020 implies a life-changing moment; what was it?

 

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A post shared by Jimish Thakkar (@jimish_thakkar)

This photo from 2020 captures a precious moment for our family—my wife driving a U-Haul as we moved into our new home in Canada, all while wearing a saree. A saree, often reserved for festive occasions or celebrations these days, brought a touch of tradition and elegance to what was otherwise a chaotic moving day. While I tackled the day with overalls, gloves, trolleys, and duct tape and schedules, she chose to infuse the hustle with charm and positivity, making the whole experience so much more fun and endearing.

We’ve been married for 25 years, and she still amazes me with her ability to lift our spirits and brighten the mood every time I feel overwhelmed or weighed down. Over the past two decades, she has produced many of the shows I’ve directed and acted in, but her contribution to “Every Brilliant Thing” deserves special mention.

Being a solo, interactive, in-the-round show, it demands constant adaptability, and she has been there every step of the way—attending every rehearsal since January, standing in for every character permutation, and preparing for the unscripted moments that may arise in such performances.

For someone who firmly prefers to stay off-stage, she has gone far beyond her comfort zone to ensure I’m ready to shine on opening night.

This moment from 2020 reminds me of her brilliance—her optimism, quirks, and unwavering support. Truly, the most brilliant partnership of my life.

DETAILS DETAILS
Every Brilliant Thing
Final performance Nov. 30, 8pm
The Rose Brampton
Book Online

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A Scroll Through Jimish Thakkar’s Instagram Feed

Keith Tomasek
30 November 2024
News and Rumors

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