In a heartfelt moment of loss, Brother Eric D’Souza, the mentor of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, passed away in Goa on October 16, 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Eric D’Souza, a former teacher at Delhi’s prestigious St. Columba’s School, profoundly shaped Shah Rukh’s early years and the lives of many students who crossed his path.
For several months, D’Souza had been battling a critical illness, and despite the challenges of his condition, he had one heartfelt wish in his final days—to meet Shah Rukh Khan once again. A former teacher and spiritual guide, D’Souza had a unique bond with the actor, who once said that after his parents, Brother D’Souza was the one person he truly looked up to.
The Special Bond with Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan, known for his humility and deep connections with those who have influenced him, had often spoken about D’Souza. He had previously shared how the former teacher played a pivotal role in shaping his character and preventing him from straying onto the wrong path. Khan, in an interview years ago, revealed that D’Souza helped guide his energy positively, especially during his impressionable years at St. Columba’s School.
The affection between the two was mutual. D’Souza always took pride in Shah Rukh’s accomplishments. The actor would often recall fond memories of his school years, describing D’Souza as “the only man he ever looked up to after his parents.”
The Appeal for Shah Rukh’s Visit
In the weeks leading up to D’Souza’s passing, Szarita Laitphlang, an Indian National Congress leader and a former student of Brother D’Souza, made an emotional appeal. Through a video posted on social media, she urged Shah Rukh Khan to take the time to visit his beloved mentor in Goa. The video conveyed the deep respect and love the St. Columba’s alumni shared for their mentor, with D’Souza’s health rapidly declining.
Laitphlang, who visited D’Souza in his final days, described how the ailing teacher still harbored hope that Shah Rukh would visit him, even joking with nurses about waiting for the actor’s arrival. “It would be really nice if you could spare a few minutes… Mumbai is not really far from Goa, just an hour’s flight,” she said, addressing Shah Rukh directly.
Eric D’Souza’s Legacy
Brother Eric D’Souza will be remembered as more than just a teacher. He was a mentor who profoundly influenced his students, guiding them with discipline, encouragement, and understanding. His work at St. Columba’s left an indelible mark on not only Shah Rukh but generations of students.
For Shah Rukh Khan, this loss is likely to be deeply personal. While the actor has remained silent on D’Souza’s passing, it is clear that this relationship was one of the most significant in his life.
The Power of Teachers in Bollywood Stars’ Lives
The bond between Bollywood stars and their teachers often remains hidden from the limelight. However, stories like that of Shah Rukh Khan and Brother D’Souza highlight the critical influence that teachers can have on individuals who go on to achieve greatness. Teachers like D’Souza do more than impart knowledge—they shape personalities and build the foundation for future success.
As we remember Eric D’Souza, his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of education and mentorship in shaping lives, even those as illustrious as Shah Rukh Khan’s.
Source: This article is based on information from India Today
Key Highlights
- Shah Rukh Khan’s former school mentor, Eric D’Souza, passed away in Goa on October 16, 2024.
- D’Souza played a crucial role in shaping Shah Rukh’s early years at St. Columba’s School in Delhi.
- In his final days, D’Souza had hoped for a visit from Shah Rukh, with an appeal made by former students.
- D’Souza’s influence on Shah Rukh was so profound that the actor once called him the only person he looked up to after his parents.
