“What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.” —Rudy Giuliani

Do you remember the young-at-heart couple, Asha and Bala? A few years ago, Vodafone released a series of advertisements on the theme 'make the most of now'! It became immensely popular as it featured an elderly couple enjoying life to its fullest. Yes, we are talking about the adorable Bharatanatyam dancing duo – CP Shanta and Vannadil Pudiyaveettil Dhananjayan! On public demand, they returned to the Vodafone advertisement in 2019 with the slogan ‘live more’ which also sums up their philosophy for life.

The advertisements, that portray the couple chilling out in Goa, parasailing and getting tattoos, opening a new restaurant and learning a new technology, brought a smile to many as it touched a chord with viewers.

Popularly, known as Dhananjayans, this affable couple has been winning hearts ever since. When we met them for an exclusive interview, their zest for life was instantly infectious. It was a pleasure listening to their many interesting anecdotes about life in general and on grandparenthood. We were all ears when they discussed their only grandchild with much affection.

In this ClipBook, we have curated some images from their life as they play real-life ‘thatha-ajji' to their 14-year-old grandchild Samartha.

On the occasion of Grandparent's Day, ParentCircle magazine features a heart-touching interview with the Dhananjayans. Flip through the pages of the ClipBook to get a glimpse of their life and the bond they share with their grandchild. To read the full story about the Padma Bhushan awardees Shanta and VP Dhananjayan, pick up the September edition of ParentCircle, now available on the stands.