Astrologer and healer Rinhee Suberwal has a deep-rooted understanding of emotional connections—both personal and cosmic. As Friendship Day approaches, she shares her thoughts on the changing nature of friendships and what the word truly means to her.
“Yes, I do celebrate Friendship Day,” she says with a smile. “All my school friends are still in touch with me, and we’re all very proud of each other’s achievements.”
However, she admits that the essence of friendship has shifted over the years. “Friends and friendship the way we used to have it don’t really exist in today’s age. Real friendships are rare now. Most of the time, it’s just ‘friends with benefits,’” she says honestly. “The true essence of friendship has faded. But in some cases, you can still find genuine friends.”
Rinhee believes that childhood friendships, when nurtured, often have a stronger foundation. “If you’ve been friends since childhood and have maintained that bond, it has a better chance of lasting forever—unlike the ones formed in work environments. Those are not always guaranteed to last,” she explains.
She adds, “I do have good friends from both the industry and outside, but I have more friends outside the industry. They understand my pain and struggles better. People in the industry are often too busy or caught up in their own issues.”
When asked about her idea of a perfect time with friends, Rinhee says, “All my friends live abroad, so we don’t get to celebrate Friendship Day as such. But we make a video call every week and that keeps the bond alive. We don’t need a specific day to reassure our friendship—and that’s what I believe.”
For her, friendship goes beyond traditional definitions. “I’m a very family-oriented person,” she says gently. “I’m friends with my mother, my husband, and my children. Friendship isn’t just outside your family—it lives within, too.”
