Nilah's Appa

What’s his name?

Just “Appa” – That’s what Nilah calls him, and that’s who he is to everyone in the village.

What does he do?

Stay-at-home father in their quaint, forest-fringed village home in the Nilgiris. While Nilah explores the mountains, Appa creates a world of warmth, care, and delicious smells in the kitchen.

How does he look?

• Reddish-brown skin with a warm, earthy tone
• Curly black hair and a friendly mustache
• Always dressed in his favorite yellow floral shirt and olive green pants
• Often wears a white cloth tied at the waist while cooking or working in the yard
• Wears a little tulsi bead bracelet — a gift from Nilah

What’s he like?

• Gentle & nurturing: He believes kindness is the best seasoning in life.
• Cheerful & humorous: Tells funny animal stories to Nilah during meals.
• Patient & observant: Notices when Nilah is quiet and makes her warm payasam to cheer her up.

What does his love doing the most?

Appa’s kitchen is filled with love. He makes:

• Jackfruit biryani
• Ragi dosa with peanut chutney
• Steamed banana cakes
• His secret treat: Jaggery coconut laddoos, which he hides in tins “for later” (but they're always half-eaten).

What’s his next best past time?

Cares for the Farm Animals:

• Knows each chicken by name
• Tells bedtime stories to their cow Kaveri
• Can carry a baby goat on his shoulders while flipping dosas with one hand

What he can’t get over?

His sweet tooth!

• Constantly sneaking a bite of palm sugar or dried figs
• Nilah teases him: “Appa, the sweets will disappear before the guests arrive!”

His catchphrase?

“Good food fills the tummy, but love fills the home, kanna.”