In a refreshingly honest conversation, Bollywood star Alia Bhatt opened up about the realities of motherhood, sharing how her young daughter, Raha Kapoor, perceives her parental role. The candid chat took place with fellow actor and mother Kareena Kapoor Khan on the latter's popular YouTube talk show, What Women Want.
The 'Management' vs 'Fun' Parent Dynamic
Alia Bhatt described a common household division of labour, where she handles the bulk of the 'management' duties for Raha. This includes routines, meals, and general instructions. Her husband, actor Ranbir Kapoor, on the other hand, is primarily associated with fun, games, and playtime.
Kareena Kapoor Khan immediately agreed with this observation, noting that this pattern is widespread. 'Mothers usually take care of routines, food, and instructions, while fathers become the playful ones in the family,' Kareena remarked. She humorously added that management might seem easier because it involves directing tasks, while fathers get to enjoy the lighter moments.
Raha's Candid Assessment: 'Little Fun'
The most amusing revelation came when Alia recalled asking Raha to describe the people in her life. The toddler readily labelled filmmaker Ayan Mukerji as 'fun' and said the same about her father, Ranbir. However, when Alia asked about herself, Raha paused thoughtfully before delivering her verdict: 'little fun.'
Amused by her daughter's honest assessment, Alia said she immediately called Ranbir to report, 'Our daughter just said I'm not fun.' She clarified she shared this laughingly, not with resentment. Kareena explained that children naturally view the person who plays with them the most as the 'fun parent,' a perspective Alia fully acknowledged.
Navigating the 'Juicy Development Phase'
Alia further peeled back the layers of her parenting journey, admitting that Raha currently knows how to get her way. 'I feel she can walk all over me, at least currently. Like, I get scared of her. Sometimes, when she says 'no', I can't put my foot down,' Alia confessed.
She contrasted this with Ranbir's approach, noting he can use a firm, albeit sometimes fake, tone that Raha might heed. 'But, then, she might not listen to him either. So, she's really in this very juicy development phase right now,' Alia added, painting a relatable picture of toddlerhood's testing boundaries.
The Crucial Need for 'Me-Time'
Beyond parenting roles, Alia Bhatt stressed the importance of personal time for self-growth and reflection. She revealed she has been undergoing therapy for a couple of years but finds it challenging to maintain the practice with her hectic schedule. 'I'm doing it for 20 minutes and running and rushing,' she shared.
Interestingly, she finds a slice of this essential 'me-time' while working. 'In a way, me being on set is 'me-time'. Doing my hair, makeup and chatting with the crew. I love my lunches with them in the middle of shooting,' Alia said, highlighting how she carves out moments for herself amidst professional commitments.
Through her heartfelt and humorous anecdotes, Alia Bhatt offered fans a warm, genuine, and highly relatable glimpse into her life as a mother, embracing both its delightful chaos and its profound lessons.
