In a candid and humorous conversation, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt offered a glimpse into her family life, revealing how her young daughter, Raha, perceives her as a mother. The revelation, made during a chat with fellow actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, has sparked wider discussions about parenting dynamics and the different roles mothers and fathers often play in a child's eyes.
Mothers Manage, Fathers Play: A Common Dynamic
The discussion took place on Kareena Kapoor Khan's popular YouTube talk show, What Women Want. Alia Bhatt explained that in their household, she primarily handles the 'management' aspects of parenting. This includes routines, meals, and general instructions. Her husband, actor Ranbir Kapoor, on the other hand, is the designated fun parent, in charge of play and entertainment.
Kareena Kapoor Khan immediately agreed with this observation, stating it is a common pattern. She elaborated that mothers often become the managers, instructing children about tasks like eating and schedules, while fathers are seen as the playful figures who run around and create joy. 'Management is easy, Alia. Because we're like instructing people... So fathers are always doing the fun things. Fun, games, play,' Kareena said.
Raha's Honest Assessment: 'Little Fun'
Alia Bhatt then recalled a specific and amusing incident that perfectly illustrated this dynamic. She described how Raha, while talking about people in her life, labeled filmmaker Ayan Mukerji as 'fun' and said her father, Ranbir, was fun too. When Alia asked her daughter what she was, Raha, after a thoughtful pause, replied, 'little fun.'
The actress joked about her reaction, saying she immediately called Ranbir to complain, 'Our daughter just said I'm not fun!' Both Alia and Kareena reasoned that children naturally find the person who plays with them the most to be the 'fun' one. Alia added that Raha, who was nearly two years old at the time of the interview, is very aware and knows exactly whom to approach for different needs, often listening more readily to her father.
'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, describing Raha's spirited development phase. Raha Kapoor was born on 6 November 2022.
Redefining 'Me Time' as a New Mother
Beyond parenting roles, Alia Bhatt also spoke with refreshing honesty about how motherhood has reshaped her personal life and self-care routines. She admitted that her idea of 'me time' has undergone a significant transformation since Raha's birth. Exhausted by the end of the day, her quiet moments now often come when Ranbir is occupied with film shoots.
During these pockets of time, she finds relaxation in simple pleasures: watching an episode of Friends, having dinner, scrolling through YouTube or social media reels, and chatting with friends. She expressed contentment with these small breaks, even though they are limited.
Alia emphasized the continued importance of self-reflection for personal growth, mentioning that she has been in therapy for a couple of years. However, her hectic schedule has made consistent sessions challenging. 'I'm doing it for 20 minutes and running and rushing,' she shared. Interestingly, she now also views her time on a film set as a form of 'me time', enjoying the process of hair and makeup and the camaraderie with the crew during lunch breaks.
The actress's open conversation highlights the relatable joys and adjustments of modern parenting, where managing duties often falls to mothers while the quest for personal time becomes a creative endeavor in itself.
