Kiara Advani recently shared intimate details about her childhood, parenting journey, and how motherhood has reshaped her perspective on life. In a candid conversation, the actress reflected on growing up in a loving household, becoming more self-aware after marriage, and the kind of environment she hopes to create for her daughter.
Upbringing and Parental Support
Discussing her early years, Kiara revealed that she was raised with immense love and support from her parents. When asked if she was always a good child, she laughed and said, “You should ask my parents that! But yes, I think I was brought up with a lot of love. I never really had to ask for attention because my parents were always there for me.” She shared these thoughts with Raj Shamani.
The actress highlighted that both her parents were self-made individuals who remained deeply involved in her life. “My mom and dad are both self-made. My mother ran a play school for little children, and my father lost his parents at 18, had to drop out of college, and start working immediately,” she said. Despite their professional commitments, family always came first. “Whether it was dropping us to the bus stop, sitting with my friends, or being available emotionally, they were always present. All my friends loved my parents. I grew up watching them work hard but still prioritize family, and that became my ideal picture of life,” she added.
Motherhood and a New Appreciation for Parents
Speaking about becoming a mother herself, Kiara admitted that parenthood has completely altered her perception of her own parents. “Absolutely. Today, after having my own baby, I value my mom and dad even more. When you become a parent, you suddenly understand your parents differently,” she said. Motherhood has also made her reflect on the unconditional love she received. “I even feel guilty about so many things now because they overlooked so much with love,” she revealed.
Recalling her childhood discipline, Kiara noted that while her parents were not overly strict, they were firm about values and respect. “We got scolded a lot, but never really hit. My brother and I used to fight and wrestle all the time. But the important thing was the values they gave us. My mom cared more about me being respectful and well-mannered than just grades,” she shared.
Seeking Parental Validation
Kiara admitted that even today, she seeks validation from her parents despite her massive success. “Till date. Validation from the world is one thing, but validation from your parents is completely different. They never put pressure on me, but somewhere you always want to make them proud,” she said.
The conversation also touched on parenting styles, with the host noting that children raised in loving homes often become people pleasers. Kiara agreed, saying, “I think when there’s a lot of love and safety at home, children naturally don’t want to disappoint their parents. You seek that validation. But awareness is important too because sometimes these patterns can turn into people-pleasing tendencies.”
The actress acknowledged that she has become far more aware of these tendencies after marriage and motherhood. “Awareness is the first step to changing anything. Post marriage and motherhood, I’ve become more aware of certain habits and patterns in myself. Your partner and your child become mirrors that help you see yourself differently,” she shared.
Creating a Safe Space for Her Daughter
Discussing the environment she wants to create for her daughter, Kiara emphasized emotional safety. “I want her to feel safe enough to tell us anything. That’s the biggest blessing I had growing up. Even if I did something wrong, I could still tell my parents. I want my daughter to always feel she can come home and talk to us without fear,” she said.
Kiara also confessed that she hopes her daughter does not inherit her people-pleasing nature. “I definitely don’t want her to become a people pleaser like me. But more than that, I want her to be curious, observant, loving, and confident enough to make her own choices,” she added.
Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra welcomed their daughter, Saraayah Malhotra, on July 15, 2025. The couple revealed her name on November 28, 2025, describing her as a "divine blessing" and their "princess."
