Bollywood actor and director Kunal Kemmu has offered a candid glimpse into his approach to raising his daughter, Inaya, describing it as 'very old school'. In a recent podcast conversation, Kemmu outlined a parenting philosophy that prioritizes structure and authority, while also acknowledging his own learning curve in understanding his child's emotional world.
Kemmu's Traditional Approach to Fatherhood
Speaking with stand-up comedian Kenny Sebastian on his podcast, Kemmu detailed the principles guiding his relationship with his young daughter. On January 10, 2026, the actor explained his straightforward rules: from meal times to conversations, he believes in clear boundaries. "I'm very simple, I keep it very simple. If you are hungry, eat whatever you like. If it's lunch time, eat whatever," Kemmu stated.
He was particularly emphatic about communication dynamics. "If I'm talking about something, I don't want to hear what you have to say; just listen to me first, and then I'll listen to you. We will have turns, and when I'm speaking, do not interrupt," he shared. Kemmu added that immediate emotional processing isn't always his focus: "We are not going to talk about your feelings right now. We will get to that later. I'm not trying to understand what your feelings are right now."
The Learning Curve and a Shift in Perspective
Despite his firm stance, Kemmu revealed he is evolving in his role as a parent. He humorously critiqued the modern tendency to over-consult children, saying, "The way we are going, they'll be telling us exactly what to eat. We are so in tune with, 'What do you feel?' I'm like, 'You're not supposed to ask them, why are you asking her, she doesn't know anything.'"
He concluded this thought with a note of self-awareness, admitting, "But I'm learning, and I'm the baby in this relationship." This highlights a conscious, if gradual, move towards considering his daughter's feelings and adapting his communication style.
Expert Insight on Emotional Maturity in Parenting
Gurleen Baruah, an existential psychotherapist at That Culture Thing, weighed in on the broader implications of Kemmu's reflections. She explained to indianexpress.com that a parent's emotional maturity profoundly shapes their parenting, as it does all other life areas.
"When emotional maturity is present, it means a parent is better equipped to understand their own triggers, regulate emotions, and avoid passing unresolved struggles onto their child," Baruah shared. She emphasized that such parents can self-soothe instead of reacting impulsively, leading to decisions rooted in wisdom rather than emotional overwhelm.
Baruah advised parents to abandon the pursuit of perfection. Instead, she recommended focusing on self-awareness. "Pause, reflect, and create an environment of emotional safety where mistakes aren't met with punishment but growth," she suggested. This approach helps build a foundation where children view honesty and truth as safe and valuable.
Ultimately, the conversation sparked by Kunal Kemmu's honesty underscores a key modern parenting dilemma: balancing authority with empathy. It reinforces that the words chosen by parents today do more than manage a moment—they help build the trust a child carries into all future relationships.
