Bollywood actor Kunal Kemmu recently offered a candid and refreshingly honest glimpse into his journey as a father. In a conversation with stand-up comedian Kenny Sebastian on his podcast, Kemmu spoke about his parenting approach for his eight-year-old daughter, Inaaya Naumi Kemmu, whom he shares with wife and actress Soha Ali Khan.
The 'Old School' Father: Direct and Simple
Kunal Kemmu did not hesitate to label his initial parenting style as 'very old school'. He described his methods as straightforward and simple. His philosophy on matters like food was basic: 'If you are hungry, eat whatever you like. If it's lunch time, eat whatever.' He emphasized a direct communication style where boundaries were clearly set.
The actor elaborated, stating that during important conversations, he preferred his daughter to listen first before he would hear her out. 'If I am 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,' he shared. He also maintained strict boundaries during work hours, asking not to be interrupted, and initially prioritized immediate tasks over emotional discussions, saying, 'We are not going to talk about your feelings right now. We'll get to that later.'
The Modern Adaptation: Learning to Listen
However, Kemmu revealed that he is consciously evolving and warming up to contemporary parenting values. He is now adapting to the idea of respecting his child's feelings and hearing her out. He humorously noted the shift in dynamics, where parents are increasingly tuned into their children's emotions.
'The way we are going they'll be telling us exactly what to eat,' he joked. '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. But I'm learning and I'm the baby in this relationship.' This admission highlights his journey from a traditional, authority-figure parent to one who is learning to navigate a more empathetic and collaborative relationship with his daughter.
An Instinctive and Adaptive Father
In a previous interaction with ANI, Kunal Kemmu had described himself as an 'instinctive' and 'adaptive' father. He expressed that viewing parenthood solely as a responsibility would take the joy out of the relationship. 'I just feel that I'm an instinctive father if I may say so, because if you just see it like a responsibility and a job, then that takes the fun out of any relationship, I think,' he explained.
He also touched upon the weight of parental decisions, acknowledging the constant self-doubt that comes with the role. 'It is a responsibility because sometimes you feel that I don't know if I'm making the right decision for me. How am I making the right decision for her?' This introspection leads him to conclude, 'So, I think I am an adaptive father, and I think I'm an instinctive father.' Along with Soha, he stated they would remain the primary decision-makers for Inaaya until she becomes an adult.
Kunal Kemmu's reflections present a relatable picture of modern parenting—a blend of traditional instincts and a willing adaptation to new, more emotionally intelligent methods, all centered around his love for his daughter Inaaya.
