Ahead of Father's Day, actor Mohit Malhotra is remembering the invaluable lessons and values passed down by his late father, Ashok Malhotra. Known for his roles in shows such as Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Jamai Raja, Bhagya Lakshmi, Naagin 5, and his Bollywood debut Hacked, Mohit reveals that the most precious thing his father gave him was not material wealth but his time and undivided attention.
Father's Presence Over Presents
“No matter how busy he was, he always made us feel like we mattered,” Mohit shares. “Whether it was a conversation, a family dinner, or simply being around, he had a way of being present.” The actor believes this sense of presence is a quality he aspires to carry forward when he becomes a father himself. “Kids may not remember every gift you give them, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel,” he says. “I would want my children to know that they can talk to me about anything without the fear of being judged.”
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
Like many children, Mohit admits that some lessons from his father were not fully appreciated during his youth. However, one particular line has stayed with him over the years: “Nothing worthwhile comes easy.” “As a kid, you don’t want to hear that. You want things to happen quickly,” he says with a smile. “But today I completely understand what he meant. Whether it’s your career, relationships, fitness, or life in general, the things that truly last usually take the longest to build.”
No Comparisons Among Siblings
Reflecting on his relationship with his brother, actor Himanshu Malhotra, Mohit says comparisons never existed in their home. “If you ask both of us, we’ll probably say the other one was the favourite. That’s how siblings are,” he laughs. “Our parents had a wonderful way of loving each child differently without loving one more than the other.”
The Greatest Gift: Confidence
For Mohit, his father’s greatest gift was confidence. “I think the greatest thing a father can give his children isn’t just security, it’s the confidence to believe in themselves. Growing up is basically realising your parents were right about more things than you wanted to admit.”
