Badminton legend and Padma Shri awardee Prakash Padukone is enjoying a slower, more fulfilling phase of life. Having stepped away from active involvement in the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy after more than three decades, the former All England champion now describes himself as “kind of semi-retired,” with more time for family, fitness, and his granddaughter Dua.
Padukone, who recently turned 70, says retirement is not about doing nothing but about finding a balance between work and personal life. While he continues to remain connected to badminton through new initiatives, family has become an even bigger priority.
‘I never expected this kind of a feeling’
At the centre of that family life is granddaughter Dua, the daughter of actor couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. Padukone admitted that becoming a grandfather has been a deeply emotional and rewarding experience.
“I think it’s great. It’s a totally different feeling to be a grandparent. I never expected this kind of a feeling. We used to wonder why grandparents fussed so much about their grandchildren,” he said with a laugh while speaking to The Indian Express. “Now I completely understand.”
The badminton icon also praised Deepika and Ranveer for the way they are raising their daughter. “Of course, Deepika does a lot more, but Ranveer helps a lot whenever he’s not working. Both families are also present to help,” he shared.
Watching Dua grow up is helping him relive missed moments
Padukone candidly admitted that his professional commitments during his playing years often kept him away from home, preventing him from being as involved in the day-to-day upbringing of daughters Deepika and Anisha as he would have liked.
“As a parent, I don’t remember having brought up our kids or being involved as much because I was hardly home. I do remember important things, but the day-to-day details were missed. Now I notice every little change. Almost every day, there’s something new,” he said.
Today, watching Dua grow and discover the world has become one of the highlights of his life.
Metro rides, auto-rickshaws and park outings
Whenever Dua visits Bengaluru, Padukone and his wife Ujjala try to ensure she enjoys experiences that many celebrity children may not get because of constant public attention.
“Keeping her privacy in mind, we have taken her on a Metro train. Last time, we went to Cubbon Park, took her on the Putani Express, and even in an auto,” Padukone revealed.
He also spoke about Dua’s outgoing personality and growing interests. “She’s very fond of padel. There’s a nice padel ground very close to our house. We stay near Camp station, so she likes to see the trains. She’s a very friendly child, so she likes to mix with people. She says hello to almost everybody.”
According to Padukone, travelling from a young age has also played a role in shaping her confidence and curiosity. “She’s been travelling from a very young age. That has really helped. She’s growing up quite fast and at a very interesting stage right now,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are preparing to welcome their second child. The couple announced the pregnancy in April this year through a joint social media post featuring their daughter, Dua. Their second baby will arrive less than two years after they welcomed their first child in September 2024.
