In a candid family conversation, actress Sara Ali Khan and her grandmother, veteran star Sharmila Tagore, opened up about family dynamics, parenting styles, and the impact of divorce. The revealing chat was hosted by Soha Ali Khan on her podcast, offering a rare glimpse into the personal lives of the Pataudi family.
Sharmila Tagore on Saif's Evolution as a Father
Sharmila Tagore spoke fondly about observing her son, Saif Ali Khan, navigate fatherhood. She highlighted how parenting approaches have shifted across generations. While Sharmila relied on elder family members for guidance while raising her own children, she noted that today's parents often seek advice from books and friends.
Recalling Saif's early days as a parent to Sara, Sharmila painted a picture of a dedicated father who masterfully balanced his film career with parental duties. "Saif has been an excellent parent," she stated. She shared a specific memory of Saif including a young Sara in his professional life without compromising her routine. "If they had to go to a premiere in the middle of the night, she went with them but we can see it hasn't harmed her, and she would come back and do her homework," Sharmila recounted.
A Christmas Lesson in Participation
The veteran actress also recalled a poignant moment from her grandson Ibrahim Ali Khan's childhood that reshaped her own perspective. During a Christmas celebration at the Pataudi palace, Sharmila was focused on decorating the tree "perfectly." Meanwhile, a young Ibrahim was happily placing ornaments randomly.
Saif gently intervened, reminding his mother, 'Do you mind? It has to be participative.' Reflecting on this, Sharmila said, "I also learnt that you don't have to be perfect but allow the children to grow at their own pace. And he has been really wonderful." She added that Saif brings the same fun and real approach to parenting his younger sons, Taimur and Jeh, with Kareena Kapoor.
Sara Ali Khan's Reflections on a Non-Traditional Upbringing
Sara Ali Khan, who was just nine years old when her parents Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh separated in 2004, spoke about her formative years. She grew up primarily with her single mother but maintained a close bond with her father.
With humour, Sara addressed the common parental refrain she hears. "On a bad day, you don't want to ask Abba or Amma because they are like, 'You are like your father' or 'You are like your mother'. And I am like, 'Guys, this is bound to happen, you studied DNA right? Yes, I am like my mom and yes, I am like my father'," she laughed.
She credited each parent for distinct qualities. From her father, she inherited her "eclectic likes." From her mother, Amrita Singh, she learned the invaluable lesson of authenticity. "Staying real in a world where it's difficult to be that way," Sara explained. "People are like, 'Oh you are so bindaas, you are so unfiltered. How are you that way?' And I think that's because of mom. She is not at all watching her Ps and Qs. I mean she is not a rude person but she is real."
She concluded with a witty metaphor, "In a world where people go out of their way to manicure you, I think we are manicured only on our hands," highlighting the raw, genuine personality she believes she inherited from Amrita.
