Abhishek Bachchan: A Modern Dad Reflects on Parenting and the Importance of Values

Abhishek Bachchan, known for his deep love and pride in being a “girl dad,” recently reflected on his journey of parenting and the values he hopes to instill in his teenage daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan. Drawing from his own upbringing, Abhishek shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with CNBC TV8, highlighting the principles he holds dear and his unique perspective on parenting in today’s world.

A Lifelong Search for Identity and Values

Abhishek’s reflections were shaped by his own experiences with his parents, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, whose lives and actions have profoundly influenced him. He explained that while life is often about searching for one’s identity, there are certain core values that remain timeless. “You spend a lifetime trying to search for who you are, but there are certain values that you should stand by,” he said. For Abhishek, these values include resilience, dignity, and living by principles.

Abhishek revealed that his parents didn’t just teach him these values through words, but more through their actions and conduct. He mentioned that the lessons he learned from them were not necessarily conveyed through instructions, but by observing how they carried themselves throughout their lives. “I think my parents have taught me through their actions, not necessarily by telling me what I should be doing,” he shared. Despite having the freedom to make his own decisions, Abhishek admitted that whenever he faces challenges, he often asks himself, “What would my dad have done in this situation?”

This introspective approach to parenting is what he hopes to carry forward with his daughter, Aaradhya. He emphasized the importance of teaching by example, explaining that children often learn more from what they observe than from what they are told.

The Role of Resilience, Dignity, and Principles

Reflecting on his father’s remarkable work ethic, Abhishek emphasized the importance of resilience and fighting for one’s dreams. “You have to learn to be resilient, hold on to your dream, and fight for it,” he said. For Abhishek, resilience is not just about overcoming obstacles but about remaining true to one’s values even in challenging times. Alongside resilience, he stressed the importance of dignity, explaining that it’s one of the toughest values to uphold but one of the most essential. “There should be a sense of principles and living by them,” he added. “Live life on your terms and hold your head high.”

Abhishek shared a heartfelt tribute to his father’s work ethic, highlighting that Amitabh Bachchan, at 82, is still actively shooting for his iconic show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). “My dad is 82 and still shooting KBC since 7 in the morning. He is leading by example. I want to be like that,” Abhishek said, further stating that he hopes that when he is that age, Aaradhya will be able to say the same thing about him—“that he is still at it.” This desire to remain active and committed to one’s work even into old age is something Abhishek deeply admires in his father, and it’s a value he hopes to instill in his own life and pass on to his daughter.

Embracing the Younger Generation’s Perspective

In today’s rapidly evolving world, parenting has changed significantly from previous generations. Abhishek acknowledged the differences between the younger generation and those who grew up before them, particularly in terms of how they view authority and hierarchy. He observed that today’s kids are far more inquisitive and independent than the previous generation. “They have no sense of hierarchy like we did when we grew up,” he said. “We knew that once your parents say something, you just listen to it. The younger generation is far more inquisitive. They want to know why.”

He noted that today’s children don’t just follow orders because their parents tell them to; they question why things are done the way they are. “Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you have the right answer,” Abhishek pointed out. “They have Google. They don’t need to go to their parents to ask questions.”

Abhishek expressed admiration for this approach, noting that children today are not dependent on their parents for answers but instead seek understanding. “They come to their parents for love, not for answers,” he said, adding that the younger generation demands justifications for everything. “I think that’s wonderful. They will dictate how we treat them going forward,” he added. Abhishek’s daughter, Aaradhya, who recently turned 13, is a prime example of this inquisitive nature. “She has about 50 trillion questions on an hourly basis,” Abhishek laughed, highlighting his daughter’s insatiable curiosity about the world around her.

Preparing for Fatherhood

Although Aaradhya is his first child, Abhishek feels that he had a “soft landing” into fatherhood, thanks to his niece Navya Naveli Nanda and nephew Agastya Nanda. “I had a bit of a soft landing because I have seen my niece and nephew grow up. I was kind of used to it and knew what to expect with Aaradhya,” he explained. This experience with his niece and nephew prepared Abhishek for the unique challenges and joys of fatherhood, allowing him to approach it with a calm and understanding mindset.

While he believes today’s children are incredibly well-mannered, Abhishek recognizes that the modern perspective on parenting may require parents to shift their approach. “We just need to tilt our perspective towards it,” he said. By adapting to the way children are evolving, Abhishek has found that raising them in today’s world requires a balance of patience, guidance, and an open mind.

A Glimpse of Abhishek’s Professional Journey

On the professional front, Abhishek Bachchan is gearing up for his upcoming film projects. He was last seen in the film Ghoomer (2024) and is excited about his future releases, including Be Happy and Housefull 5, both of which are expected to hit theaters this year. His career continues to evolve, and he remains committed to his craft, much like the values he hopes to pass on to his daughter.

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Abhishek’s career and personal journey reflect a harmonious balance of resilience, dignity, and principles—values that he learned from his parents and now aims to pass down to his daughter. His parenting philosophy combines respect for the younger generation’s inquisitiveness with a strong commitment to leading by example.

In conclusion, Abhishek Bachchan’s approach to parenting offers a refreshing and thoughtful perspective on how to raise children in today’s world. By embracing the changing dynamics of parent-child relationships while staying true to core values, Abhishek exemplifies the balance of love, wisdom, and guidance that many modern parents strive to achieve. As he continues to inspire both on-screen and off, his dedication to being a good father and role model is evident in every aspect of his life.