Mumbai, March 18, 2025 –
In an age of open parenting, digital distractions, and blurred generational lines, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan is making headlines—not for his latest film, but for his take on fatherhood. The actor recently spoke candidly in interviews, sharing his belief that parents should focus on being parents, not buddies.
As conversations around parenting styles trend across social platforms, Abhishek’s viewpoint is being praised for its clarity and honesty. His statement—”I’m not trying to be my child’s friend, I’m here to be their parent”—has struck a chord with many Indian households navigating the challenges of raising children in 2025.
Striking a Balance: Not Harsh, Just Honest
Abhishek didn’t speak from a place of criticism—his tone was calm, thoughtful, and personal. Reflecting on his own experiences growing up in the Bachchan family, he shared that discipline, structure, and emotional support were cornerstones of his upbringing. And that’s exactly what he believes today’s children still need.
“Friendship is valuable, yes, but when it comes to parenting, your child needs direction, boundaries, and a role model more than another pal,” he said.
A Message That Aligns with His Latest Film
The timing of this perspective couldn’t be more relevant. His new OTT film, Be Happy, explores inner peace, emotional resilience, and the importance of meaningful connections. Though it doesn’t focus on parenting directly, its themes parallel the core of Abhishek’s real-life philosophy—prioritize values over validation, and long-term growth over instant gratification.
Critics have praised Be Happy for its subtle storytelling and the maturity of Abhishek’s performance. Viewers are finding it both relatable and introspective, especially parents and middle-aged audiences reflecting on their own family dynamics.
Reactions Pour In: A Fresh Dialogue on Modern Indian Parenting
His statements have sparked an online wave of responses—from supportive parents and educators to parenting coaches and therapists. Many say Abhishek has verbalized what they’ve always felt but didn’t know how to express.
Others view his approach as “old school,” believing that building a friendship with children leads to better communication and trust. The debate, however, remains respectful, and many agree that parenting needs a balance between authority and empathy.
Trending hashtags such as #AbhishekOnParenting, #GuideNotFriend, and #ParentingInIndia have started gaining traction across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), pushing the conversation further into the spotlight.
Experts Weigh In: Discipline Isn’t a Dirty Word
Child behavior specialists and psychologists are largely aligned with Abhishek’s view. According to family counselor Radhika Sharma, “Today’s children face more emotional complexity than previous generations. They don’t just need friendship—they need leadership at home. That means setting rules, modeling values, and being firm when necessary.”
She adds that parents often fear being ‘too strict,’ especially in the age of gentle parenting trends. But structure, when paired with love and open communication, builds resilience and emotional strength.
Why This Conversation Is Timely and Necessary
Post-pandemic parenting has been full of grey areas—screen time rules, mental health awareness, blurred school-home boundaries, and social media influence. In this environment, many parents are unsure how to balance being approachable without losing authority.
Abhishek’s perspective comes as a timely reminder: children don’t need perfection from parents. They need presence, principles, and patience.
His words stand out not because they are radical, but because they’re rooted in practicality. It’s not about dismissing modern parenting—it’s about not abandoning what works just to fit a trend.
A Thought-Provoking Shift From a Celebrity Voice
It’s not every day a Bollywood star opens up about such a personal topic without trying to sound polished or preachy. Abhishek Bachchan’s take is raw, real, and resonates deeply because it reflects the daily struggles of real families trying to raise good human beings in a rapidly changing world.
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