Kamal Ghorui
Parenting styles may have changed with generations, but conversations around how to raise children remain deeply relatable. In a recent interaction on Soha Ali Khan’s ‘All About Her’ podcast, veteran actor Neetu Kapoor opened up about the same. She shared her thoughts on modern parenting, spoke about how Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are raising Raha, and revealed what worries her most as a grandmother.
What Neetu Kapoor thinks about the new norms of parenting
Speaking about generational differences in parenting, Neetu Kapoor says, “I think times are different.” Admitting that parenting approaches have evolved with changing times, she says, “I did whatever best I could do in my times…. and now today because times have changed they are the best parents they know what to do.”
She further added that she does not believe in interfering in her children’s parenting choices, explaining, “I don’t want to interfere, I just want to be a good grandmother.”
How Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor raise their daughter Raha
Speaking about granddaughter Raha, Neetu Kapoor revealed that the little one shares very different equations with her parents. “Raha listens to Alia Bhatt, and Alia is a great mother. Ranbir Kapoor, you know, he is a friend!” she said.Neetu further shared that while Raha does all the “masti” with Ranbir, Alia is the stricter parent who focuses on discipline and healthy habits. “She’s teaching her the right things and you know… no TV and no this no that…” Neetu said, referring to Alia’s mindful parenting approach.Recalling their playful disagreements over spoiling Raha, Neetu laughed and said, “I’m always fighting with her… ‘ek chocolate dene de…’” However, according to her, Alia firmly believes in limiting sugar for children and replies, “No, can you understand sugar is not good for her.”Like many grandparents, Neetu admitted she enjoys pampering her granddaughter. “I say it’s okay na, I’m the grandmother. Let me spoil her,” she added humorously.
What scares Neetu Kapoor for her grandchildren
Neetu Kapoor’s concern with today’s day and age is social media. “Social media is scary,” she says. “Today there’s more awareness. In my time there was no awareness of no TV, no sugar,” she said, adding that her children, Ranbir Kapoor and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, would watch television every day. According to Neetu, much of today’s parenting anxiety stems from the rise of social media and excessive screen exposure. “I think it’s social media which is scaring them. Because you get so addicted to that screen,” she explained.Expressing concern over the impact of the digital world on children, she further added, “It’s so scary what all can happen on social media.”
Neetu Kapoor feels a “nani” shares a closer bond with children
Neetu Kapoor also shared her thoughts on the unique bond grandparents share with children. According to her, a maternal grandmother or “nani” often becomes emotionally closer to a child than a paternal grandmother or “daadi.” Explaining her perspective, Neetu said the connection naturally becomes stronger because “the mother is always talking about her mother with her child.”
Neetu Kapoor on giving married children space
Speaking further about family relationships, Neetu Kapoor emphasised the importance of giving children space after marriage. She shared that parents should learn to step back and allow their married children to build their own lives independently.“I feel when your children get married, you have to leave them alone,” she said, adding, “I want to give them their space.”Stressing on respecting boundaries, Neetu further remarked, “Their privacy is their privacy.”
