Ayushmann Khurrana and Tahira Kashyap are amongst the most progressive couples in Bollywood, and their parenting philosophy reflects just that. Beyond their successful careers, this power couple is deeply committed to raising their children, Virajveer and Varushka, with strong foundations of equality, empathy, and respect. In interviews and public conversations, both Ayushmann and Tahira have spoken about how gender equality must begin at home, through everyday behaviour, shared responsibilities, and conscious conversations. Their approach is modern, grounded, and an example to look up to for many Indian families. Here’s a look at how they weave gender equality into their children’s daily lives:Leading by example at homeAyushmann and Tahira believe that kids learn more from what they see rather than what is taught to them. In their personal life, chores aren’t divided based on stereotypical gender roles. Be it cooking or cleaning or dropping off the kids to school, or juggling the work schedule, each task is equally performed by both of them. Kids grow up seeing a partnership where both contribute equally to each other and respect the choice each one makes. This daily modeling normalizes equality, and their children grow up internalizing fairness as the natural order of things and nothing out of the ordinary.Encouraging emotional expression in both childrenAllowing them to express their emotions is one of the strong foundations of their parenting philosophy, whether a boy or a girl. Ayushmann has often spoken about how boys are conditioned to mask their feelings and girls are stereotyped as “too emotional.” The couple actively works to break this narrative. They encourage their son and daughter to talk openly about fears, sadness, joy, frustration, and dreams. By validating and not genderising their feelings, they teach their kids that vulnerability is strength and emotional intelligence belongs to everyone.Raising their daughter and son with equal opportunitiesAyushmann and Tahira make sure that both their children receive equal opportunities, be it in academics, sports, hobbies, or personal choices. They do not direct them toward gender-specific toys, subjects, or goals. They instead follow the child’s interest and not the labels provided by society. Their daughter is being encouraged toward sports and leadership, while their son is allowed to be creative, sensitive, and expressive. This balanced approach empowers both kids to grow without boundaries, helping them understand that dreams and capabilities are not defined by gender.Constant conversations about respect and consentFor this couple, the lessons in gender equality start with lessons in respect. They say from a tender age, they talk to their children about consent, respect personal space, ask before touching and respect other people’s choices, politeness in communication. Part of daily interaction and not special lessons, by ingraining these values early, Ayushmann and Tahira expect to raise children who will treat mutual respect in all relationships as a given. Strong moral values and a considerate responsible adult-ensuring attitude are built.Breaking stereotypes through storytelling and media The couple uses storytelling intentionally to shape their children’s worldview with Ayushmann’s film choices and Tahira’s writing. They introduce books, movies, and characters that challenge old stereotypes and present them with strong, diverse role models. Their children grow up watching and reading stories where girls can be brave, and boys are gentle, where kindness matters more than toughness, and where individuality is celebrated. With this kind of conscious exposure, the kids begin to form progressive ideas rather naturally without absorbing limiting narratives of what boys and girls “should” be.
