Tusshar Kapoor's Journey as Bollywood's First Single Father
In a candid revelation, Bollywood actor Tusshar Kapoor has opened up about his unique path to fatherhood, which began in June 2016 when he announced the birth of his son Laksshya through IVF and surrogacy. This groundbreaking move made him the first single father in the Indian film industry, a decision he later chronicled in his book 'Bachelor Dad'.
Embracing Fatherhood Without Marriage
In a recent interview with 'Meri Saheli', Tusshar Kapoor discussed his personal choice to become a parent without marrying. He expressed that while he respects marriage as an institution, it was not the right path for him. "I completely believe in marriage as an institution, but it wasn't for me. My calling was to become a father," he stated. The actor emphasized that his decision was driven by a deep-seated desire for parenthood rather than any ideological stance against marriage.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Tusshar noted the contrast with his father, veteran actor Jeetendra. "I am very old school—similar to my father—but at the same time, we are extremely different from each other. After staying in the US for five years, I learnt to live independently. I haven't even married. I have a child as a single father. However, my father is not like this. He believes in marriage and having a family, he is very old school Indian," he explained.
The Turning Point and Divine Interventions
Tusshar Kapoor revealed that his journey to single fatherhood was not meticulously planned but rather unfolded through what he described as divine interventions. He shared a pivotal moment when a chance encounter with filmmaker Prakash Jha on a flight to Tirupati sparked the idea. "We weren't friends but knew each other socially. While returning, our flights were cancelled and we carpooled. On the way, he asked me, 'If you're not destined to be a married man, why not think of being a single parent?'" This conversation led Tusshar to explore options, eventually connecting with doctors who guided him through the IVF and surrogacy process.
The actor described the experience as a flow of events. "It wasn't planned, I went with the flow. I believed in God and kept faith," he said, highlighting how things fell into place naturally after he made the decision.
Navigating Single Parenthood at 40
Becoming a father at the age of 40, Tusshar Kapoor found the timing to be perfect rather than challenging. He dismissed societal pressures that often push individuals towards parenthood earlier. "One kid is not all that challenging. I am not a very social person and don't particularly enjoy travelling. I became a father at 40. I was mature. It was the right time to embrace fatherhood, unlike how our society starts putting pressure on you from the age of 25," he remarked.
He also addressed the lack of external pressure, noting that he did not seek validation from his family. "I had no pressure from my parents because I never thought of asking them. I was 39," he added, underscoring his independent approach to the decision.
Chronicling the Experience in 'Bachelor Dad'
Years after welcoming his son, Tusshar Kapoor decided to share his deeply personal journey through his book 'Bachelor Dad'. This work offers insights into the emotional and practical aspects of single fatherhood, providing a rare glimpse into a narrative that challenges traditional family structures in India. The book serves as a testament to his commitment to fatherhood and his willingness to break stereotypes in the entertainment industry.
Through his story, Tusshar Kapoor continues to inspire discussions about alternative paths to parenting, emphasizing that fatherhood can be a fulfilling choice regardless of marital status.
