From Army Dreams to Cinema and Advocacy: Aditi Anand's Journey
Aditi Anand's childhood aspiration was to join the army, a path that later evolved into ambitions of becoming a war journalist and documentary filmmaker. However, she ultimately found her calling in cinema, producing notable films such as 'Bison', 'Paan Singh Tomar', and 'No One Killed Jessica'. Beyond her cinematic achievements, Anand is a prominent advocate for legalising same-sex marriage in India, a cause close to her heart as she raises her five-year-old son with her partner, Susan Dias.
Parenthood: A Tectonic Shift in Priorities
Anand describes parenthood as a transformative experience that reshaped her life entirely. Previously living an independent lifestyle in Mumbai, the arrival of her son prompted a move to her parents' home in Delhi during the pandemic, a decision that became permanent. She emphasises that parenthood forces a re-evaluation of priorities, focusing on her child's relationships and well-being. Anand humorously notes that her life transitioned from an 'Anurag Kashyap film' to a 'Sooraj Barjatya film', embracing a more family-oriented existence.
Navigating Non-Normative Family Dynamics
Reflecting on her journey from coming out to her parents to now living with them and her grandson, Anand acknowledges the initial challenges her family faced. However, she highlights their unwavering support and the joy of seeing her son bond with multiple male role models, including her father and brother. Despite societal judgements, Anand reports positive experiences in her son's schools and community, where their family is accepted without exception. She stresses the importance of making the world comfortable for her child, even when faced with bureaucratic hurdles like filling out forms that don't accommodate two mothers.
Legal Battles and Societal Change
As one of the petitioners in the Supreme Court case for same-sex marriage, Anand expresses disappointment at the plea's rejection but remains hopeful about ongoing legal efforts. She argues that the lack of legal recognition deprives children of stable parental relationships and dignity. Anand believes society has progressed faster than the law, with many same-sex parents raising happy children, and calls for broader conversations beyond mere decriminalisation.
Parenting Styles and Gentle Parenting Trends
In her household, Anand describes herself as the 'fun' parent while Susan takes on the more responsible role, a dynamic that surprised them both. Discussing the gentle parenting trend, Anand appreciates its principles but cautions against excessive prescriptiveness, advocating for necessary boundaries to protect children. She emphasises the goal of empowering her son to find his own path, whether through academics or other pursuits.
Media Representation and Educational Values
Addressing criticism of LGBTQ+ content in children's shows, Anand points out the hypocrisy in objecting to same-sex romance while accepting heterosexual themes. She believes children should engage with allegorical content until older. On education, Anand stresses the importance of fostering empathy and self-discovery over mere academic marks, hoping her son finds his unique impact on the world.
Future Aspirations and Cultural Identity
Anand, who describes herself as a 'cheesy deshbhakt', shares her desire for her son to embrace his Indian identity, though she jokes he'll likely defy parental expectations. She concludes by affirming that every parent's ultimate wish is for their child's happiness, regardless of the path taken.
