Kunal Kemmu on Instinctive Parenting with Soha Across Religions

Kunal Kemmu on raising daughter Inaaya with Soha Ali Khan despite their different religious backgrounds

Mumbai, June 29

Saying that they have always trusted their instincts over societal expectations when it comes to parenting, Kunal highlighted on how he and Soha have been on the same page, especially when it comes to their daughter.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Kunal said he and Soha have never let public opinion dictate the way they bring up their daughter, who will turn nine this year.

"We have been very instinctive. Luckily, I have had a friend, a partner and a wife now, who understands that I am an instinctive person and so is she. As far as parenting is concerned, we have a little experience now. She (Inaaya) will be nine years old this year. But we did everything instinctively that we felt was right," Kunal told IANS.

The actor added that while some people appreciated their parenting choices, others were critical, but the couple never sought validation from society.

"It has been a journey that people have liked. But we never thought about what people would think and who would like it or not. Some people got offended in this journey, some people didn't like certain things. But that's okay, because I think how you live your life is in your hands."

Kunal further shared that both he and Soha respect each other's parenting styles and do not try to conform to what others may perceive as the "right" way to raise a child.

"We have never done anything thinking, 'Let's do this because it will look better' or because people will think socially that we are doing the right thing or wrong. As a parent, she does what she thinks is right. I do what I think is right."

He admitted that, like most parents, the couple has occasional disagreements over parenting decisions.

"Sometimes there are things that I say there's no need to do, but as a parent, it's her right to do it. Similarly, there are many things where she tells me that the habits I am spoiling don't look good. She'll say don't give her ice cream right now, but I feed it to her when I think it's the right time," quipped Kunal.

For the uninitiated, Kunal and Soha tied the knot in January 2015 after dating for several years. They welcomed their daughter, Inaaya Naumi Kemmu, in September 2017.

Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu, come from different religious backgrounds. While Soha comes from a Muslim family, Kunal is from a Hindu family. But despite that, the two are always seen celebrating festivals from all faiths with equal enthusiasm.

From Christmas and Eid to Diwali and Mahashivratri and other festivals, the couple is seen embracing every occasion with equal excitement, ensuring their daughter Inaaya experiences the beauty of them all.

— IANS