Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, who has been embracing parenthood alongside her cricketer husband Virat Kohli, recently returned to India after an extended stay in London with their two children, Vamika and Akaay. Upon her arrival in Mumbai, Anushka attended a public event where she candidly discussed the challenges of parenting and the pressure to meet societal expectations of being “perfect parents.”
Speaking at the event, Anushka highlighted the unrealistic standards often placed on parents and emphasised the importance of normalising imperfections in parenting. “There is so much pressure to be like this perfect parent,” she remarked. “We are not perfect parents, we will complain about things, and it is okay to admit it to them also. So they know that you are flawed.”
What a beautiful surprise to begin our day with! ♥️🙌🏼#AnushkaSharma is back in town in a super cool all black ensemble. pic.twitter.com/KnBqdVvb6m
— Bollywood Now (@BollywoodNow) September 4, 2024
The actress, known for her roles in films like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and PK, shared her belief that acknowledging mistakes as parents can ease the pressure on both parents and children. “Imagine kids having to live up to, ‘Oh, my parents are like this.’ So, owning your mistakes makes it easier,” Anushka explained, suggesting that parents should not shy away from admitting their flaws, as it sets a more realistic example for their children.
Anushka, 36, also touched on the values she and Virat strive to instill in their children, though she noted that their daughter Vamika is still too young to grasp many of the lessons. “Vamika is very young to teach her anything as of now, but we try to set an example by how we live our lives,” she said.
Throughout the discussion, Anushka reiterated the importance of leading by example, rather than adhering to the image of an ideal parent. By embracing their imperfections and sharing those experiences with their children, Anushka and Virat hope to create a nurturing environment where their children can grow without the pressure of perfection.
The couple, who welcomed their first child, Vamika, in January 2021 and their son Akaay in 2023, have kept their family life largely private. However, Anushka’s candid reflections provide a rare glimpse into their parenting philosophy, one that prioritizes authenticity and self-awareness over perfection.
