Ayushmann Khurrana Reflects on Parenting and Childhood Experiences

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana recently opened up about his unique parenting approach, contrasting it with the strict upbringing he experienced as a child. Speaking on the Honestly Saying Podcast, he revealed how his father's stern methods, including physical punishment, have shaped his perspective on fatherhood.

Khurrana, who shares two children—son Virajveer (10) and daughter Varushka (8)—with filmmaker Tahira Kashyap, shared, “I became a father in my 20s. In fact, Vicky Donor was released when I was already a father. It was very different. Both me and Tahira evolved together because we were very young parents. The best part is that I have a daughter. You become a better person. Daughters teach you to be more empathetic.”

The actor described his late father, P Khurana, as a "dictator." Known for his work in astrology and his writings on the subject, P Khurana was a prominent figure in North India. He passed away last year. Reflecting on his childhood, Ayushmann said, “Getting beaten with chappals, belts, etc… were par for the course, and of course, there was childhood trauma. One day I was returning from a party, and my shirt smelled of cigarette smoke. Now, I never touched it (cigarette) because of the fear of my father. But I still got beaten up for it.”

Despite these experiences, Khurrana has chosen a different approach to parenting. He emphasized his commitment to empathy and understanding, particularly influenced by his role as a father to a daughter.

Ayushmann and Tahira, who have been together since their school days, married in 2008. Over the years, the couple has been vocal about their journey as partners and parents, offering insights into their shared growth and evolving relationship.