Imran Khan on fatherhood: 'Privilege, not duty' in Mom Talks podcast
Synopsis
Imran Khan's podcast appearance challenges the dutiful-father narrative, arguing instead that active parenting is a privilege that enriches the parent as much as the child. His emphasis on co-parenting and emotional security over gender roles reflects a broader cultural shift in how Indian cinema engages with modern masculinity and family dynamics.
Key Takeaways
Imran Khan appeared on Parineeti Chopra's podcast Mom Talks to discuss his parenting philosophy.
He described fatherhood as a privilege, not a duty , positioning active parenting as a source of personal joy and connection.
Khan advocated for equal co-parenting between mothers and fathers, arguing parenting should transcend gender roles.
He emphasized that emotional security and a child's sense of safety should remain the priority, regardless of family structure.
Khan shares daughter Imara Malik Khan (born 2014 ) with ex-wife Avantika Malik ; the couple separated in 2019 .
Actor Imran Khan opened up about his parenting philosophy during an appearance on actress Parineeti Chopra's podcast Mom Talks, reframing fatherhood as a deeply personal privilege rather than an obligation. In the candid conversation, the Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na star articulated a perspective that challenges conventional notions of parental responsibility.
Redefining Fatherhood
Khan emphasized that he has never approached parenting through the lens of duty. "I did not view it as my duty; I always saw it as my privilege. The time I spent with my child is something I wanted for myself. It's not about fulfilling a role but about experiencing joy, love, and connection," he said. This framing positions active fatherhood not as a social mandate but as a source of personal enrichment and emotional fulfillment.
Beyond Gender Roles in Parenting
The Delhi Belly actor stressed that parenting should never be compartmentalized by gender. He argued that raising a child is fundamentally a shared responsibility between both parents, not a maternal-centric duty. Khan advocated for co-parenting models where fathers take equal ownership of daily caregiving, which he contends strengthens the parent-child bond and distributes the emotional and physical load more equitably within families.
Emotional Security and Family Stability
Khan underscored that regardless of how family structures evolve, a child's emotional security must remain paramount. He noted that children flourish when they feel safe, supported, and confident that their parents are in control — a foundation that transcends household configuration. This perspective reflects a growing recognition in parenting discourse that stability and reassurance matter more than traditional family templates.
Learning Through Observation
The Katti Batti actor highlighted that children absorb parental behavior patterns through observation rather than instruction. He stressed the importance of parents modeling healthy relationships and respectful communication, as these become the blueprint children internalize and replicate in their own lives.
Khan, who married Avantika Malik in 2011, shares a daughter, Imara Malik Khan, born in 2014. The couple separated in 2019 after eight years of marriage, though Khan's remarks suggest he has maintained an engaged co-parenting approach post-separation.
Point of View
Moving away from the provider-protector archetype toward a more emotionally integrated model of parenthood. Whether this translates into broader social practice remains the open question.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Imran Khan say about fatherhood on Mom Talks?
Imran Khan described fatherhood as a privilege rather than a duty, stating that the time spent with his child is something he wanted for himself. He emphasized that active parenting is about experiencing joy, love, and connection, not merely fulfilling a role.
What is Imran Khan's stance on co-parenting?
Khan advocates for equal co-parenting between mothers and fathers, arguing that raising a child should never be viewed through the lens of gender. He believes a father's active participation in daily caregiving strengthens the parent-child bond and supports the family's overall well-being.
Does Imran Khan have children?
Yes, Imran Khan has a daughter, Imara Malik Khan, born in 2014, with ex-wife Avantika Malik. The couple married in 2011 and separated in 2019.
How does Imran Khan view family structures and emotional security?
Khan believes that regardless of how family structures change, a child's emotional security should remain the priority. Children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and reassured that their parents are in control, he stated.
What does Imran Khan say children learn from parents?
Khan emphasized that children learn primarily through observing their parents rather than through direct instruction. He stressed the importance of parents modeling healthy relationships and respectful communication.
