Actor Kunal Kemmu has opened up about raising his daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu with wife Soha Ali Khan — a couple who come from different religious backgrounds but have chosen to weave both traditions into their daughter's upbringing. Speaking candidly, Kunal said the couple has always followed their instincts over societal expectations when it comes to parenting.

Instinct Over Opinion

Kunal, who hails from a Hindu family, and Soha, who comes from a Muslim family, married in January 2015 after dating for several years. Their daughter Inaaya, born in September 2017, will turn nine this year. Kunal said the couple has never allowed public opinion to shape how they raise her.

'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 will be nine years old this year. But we did everything instinctively that we felt was right,' he said.

Navigating Public Scrutiny

The couple's parenting choices have not been without criticism. Kunal acknowledged that while many appreciated their approach, some found certain decisions objectionable. He said neither reaction changed their course.

'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,' he added.

Two Parents, One Team

Kunal was candid about the occasional disagreements that come with co-parenting. He described a dynamic where both partners respect each other's individual instincts, even when they differ. '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,' he said with a laugh.

He emphasised that neither he nor Soha makes parenting decisions to project a certain image. '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.'

Celebrating Every Festival

In practice, the family's interfaith approach is most visible in how they mark celebrations. From Diwali and Mahashivratri to Eid and Christmas, Kunal and Soha are regularly seen embracing every occasion with equal enthusiasm, ensuring Inaaya grows up experiencing the richness of multiple traditions. The couple's visible comfort with this pluralism has drawn both admiration and, at times, unsolicited commentary — none of which, Kunal says, has changed anything at home.