Actor Arjun Bijlani may be one of television’s most recognisable faces, but away from the spotlight, his most cherished role is that of a father. In a candid conversation, the actor opened up about balancing fame, family, and fatherhood, sharing heartfelt insights about his son and the lessons parenting has taught him, on the occasion of Father’s Day.
For Arjun, spending long stretches away from home due to work remains one of the most challenging aspects of his profession. However, he makes every effort to stay connected with his son, regardless of where he is. “Being away from home is one of the toughest parts of my profession. What keeps me grounded is staying connected with my son every day, whether it’s through video calls, messages, or even sharing little moments from our day. No matter where I am, I make it a point to be present in his life. Those conversations remind me that beyond the actor, the husband, and everything else, I’m a father first,” he said.
As a public figure, the actor is mindful of protecting his child’s privacy while allowing him to enjoy and celebrate his father’s achievements. “It’s always about finding the right balance. My son has grown up seeing what I do, and he’s proud of it, which makes me happy. At the same time, I believe children deserve the freedom to enjoy their childhood away from unnecessary public scrutiny. We share special moments when we feel comfortable, but I try to keep most of his life private so he can grow up naturally and on his own terms,” he shared.
When asked how he would react if his son decided to pursue acting, the actor was completely supportive, emphasising the importance of preparation and dedication. “I would be absolutely okay with it. In fact, I’d support any profession he chooses as long as he’s passionate about it. If he wants to become an actor, my advice would be to first focus on learning and grooming himself. Acting is not just about being in front of the camera. It’s about discipline, patience, and constantly working on yourself. The more prepared you are, the better your journey will be,” Bijlani explained.
The biggest lesson is that parenting is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up every day with love and doing your best.
Fatherhood, he admits, has also influenced his work as an actor, allowing him to connect with emotions on a deeper level. “Definitely. Fatherhood changes you in ways you don’t even realise at first. It makes you more patient, more empathetic, and emotionally aware. As an actor, I’ve found myself connecting with emotions much more deeply than before. Whether it’s love, fear, pride, or vulnerability, becoming a father has added new layers to the way I approach my performances,” he said.
Speaking about the realities of parenting, Arjun acknowledged that no guidebook can truly prepare someone for the experience. “The hard truth is that there is no perfect parent. You can read all the books in the world, but every child is unique and every day brings a new challenge. Sometimes you make mistakes, sometimes you doubt yourself, but you learn as you go. The biggest lesson is that parenting is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up every day with love and doing your best,” he reflected.
The actor also revealed one thing he wishes he could change as a father. “If I could change one thing, it would be to spend even more quality time with my son. He’s 11 now, growing up so fast, and I want to be there for as many moments as possible. He’s naughty, extremely intelligent, and has so many interests, from cricket and football to chess. I would love to slow down time a little and create even more memories with him because these years are truly priceless,” he said.
Here’s wishing all our readers Happy Father’s Day!!
