For actor Iqbal Khan, who is presently seen in Sony SAB’s Hui Gumm Yaadein, the chaotic world of showbiz stops completely the moment he steps off a set. While his career has been defined by powerful performances and public adulation, his ultimate grounding force remains his family. This Father’s Day, Iqbal gets candid about navigating long-distance shoot schedules, the distinct ways his 14-year-old and 4-year-old daughters view his stardom, and the profound spiritual shifts that come with being a parent.
For Iqbal, the physical distance from his family during his shoot schedules is immediately bridged by modern technology. “When I am away from home for a shoot, I make it an absolute point to video call and speak to my kids and my wife regularly,” Iqbal shares warmly. “No matter how demanding the day is, staying connected with them is non-negotiable.”
In an era where celebrity parenting is often put on full display for social media clicks and engagement, Iqbal consciously chooses a more traditional, protective path for his loved ones. “I am a bit of a private person. I don’t put my family out there on social media,” he states clearly. “Yes, I am entirely open about the fact that I am married and have children, but I actively try to keep them away from all the limelight. Their space is theirs.”
The hard truth about parenting is realising that God gives a certain, unique personality to every single human being.
Speaking about his stardom and how his daughters see it, he shares, “I have two daughters. The elder one is 14, and she takes my success very lightly—at least for now, which is great,” Iqbal chuckles. “My second one is just four years old. She gets incredibly excited whenever she watches me on screen, though she doesn’t really have a grasp of or a hang of my profession yet.”
When asked if his daughters show any early inclinations toward following his footsteps into acting, Iqbal’s approach is firmly rooted in priorities. “It’s not only about whether they want to be an actor or not. I tell them that if there is something strongly in their mind to follow, they can. But I don’t ask them to go all out about how they feel just yet—it’s far too soon. They need to finish their education first. That comes before anything else.”
“Fatherhood brings in a massive amount of patience,” Iqbal reflects profoundly. “Your love for others and your love for God increase. You learn to slow down. The hard truth about parenting is realising that God gives a certain, unique personality to every single human being. They have their own part to play in this world. As parents, we can’t really change their inherent personalities, nor should we—as long as they are good human beings, that is all that matters.”
Iqbal wraps up with a characteristic display of humility, saying, “As a father, I don’t want to change anything about the way things are going,” Iqbal concludes thoughtfully. “I am doing well. I am not perfect or great, but I am fine.”
Here’s wishing all our readers Happy Father’s Day!!
