In this fast-paced digital life, it can get tiresome to hide your relationship from your parents, who’re slowly learning their way around Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and the like. While not following them back, feigning ignorance to their friend request or blocking them altogether are some options, they’re not viable solutions. After all, don’t you visualise your dad and your boyfriend getting along like a house on fire? Luckily for us, celebrity parents like Neetu and Rishi Kapoor, Sunita and Anil Kapoor, and Madhu Chopra are taking a stand that will help the traditional Indian parents expand their tunnel vision and come to terms with your love life.
Case 1: Neetu and Rishi Kapoor’s unending affection for their son Ranbir Kapoor’s girlfriend Alia Bhatt
You know you’ve been accepted into the family without doing the saath phere or signing pre-nuptials when your boyfriend’s parents speak positively about you when you’re not even around, follow your activities on social media and constantly show their love and support. In short, they treat you like you’re already a family member, no strings attached. In a recent interview, Ranbir’s father was asked to share his thoughts on his son’s relationship with Alia. He said, “It’s Ranbir’s life. Who he wants to get married to is his prerogative. Neetu likes her, I like her, Ranbir likes her. Get it? I can’t be judgmental. After all, my uncles Shammiji and Shashiji and I chose our life partners. Ranbir is entitled to choose his.” *claps*
Meanwhile, Ranbir’s mum doesn’t shy away from showing her affection towards Alia — she often leaves adorable heart emojis and sweet comments on her Instagram posts, and Alia makes sure she reciprocates the love.
What’s more, Ranbir’s sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni has already given Alia a warm welcome into the family with a customised gift.
Case 2: Sunita and Anil Kapoor’s geniality with Sonam Kapoor’s husband, Anand Ahuja
Delhi-based businessman Anand Ahuja’s family has no connection with Bollywood whatsoever. And when you’re an established actor in the industry — apart from being a father to one of Bollywood’s highest-paid actresses —you’re bound to be skeptical of your daughter’s choice. Right? Wrong. Anil Kapoor, for one, has an open mind (remember how happily he danced at the Sonam-Anand reception?). In a candid interview, Anil spoke about Anand: “He’s not my son-in-law, he’s like my son… I’d say friend. We bond over health, fitness and loving our parents and family. He’s very work-oriented, so we talk about that.”
“Of course, there are things that I learned from him, since he has travelled so much, has studied in one of the best universities. These things I’m taking from him. He’s young, and comes up with great, fresh ideas where health is concerned. He has got a lot of depth and is very spiritual. It’s a combination of so many things we relate and connect to.” Now, isn’t that sweet?
Case 3: Madhu Chopra’s acceptance of daughter Priyanka Chopra’s 10 year gap with Nick Jonas
Love has no rules or boundaries — that’s what fairy tales teach us, but our parents? Hah. Their expectations (including society’s unwarranted pressure) can make us second guess our partners and doubt our own selves. But Priyanka Chopra’s mum, Madhu Chopra, is as cool as they come. Not only did she wholeheartedly accept her daughter’s relationship with a man from a different creed and caste, but she also didn’t flinch upon learning the vast age (and height) difference between Priyanka and Nick. Way to go, Madhu.
Madhu revealed in an interview that is glad to see her daughter settle down: “Priyanka has always been ambitious about her career and I was just supporting her and wishing the best for her, as a mother. I used to pester her, but in the last two-three years, I had stopped. I haven’t forced any of my thoughts on her, but I definitely want a traditional Indian wedding. That’s my only wish. I started the roka with a puja, which is important for me. I’m a modern mother but at heart, I’m quite conservative,”
Such unconditional acceptance from public figures heralds hope for dreamers who’re too afraid to face the music from their conventional parents.
4 celebrities who expressed their love with personalised gifts:
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