Shah Rukh Khan spoke with rare honesty about parenting , legacy , and the role his children play in shaping him in an interview with SCREEN. After a four-year break that followed the lukewarm response to Zero in 2018, the actor returned with major releases such as Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki. But he makes it clear that the real shift did not happen on a film set. It happened at home.
During the pandemic, like many families across the world, he found himself spending uninterrupted time with his children, Aryan, Suhana and AbRam. That pause changed the pace of life. It also changed perspective. He describes his family as his “North Star.” Not as an emotional slogan, but as a daily compass.
“My children are my biggest critics”
Many parents assume children need guidance. What goes unnoticed is that children also guide their parents.
Shah Rukh Khan says his children are his “best critics.” That statement carries weight. In an industry where applause is constant and fame can blur judgment, honest feedback at home matters. Children do not respond to box office numbers. They respond to authenticity.
When a parent allows children to question, critique, or disagree, it builds mutual respect. The relationship stops being hierarchical and starts becoming collaborative. Children feel heard. Parents stay grounded.
That balance prevents distance. It keeps conversations open. And it ensures that success outside does not create silence inside the home.
Legacy beyond awards and records
For many public figures, legacy is measured in trophies and numbers. But he speaks of legacy in simpler terms, shared memories and values.
He explains that achievements alone do not define what remains. The real inheritance lies in everyday moments: family movie nights, shared laughter, and quiet lessons that stay long after the spotlight fades.
This belief connects deeply with his involvement in The Lion King , where he voiced Mufasa and his son Aryan voiced Simba. Later, his younger son AbRam lent his voice to young Mufasa in Mufasa: The Lion King.
The story itself revolves around responsibility, growth and the “circle of life.” For him, that message mirrors parenting. A parent prepares a child for a world where guidance will not always be physically present.
That awareness often begins with a simple truth: children are not extensions of their parents. They are individuals walking their own path.
Giving freedom without withdrawing love
The actor lost his father at the age of 15. That early loss shaped his understanding of love and independence. He recalls how his father never hesitated to show affection. At the same time, he hopes to guide his own children while allowing them space to explore. This is not an easy balance. Overprotection limits growth. Total detachment creates insecurity. Healthy parenting sits in between.
Children need two things at the same time: a safety net and open skies. When parents offer both, children learn confidence without fear.
Aryan recently made his directorial debut with The Ba***ds of Bollywood. Suhana is set to star alongside her father in the upcoming film King. These steps reflect freedom with support, not pressure with expectation.
Voice acting for The Lion King became more than a professional project. It became a shared experience.
He admits that while he showed his children the ropes in the recording studio, they also opened his eyes to new perspectives. Curiosity works both ways.
When parents collaborate with children, whether through art, sport, or simple hobbies, the power dynamic softens. The relationship shifts from instruction to interaction.
Creative partnerships reduce generational gaps. They create shared language. And most importantly, they build memories that feel earned, not scheduled.
The sea, humility and perspective
Years before fame, he arrived in Mumbai with hope and uncertainty. He stood by the sea, reflecting on who he wanted to become.
Today, he lives at Mannat, facing the same Arabian Sea. But the sea remains constant. It humbles.
He describes it as a reminder that not everything needs to be controlled. For parents, this lesson holds value. Children cannot be scripted. They cannot be perfectly planned.
Parenting demands dreams, but it also demands surrender. When parents accept that they cannot shape every outcome, they build healthier relationships. Control reduces trust. Perspective increases it.
Children notice when parents are distracted. They also notice when parents listen. A grounded parent raises grounded children.
Disclaimer: This article is based on an exclusive interview given by Shah Rukh Khan to SCREEN. All statements attributed to the actor are drawn from that published interview. The content is presented for informational and reflective purposes.
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