Masaba Gupta Mantena and Rhea Kapoor tell us what it took to understand what their parents really expected of them.
Do kids realise what their parents aspire for? A recent survey asked Gen X this question to figure out if kids understand their parents
It is a widespread stereotype that parents don’t understand their kids. Numerous debates have been held and an equal amount of self-help books have been published to help parents understand just why they can’t understand their children. However, has anyone wondered whether kids understand their parents? And not only understand, if they even know what their parents want, what stopped them from chasing their unfulfilled dreams and aspirations? A Dreams Survey conducted recently explores and tries to understand exactly this dynamic. The results suggested that when it came to the kids, not many knew what their parents’ aspirations are. In an exclusive interview with HT Café, star kids and parents Masaba Gupta and Rhea Kapoor, the daughters of actors Neena Gupta (Far right) and Anil Kapoor (Below) respectively, talk about their rapport with each other as parents and kids.
Growing up, what kind of aspirations did you have? With parents in the acting industry, did you feel that you had to pursue the same career?
Rhea: No, I always knew that I had to do something that set me apart. I didn’t want to be like anyone else. I was clear that I had to work really hard and do something creative. Apart from that, I discovered my aspiration as I grew. I got a sense of who I was when I was around 18 or 19. Even though I love fashion and films, I didn’t grow up wanting to become an actor, designer or a stylist. Masaba: I didn’t feel like I had to pursue the same career, but, yes, I did want to become an actor when I was young. I am very much like my mother. I understood that I wouldn’t be able to cope in the industry. In fact, my mum wanted me to become a singer. I went to London (UK) to learn music for a while, but that didn’t work. After I returned, I worked for the Lakmé Fashion Week with Wendell Rodricks, and that’s how I started designing.
Did your parents ever mention whether they wanted you to get into acting?
Rhea: Absolutely not, we were always told to do whatever made us happy. Growing up, we were never told what we should pursue or become. It was always up to us. For my father, his main concern is fitness. Apart from that, he has always been supportive of what I do and always encourages me to push further and be optimistic. Masaba: My mother had her apprehensions about my unconventional looks. It was her opinion that I shouldn’t pursue acting. However, she was always supportive and never stopped me from trying.
What is the one thing that you have observed and learnt from your parents and have applied to your lives?
Rhea: From dad, one thing that I observed and adopted is his positivity. He rarely loses his temper and he never lets anything negative affect him. He always says, ‘Never take stress’. Masaba: Mum has always taught me to work. She maintained that you should work even if you have your parents or husband [to support you]. And that you need to have your own individuality and be independent. Now that I am working, I understand the importance of what she said and what she meant.
Today as both of you are pursuing your dreams, do you know what are the aspirations of Anil Kapoor and Neena Gupta today?
Rhea: My father tells me everything. So I know what he wants to do. I won’t be able to give you a list, because those are his ongoing projects. He is constantly pushing himself to do better and evolve. Masaba: My mum has always been passionate about singing. But she never had the required training to pursue it. Also she was a single mum and never had the time. She is now learning classical music and wants to teach as well. That is something that I am very happy about.
From dad, one thing that I observed and adopted is his positivity. He rarely loses his temper and he never lets anything negative affect him.
RHEA KAPOOR, FILM PRODUCER - STYLIST
My mum wanted me to become a singer. I went to London (UK) to learn music for a while but that didn’t work.
MASABA GUPTA, FASHION DESIGNER