what does fatherhood mean to our celebrity dads? In this regard You! talks to a few celebrity dads. Read on...
A father is every child’s first hero. Fathers, like mothers, are a fountain of love, care and strength. A father acts like an umbrella and provides a safety net around his children who always look up to their dad for emotional, financial, and physical security.
Father’s Day is celebrated every year in June (falls on the 3rd Sunday) to signify the special bond between father and his offspring. The day is dedicated to all the doting fathers who are playing a significant role in their children’s upbringing.
The joy of being a father cannot be described in words. So what does fatherhood mean to our celebrity dads? In this regard You! talks to a few celebrity dads. Read on...
QUESTIONS
Q1. What do you enjoy most about being a dad?
Q2. What is your much-loved or earliest memory of your father?
Q3. Do you think your approach to fatherhood is similar or different to your own father?
Q4. What lessons have fatherhood taught you?
Q5. What is your favourite Father’s Day movie?
Q6. What are some of your preferred things to do on Father’s Day?
QUESTIONS
Q1. What do you enjoy most about being a dad?
Q2. What is your much-loved or earliest memory of your father?
Q3. Do you think your approach to fatherhood is similar or different to your own father?
Q4. What lessons have fatherhood taught you?
Q5. What is your favourite Father’s Day movie?
Q6. What are some of your preferred things to do on Father’s Day?
1. Oh, I really enjoy being a dad. My kids have got a whole different vocabulary; I hear words like ‘pookie’ and I have no idea what’s going on. Then there’s technology. They’re light-years ahead of where we were at their age. It used to be a generation gap; now it feels like a generation canyon. But I love it. I learn from them all the time – how they think, how they approach relationships, how they communicate. It’s a whole new world, and I’m lucky to get a front-row seat.
2. It’s hard to point to just one memory or moment. But what stands out is how Abba evolved with me. When I was a kid, he was strict. As I entered my teenage years, he tried to balance between being a father and being a friend. And by the time I became a young adult, he really did become my friend. He always showed up in the exact way I needed, depending on where I was in life.
3. I remember looking at my dad and thinking, “I’ll probably be a better father than him.” But now, as I go through this journey myself, I find myself becoming more and more like him. It’s funny how that works. So much of who you are as a parent is rooted in what you’ve seen and experienced growing up.
4. If I had to sum it up in one word, it’s patience. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned. When you’re raising young children while also navigating life with two teenagers and a young adult, you realise just how essential it is. Every stage demands a different version of you, and without patience, you just can’t show up the way you need to.
5. Do I have a favourite Father’s Day movie? Not really, to be honest.
6. I think my family celebrates my existence every day. Haha. But really, I feel like this question should be asked from my kids. They’re the ones who have to decide how to celebrate it. My own father isn’t around anymore, so it’s not really a day I think about for myself. It’s more about just being there for them, like my dad was for me.
1. The unconditional bond. There’s nothing like coming home after a long day and being greeted with love that’s pure and real.
2. I remember my father being a man of discipline but with a very kind heart. One of my fondest memories is him waking me up early, not to scold me, but to take me for swimming. Those small, consistent moments shaped a lot of who I am today.
3. It’s a mix of both. My father instilled strong values in me, and I try to do the same. But today’s world is different, so I try to blend his wisdom with a more open, emotionally connected approach to parenting.
4. Patience, empathy and the ability to listen more than speak. Fatherhood constantly teaches me to lead by example and to become a better version of myself every day.
5. ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’. It’s a powerful story of a father’s determination and love.
6. Spending quality time with my kids without distraction. Just talking heart-to-heart or watching a movie etc. , those moments mean everything to me.
1. The unconditional love. The way your kids look at you like you’re their world - it’s the purest kind of love you’ll ever know. For me, being a dad means being a safe space for my children - someone they can laugh with, cry with, and trust blindly. Watching them grow into kind, curious, and confident people is the biggest reward.
2. I remember my father’s calm strength. He wasn’t loud, but his presence was powerful. One of my early memories is holding his hand while walking into a crowded place - that one simple act made me feel completely secure. His quiet wisdom and dignity left a deep impression on me.
3. In some ways, it’s similar. I value stability and being emotionally present, just like he was. But I think I’m more expressive. I hug my kids often, say “I love you” a lot, and try to understand their world. The world’s changed since our fathers raised us. Now, it’s more about listening than instructing. I try to parent with empathy and open communication.
4. It has taught me patience - and that love is action, not just words. It’s waking up at odd hours, showing up for school events, listening even when you’re tired, apologising when you’re wrong. Fatherhood has grounded me, softened me, and given my life deeper meaning than any stage or spotlight ever could.
5. No particular movie.
6. Honestly, just being around my kids. A relaxed day at home, maybe a meal together.
1. What I enjoy most about being a dad is the sense of responsibility that comes naturally when you become a father. I love spending time with my kids and learning something new from them every day.
2. My father is an institution in himself. He instilled discipline and strong values in me and my siblings. He taught us the value of time and punctuality - like waking up early and being consistent. I still follow in his footsteps to this day.
3. Things were a bit different back in my day. Fathers were usually strict. My own father was caring yet firm, and that approach worked well for us. I’m a bit more lenient with my own children, because I believe a strict approach doesn’t work in today’s world. Still, I try to uphold and pass on my father’s teachings as much as I can.
4. Fatherhood is a pure blessing. Since I have become a father, I have become more loving and gentle.
5. Any movie my kids like.
6. I always call my dad first - he’s in Lahore, and I’m in Karachi. Then I spend the day with my kids. They’re still young, so I try to be fully present because I know once they grow up, they will have their own lives so I cherish their early years as much as I can.
1. Being a father is a huge blessing. The feeling cannot be explained in words. As soon as I finish work, I rush home so that I can be with my kids.
2. I have so many fond memories of my father. He was never loud. He never scolded us. Unlike authoritative fathers, he was very lenient. He introduced us to art, music and culture.
3. I think today’s parents are more involved with their kids. Thirty years ago, things were different. Times have changed, and children today face new challenges. So, the rules of parenting have also evolved. Now, because of security concerns, I’m more focused on my kids’ safety. I need to know where they are.
4. I think when you become a father, you end up unlearning a few things you learnt from your own father. Fatherhood has taught me some valuable lessons - especially the importance of being tolerant and maintaining a friendly relationship with your kids.
5. As for Father’s Day movies, I don’t have a particular favourite. Whenever we’re in the mood to watch something good, we order some fancy food, sit together, and enjoy whatever movie the kids want to see.
6. For me, Father’s Day is all about family time. We go out and have a nice meal together or sometimes we go to the beach together.
1. The most fulfilling feeling is to see your children grow. You also become a child when you play with your kids. You forget all the nuisance of the world when you are with them, and I guess that’s the most exciting part of being a dad.
2. A much-loved memory is that our father has ingrained in our minds that family comes first, and we siblings need to stick together no matter what may come. Now, we are in our 40s, but we cannot live without each other. We are all well connected; this is all because of our father.
3. I wish I could be an amazing father like my dad. He is very loving, caring, and disciplined. He is very considerate. I don’t think I could be half the man that he is. I think he has spoiled us too much, and I will be a little firmer in that domain. He taught me many things, like being true to yourself, being confident, and following your passion. I want to adopt his approach in raising my children.
4. One of the greatest lessons fatherhood has taught me is to be less judgmental. I used to judge people quickly, but after becoming a father, I realised I was wrong. Fatherhood has also taught me to be more tolerant, more empathetic, and more considerate.
5. My younger son loves watching movies. He is a Marvel fan, so this Father’s Day we are going to watch lots of Spider-Man and Avengers movies.
6. A relaxed day with the kids. The perfect Father’s Day would be sitting with my kids and my wife in a room with popcorn, watching a movie, chilling out, laughing, joking, teasing each other, screaming, shouting, and making noise - when you are truly bonding with your family, free from worldly obligations.
1. I love being a dad and everything it entails - being able to see them smile, watching them grow, learn, and make progress. Being a part of their journey, which will hopefully be better than mine, is an honour.
2. I have so many wonderful memories of my father that I can’t recall just one. He was my mentor, and I have learnt a lot from him.
3. I am trying to do the best I can with what I have been given. I’m sure my father did his best too, with his understanding and circumstances. I just hope my children feel the love, strength, and presence of their father.
4. I think being a father has taught me many things. I’ve become a better human being - more compassionate and responsible.
5. No special Father’s Day movie. I watch whatever my kids watch.
6. On Father’s Day, I spend time with my kids, doing things they usually enjoy.
1. His innocent questions.
2. As a child, my most beautiful memory of my father was sitting on his shoulders.
3. Mine is almost similar. Obviously, times have changed, so it’s a little different. We are more paranoid about kids’ protection now. On the other hand, our childhood was different. We used to go miles with friends without any fear. Now, I don’t allow my kids to go anywhere alone.
4. Always listen to what your kid is saying. Leave everything when he or she is talking.
5. None.
6. I love spending time with my child, especially on Father’s Day.
1. I enjoy everything about being a dad. When I see my girls happy, I feel happy too. The way my daughters love me gives me immense joy. They have completed my existence.
2. I have dozens of good memories of my father. I was an excellent volleyball player, and my father used to encourage me a lot.
3. My father was very loving but authoritative at the same time. I was so afraid of him. There was a huge communication gap between us. When I became a father, I decided that I would not be like him. I am very friendly with my girls. They can come and talk to me anytime. I have given them this much freedom.
4. Fatherhood has taught me selflessness. Since I became a father, my first priority is my daughters. I hardly do any shopping for myself now. I always think about my girls.
5. ‘Life is Beautiful’.
6. We bring cake. My girls bring gifts for me, and we enjoy each other’s company.
1. That Allah has blessed me with a best friend for life - someone who loves me unconditionally.
2. My father embedded family values in all of us from day one. Every Friday, we used to go for prayers and visit relatives’ homes with gifts. That was our ritual. That is my most beautiful memory of my father.
3. I hope I can do at least half of what my father taught me.
4. Responsibility with compassion.
5. ‘Star Wars’.
6. Chill with my buddy and go for a movie, lunch or swimming
1. When you are down, your children brighten your life with their warmth and love. That’s the best part of being a father.
2. My father was very strict. He was affectionate but liked to maintain some distance. However, he inculcated good values in us.
3. I try to emulate my father’s footsteps but with a soft approach. Now that times have changed, we need to understand our children’s psychology and need to be friendly with them.
4. Fatherhood has introduced me to a whole new world of kindness and compassion.
5. Hmm…can’t think of any.
6. My kids give me gifts and we go out for dinner.
Coordination:
Dr Rana Asif aka Rraannaayy
