7 Times Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli gave us a peek into their parenting life

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are truly doting parents, cherishing every moment with their children while keeping their family life private and grounded. They welcomed their daughter Vamika in 2021 and their son Akaay in 2024. Despite being two of the biggest names in India, they’ve chosen to raise their kids away from the spotlight – focusing more on cuddles than cameras. Here are some of the times Virat and Anushka spoke on parenting, love and their beautiful journey with Vamika and Akaay.

Even before becoming a dad, Virat knew he wanted to be fully present for his children. In an interview with ESPN, he made his feelings crystal clear:"I have a life, a family, and kids. They deserve all my time. That is clear and close to my heart. I want no part of my career being flashed into my house. I want no part of my trophies, my achievements, nothing in my house when our kids are growing up." Talk about keeping things real!

In 2022, Anushka spoke to Harper's Bazaar India about how Vamika tries her best to make her laugh – and it’s the cutest thing ever! "When my daughter tries to make me laugh. And when she sees that she has made me laugh, she repeats the action over and over, to make me laugh again. She's so young and tries so hard. And when I begin laughing, she enjoys it tremendously. This simple act really touches me."

It’s not all giggles though – Vamika is already showing some serious determination. In a 2021 chat with Grazia India, Anushka revealed, “I find her extremely determined. I feel that if she wants to do something then she’s going to do it, and I can tell that it’s going to serve some purpose for her in life. It’s nice to see that because I think I was like that too.” She added, “My role is to guide and support her, to be her sounding board without micromanaging or being too controlling. I think an important thing to imbibe in your child is to be loving and compassionate towards everybody.”

Forget red carpets and glam events – the Kohli-Sharma family’s ideal Sunday is all about slowing down. In a 2023 interview with Livspace Unfiltered, Virat said, "Our ideal Sunday is simply chilling at home," and Anushka added with a laugh, "As if we have a choice for a Sunday." Virat continued, "Any off day for us is… we chill in the family room, we have a cup of coffee and play with our daughter." And Anushka sweetly added, Then we do colouring. Then we do blocks.”

At a 2024 event in Mumbai, Anushka opened up about the pressure to be the “perfect parent” – and why it’s okay not to be. “There is also so much pressure to be like this perfect parent. We are not perfect parents, we will complain about things, and it is ok to admit it to them also. So, they know that you are flawed. Imagine kids having to live up to, ‘Oh my parents are like this’. So, owning your mistakes makes (it easier).”

Anushka also shared her thoughts on how kids pick up on values just by watching their parents. “In my case, I have realised that my daughter is very young. And I don't think I can teach her anything. It is how we lead our lives. Are we showing gratitude to others in our daily life? Are we grateful for the things we have in life? Are we showing that as an example? Do we think this is enough? I think she has picked up on that, I don't think I can teach her anything. For them to learn gratitude, they have to see you being grateful. It is a very selfish space to say that I'll teach my child this and that, you have to be grateful, your child will follow suit. You just have to enjoy their childhood. If you ever see them showing disrespect, they are not showing disrespect, they are just being kids and you can gently guide them. Living by example is the only way to make sure they soak the good things from the environment.”

At another event in 2024, Anushka said it again, loud and clear, "My daughter is very young, and I don’t think I can teach her anything directly. It’s more about how we live our lives. Are we showing gratitude to others in our daily life? That’s what children learn from."