The hands-on daddies of the Marathi film industry

On the occasion of Father’s Day we bring you the hands-on celeb dads of the Marathi film industry. While some like staying at home and changing diapers, some prefer reliving their childhood as they play with their bundles of joy. Here’s a lowdown on the favourite father-child moments.

I am blessed to have these two: Ajinkya Deo
Children: Arya, 23 and Tanaya, 19

I grew up in a household where aaho and aamhi were used to address elders. Now, we all live with arre and tu re. Initially I built this wall between Arya and me; I was only being a father. However, in the last few years we have grown close. Though Arti (his mother) is his favourite, he has found a friend in me too. We discuss work and I give him advice. I tend to nag him about girlfriends and other things too. My daughter Tanaya is a beautiful child who adores me more than her mum. We are very close and she shares all her secrets with me. I am blessed to have both of them in my life.

I am making sure she is an all-rounder: Sharad Kelkar
Daughter: Kesha, 2

I was shooting for Hero when Kesha was born. To make it for her one-month birthday, I drove from Manali to Chandigarh and flew further to be with her. I am very attached to her and make it a point to spend Sundays in her company. I am a pretty hands-on father and people say I am very good with kids. I am making sure she becomes an all-rounder, so she is learning basketball, painting and a mix of other activities which are not gender-biased. I take her out for lunches and then hang out with her at play zones. She is a playful kid and I am proud to have her. Keerti and I are doing our best to bring her up in the best possible way.

He is a chilled out kid: Suhrud Godbole
Son: Kabir, 3

Kabir is so much like me when it comes to keeping doors and cupboards closed in the house. He also has my big ears. Girija (Oak-Godbole) and I pitch in equally in his upbringing. He is very social and enjoys spending time with my friends and family. My evenings are completely for him. I am completely involved in his routine right from picking him from school to taking him to the playground. He is still too young for me to figure out if he has taken after me or Girija.

Daughters are always a dad’s delight: Ajay Naik
Daughter: Anushka, 13

Anushka and I are more like friends. She is an integral part of my music and art. She is the first one to listen to my music before I bring it out to the world; this ritual continues even today. Even as a toddler she was always around when I composed music. I was always mesmerised by Anushka Shankar and maestro Ravi Shankar’s relationship — this is why I named her Anushka. She is already learning the ropes of the industry and has made up her mind to pursue a career in Mass Communication.

I relive my childhood with her: Swwapnil Joshi
Daughter, 20 days old

My daughter is just 20 days and I am on a two-month sabbatical to be with her. I am at home the whole day, ensuring I spend maximum time with her. I have tweaked my schedule to suit her routine. So, I wake up when she does and sleep when she does. I am changing her diapers and bathing her too. I want to make sure to be there when she is experiencing all her firsts. It is a great feeling to see her grow every day.