Former badminton champion Prakash Padukone has opened up about the parenting philosophy that guided him while raising daughters Deepika Padukone and Anisha Padukone. In a recent interview, Prakash shared how he and his wife chose to support their daughters’ passions rather than impose their own expectations. The veteran sports icon said parents need to understand the difference between a child’s casual interest and genuine passion before making decisions about their future.
‘That’s when you know the passion is genuine’
Explaining how parents can identify true passion, Prakash said commitment and consistency are the biggest indicators.“There is a difference between liking something and being passionate about it. Parents have to observe closely. If a child is truly passionate, they are willing to do anything for it—whether it is music, sports, or any other field. They will spend long hours on it, wake up early, stay up late, and dedicate themselves completely to that activity over a sustained period of time. That’s when you know the passion is genuine,” he said while speaking on The Something Bigger Show with Rodrigo Canelas.He added that parents should encourage children to pursue their interests, even if the path seems unconventional.“If you see that level of commitment, you should give them the opportunity to pursue it, even if it is unconventional. There is always a possibility that they could succeed at the highest level globally in a field that may not have been explored before. Even if things don’t work out, young people today are smart. Within a few years, they will realize whether it is right for them. But if you never give them the opportunity, neither the parents nor the child will ever know what could have been achieved.“
‘Sports was her second love’
Recalling Deepika’s teenage years, Prakash revealed that while she was actively playing badminton, her heart was always set on modelling and films.“We followed exactly that approach. Deepika was playing badminton, but when she was in the 10th standard, she told us she wanted to pursue modelling and films. Nobody in our family was connected to that world, but we had seen her passion,” he said.According to him, the signs were evident from an early age.“Sports was her second love. Her first love was always being in front of the camera. As a child, she had done modelling assignments, advertisements, ballet, and ramp walks. We knew she was deeply interested in that space and willing to put in the effort.”Prakash said the family asked Deepika to complete her schooling before making a final decision, but soon opportunities started knocking on her door.“When she reached the 10th standard, we told her to complete her studies first and then decide. Soon, modelling opportunities started coming in. People in the industry saw potential in her and encouraged us to let her try. Everything clicked from there. Since we knew her real passion was modelling and films, we never forced her to continue badminton.”
‘You have to stand on your own feet’
Prakash also shared the advice he gave Deepika when she decided to pursue a career in entertainment.“I gave her the same advice my father gave me. I told her, ‘I know nothing about films and modelling, so I cannot help you professionally. But I know you are passionate about it.'”He continued, “I told her that she would have to build her career on her own. As parents, we would always be there in the background to support her, but when it came to her profession, she had to stand on her own feet. We encouraged her to go out and try. If it worked, great. If it didn’t, at least she would know she had given it her best shot.”
Same advice for Anisha Padukone
Prakash said the family followed the same approach with younger daughter Anisha, who chose golf as her career path.“Yes, exactly the same. Anisha was more interested in golf. She played sports seriously and later decided she wanted to pursue golf professionally. We told her the same thing: go ahead and do it, but take responsibility for your own journey.”Looking back, he said both daughters have found fulfilment by pursuing their passions.“Today, both daughters have the satisfaction of knowing they pursued what they genuinely loved. Deepika achieved success in films, while Anisha represented India in golf. There are no regrets from either side.”
‘Parents should listen more and trust their children more’
The badminton legend believes modern parents should give children greater freedom while making career decisions.“Absolutely. Children today are exposed to much more information than our generation ever was. In many ways, they know more than we do about emerging careers, universities, and opportunities.”While parents can offer guidance, he feels the final choice should rest with the child.“As parents, we can offer suggestions, explain the pros and cons, and share our experience. But ultimately, the decision should be theirs. Many young people do extensive research before making career choices. Sometimes they are interested in fields that parents have never even heard of, but that doesn’t mean those fields won’t be important in the future.”“I believe parents should listen more and trust their children more,” he added.
Why parental support matters
Prakash stressed that unconditional support from both parents can make a significant difference when children choose unconventional careers.“It is extremely important. Not just support from one parent, but from both parents.”“If one parent is hesitant or disapproving, that uncertainty remains in the child’s mind. A child should feel completely free to explore their passion, knowing that even if they fail, their parents will stand by them.”He concluded by saying, “Of course, there should be a reasonable time frame. Success is never guaranteed. But every child deserves the opportunity to try. When children have the full support of their parents, they are much more likely to succeed because they are not carrying the fear of disappointing their family.”
