Paresh Rawal: ‘Dhakke khana, gaaliyan sunn na, sab sehna hoga’: Paresh Rawal opens up on sons Aditya and Aniruddh entering films but feels they should not get any ‘special treatment or privilege’ | Hindi Movie News
Paresh Rawal and his actress wife, Swaroop Sampat, have two sons, Aditya Rawal and Aniruddh Rawal, who are carving their own paths as actors. While Aditya started his career as a writer and made his acting debut with ‘Bamfaad’ (2020), later appearing in the acclaimed ‘Faraaz’ (2023) and earning praise for his villainous turn in ‘Subedaar’ (2026), where he shared screen space with Anil Kapoor. Aniruddh made his acting debut recently with the hit film ‘Awarapan 2’. Paresh Rawal, who is understandably elated, spoke to Variety India about what it’s like to have four actors at the dinner table.
Paresh Rawal on what dinner table conversations look like in the Rawal household
Asked what it’s like having four talented actors under one roof, Rawal said dinner table conversations often go beyond acting, though the craft naturally comes up too. “Dinner table conversations are often about things besides acting. They also discuss many things related to acting. I take an interest in their work, but only to the point that they want me to. But yes, we talk about each other’s work.” When it comes to advice, he’s careful not to overstep. “Only if they ask me. They are good children and listen to me and my wife, Swaroop. Both Anirudha and Aditya are hardworking. They are educated and have analytical minds.”
Paresh Rawal on how son Aniruddh found his way into acting
Unlike Aditya, who began as a writer, Aniruddh’s journey into acting came later and took a different route entirely. “No. Aniruddh Rawal, my elder son, had completed his course in hotel management. Then, he expressed his desire to be an actor, so I asked him to join Naseer bhai’s (Naseeruddin Shah‘s) drama group. Later, he worked as the assistant director on films like ‘Sultan’ and ‘Tiger Zinda Hai.’ After that, he started giving auditions. He always had a keen interest and would analyze and talk about plays and films. So I told him to join my profession, but not to expect any help from me. Dhakke khana, gaaliyan sunn na, sab sehna hoga (You’ll have to struggle, face criticism and endure it all).”When it was pointed out that being his sons might naturally shield them from the harder parts of the industry, Rawal firmly stated, “No, I say it should happen. There should not be any special treatment or privilege.”Rawal also shared that he never felt the need to formally advise his sons on how to conduct themselves in the industry, crediting instead the values instilled through upbringing. “No, I didn’t have to give any such advice because it is a family tradition: do your work and keep a low profile. Swaroop and I have made sure that our sons were brought up with the right values. They are completely dedicated to their work. Sometimes, I have to force them to get into good clothes and go out.“Speaking about his assessment of their abilities as actors, Rawal didn’t hold back his admiration. “I have seen both of Aditya’s films. He is working very hard, and I think he is really good. Aniruddh has played such a difficult role in ‘Awarapan 2.’ Playing an autistic character can be tricky. You can’t go overboard, but you also have to evoke emotions. One must stand out, but at the same time one shouldn’t be in-your-face. It’s a tricky choice, but I am happy that he opted for this role.”
Paresh Rawal on his own work front
While his sons chart their own cinematic journeys, Rawal remains as busy as ever on the acting front, though he admits the industry’s writing has left him wanting more. “I am an actor; I have to act. But sometimes I feel the lack of good writing. There are so many good writers… I wonder why they are not writing good scripts. Writing remains a perennial problem in our cinema.”On the work front, Paresh Rawal was recently seen in the Netflix film, ‘Maa Behen’ with Madhuri Dixit and in ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ alongside an ensemble cast, led by Akshay Kumar, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Rajpal Yadav and others.
