“The Best Part About Being A Bachelor Dad Is That You Get To Decide Everything. There Are No Arguments!” Says Bachelor Dad Tusshar Kapoor

It is said, “Any man can be a father but it takes someone special to be a dad.” Tusshar Kapoor is truly that special someone. He has proved that it doesn’t always take two people to raise a happy and healthy child, by single-handedly raising his son Lakshya and giving a new meaning to parenthood.

In an exclusive interview with BabyChakra on Father’s Day, Tusshar Kapoor tells us all about his life as a bachelor dad. 

Tell us a little about your book Bachelor Dad that was published by Penguin Random House India.

My book is about my journey from the time I thought of becoming a father, right up to the point when my son came into my arms and the years that followed. It’s about the last ten years of my life that I have spoken about in this book.

What does it take to be a Bachelor Dad?

My book The Bachelor Dad talks about all that it takes to be a bachelor dad, having said that what it takes to be a bachelor dad is that it takes as much as it takes any other parent, in my case I have to do the job of both and it might seem like i have to do a lot but it all depends on how ready you are, how focused and passionate you are about your new role as a parent.I feel very complete being a father, so for me, I don’t think it takes a lot to be a single father.

How old were you when you started getting paternal instincts?

I started getting those paternal instincts when I was in my mid-30s. I started feeling an affinity toward pets and other kids and that’s when my paternal instincts started to grow.

How did your family react to your decision?

My parents were surprised and a bit shocked but they were very supportive. They always respected the fact that I took the decision entirely on my own and they asked me if I was ready to shoulder my responsibility and once they got the answer, I had their full support.

How difficult or easy is it being a Bachelor Dad?

On a scale of 10 I think it’s a lot of work, like 10 on 10 as far as the amount of work goes but I feel it’s zero difficulty because I enjoy it. I think I would have been bored or frustrated with my life if I wasn’t a father. I do a lot of work but there are times when you need family and my son is my family and that takes all the difficulty away.

Are there times when your lil one asks you about his mamma? How do you handle that or How have you explained it to him?

My son is not conflicted about the structure of my family and he also feels confident and complete. He knows our family is different and he is fine with that. All kids have questions and will have questions while they are growing so it’s nothing new.

What are some of the difficulties you face as a single dad? And what’s the best part of being a Bachelor Dad?

There are no difficulties but the social life which the women are more accustomed to handling. My social life is as much as I would like it to be. If I were married maybe I would have more plans and travel more but yes it is something I have to do myself, I have to do things like organise playdates for my son but again, since I enjoy and cherish it, I don’t think it’s difficult. Yes, it can sometimes get exhausting but there’s a joy in it. That feeling of fulfilment makes everything worthwhile.

The best part of being a bachelor dad is that you get to decide everything, there are no arguments, and being the only caregiver I manage and organise my time really well. I think I am capable of handling my life much better after becoming a bachelor dad.

What prompted you to write the book?

Just like my son coming into my life, this book too has been like a second child to me. It was an idea that started growing in my mind as people and friends were suggesting it to me. I realised since my journey is so unique and also my talent in writing, that it would be a good feather in my cap. 

Another reason is the misinformation in the media regarding me being a single father. A lot of the answers I give during interviews get lost somehow, so a book is an honest account from my heart and no one can change that. People get a first-hand account of how and why I chose to be a bachelor dad.

Would you like to give some tips to single dads this Father’s Day?

Single fathers are all trailblazers, they are pathbreakers, so I don’t think they need advice from me. I think we are all on the same page as single fathers. I guess some single fathers haven’t been single always so in that case the situation is different.

I just want to tell them that it’s all worth it, if you are ready for it, enjoy parenting, enjoy being a father, and feel bonded to your child. It doesn’t matter how you start a family because a child makes it all worth it!