Meghna Gulzar Reflects on Her Grounded Upbringing Amidst Stardom

Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar shares her unique upbringing, highlighting how her parents, the legendary Gulzar and actress Rakhee, maintained a grounded family life despite their fame. She reflects on the importance of separating their professional and personal lives, allowing her to develop friendships outside the industry. Gulzar discusses her early exposure to various artistic disciplines and how her parents encouraged her creativity without pressure. This nurturing environment has significantly influenced her filmmaking career, instilling a sense of curiosity and discipline that continues to shape her work today.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 18, 2026, 20:20 IST

A Unique Childhood Amidst Fame

Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar recently shared insights into her upbringing, which remained remarkably humble despite her parents' illustrious careers—her father, the renowned poet-lyricist Gulzar, and her mother, the esteemed actress Rakhee. She emphasized that her parents maintained a distinct separation between their professional lives and family responsibilities. Even during their peak careers, they made it a point to be actively involved in her life, attending important events like school annual days and report card discussions.

Gulzar expressed that she was not raised in the film industry bubble; her parents intentionally kept their home life distinct from their cinematic endeavors. This approach allowed her to forge friendships outside the industry and enjoy a stable upbringing. She praised her parents for the grace with which they handled their lives, even as a separated couple, which she believes has significantly influenced her own sensitivity and professional outlook as an adult.

A Childhood Filled with Artistic Exploration

A Childhood Defined by Exploration and Artistic Exposure

In her reflections on childhood, Meghna Gulzar noted that her artistic exposure was not viewed as a grand entry into cinema but rather as a collection of extracurricular activities. Her parents encouraged her to delve into various disciplines, including Kathak, Bharatnatyam, painting, karate, and music. She reminisced about times when she juggled multiple classes, often wishing for more leisure time to play with friends instead of attending lessons.

The Influence of Creative Freedom

The Lasting Impact of Creative Freedom and Discipline

Gulzar emphasized that her parents never pressured her into these activities; instead, they provided the means for her to explore any interests she had, ensuring she wouldn't regret missed chances. While some pursuits were short-lived, her dedication to piano spanned nine years, a discipline she credits for her strong musical sensibility in filmmaking. Reflecting on her past, she acknowledges that her parents' encouragement was a conscious effort to foster her curiosity and eliminate any fear of exploring new avenues, a philosophy that continues to influence her creative work today.