"Twinkle Khanna's Hilarious Take on Motherhood: From Rotis to Modern Parenting"

In her latest column for the Times of India, Twinkle Khanna, the renowned author and entrepreneur, delves into the profound shifts in maternal roles and responsibilities from her own upbringing to her experiences as a parent. As Mother’s Day swept across social media, Twinkle chose to reflect on the multifaceted demands placed on modern-day mothers.

Twinkle Khanna with her mother Dimple Kapadia and sister Rinke Khanna; and her children Aarav Kumar and daughter Nitara.

Recalling the simpler duties of her mother, Dimple Kapadia, which included ensuring her and her sister Rinke’s dietary and grooming needs were met, Twinkle juxtaposes them with her own diverse roles as a contemporary mother. From playing the roles of therapist, event organizer, stylist, educator, motivational guide, to even being a nutritionist and hairdresser, the responsibilities have evolved significantly.

While Twinkle reminisces about her childhood social escapades, like chasing chickens or collecting bottle caps for contests, she contrasts them with the challenges faced by present-day mothers. Managing screen time, adhering to gentle parenting techniques, and shielding children from potential scars are just a few of the complexities modern mothers navigate.

Injecting humor into her narrative, Twinkle shares an amusing anecdote involving her husband, actor Akshay Kumar, inadvertently likening her to a cow during her early days of motherhood. His casual remark about her being “unavailable” because she was “milking” humorously symbolized her transition from a glamorous figure to a nurturing mother.

Delving deeper, Twinkle explores the myriad struggles modern mothers face. Balancing childcare, career aspirations, and personal well-being while navigating societal expectations can feel like an uphill battle. She questions whether the modern approach of shielding children from the realities of the world results in homogeneity among today’s youth, with their similar behaviors, attire, and interests.

Acknowledging the pressure to strike a delicate balance in parenting, Twinkle reflects on the perpetual sense of guilt and blame that accompanies motherhood. Whether it’s granting too much freedom or being perceived as overly controlling, the journey remains fraught with uncertainty and judgment.

Ultimately, Twinkle’s poignant exploration serves as a tribute to the resilience and adaptability of mothers through the ages, as they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of parenthood with humor, grace, and love.