Actress Gul Panag is sharing insights into how she and her husband, Rishi Attari, are raising their son, Nihal, to appreciate India's diverse cultures. Drawing upon their experiences as "Army brats," Gul and Rishi are instilling in Nihal a sense of curiosity, openness, and a love for real-life exploration to foster his understanding of India.
Gul Panag comes from an army background; her father, Lieutenant General H. S. Panag, served in the Indian Army and was the Army Commander, Central Command. Due to her father's profession, Gul studied in 14 different schools across India and abroad, including Kendriya Vidyalayas in Chandigarh, Mhow, Leh, and Wellington, as well as The Lawrence School, Lovedale, and the International School of Lusaka, Zambia. This nomadic upbringing provided her with a firsthand understanding of India's multiculturalism. Similarly, her husband, Rishi Attari, also grew up in an army environment, which shaped his perspective.
Gul and Rishi believe that cultivating curiosity is key to understanding India’s diversity. They encourage Nihal to ask questions and explore different facets of Indian culture, from its various languages and cuisines to its festivals and traditions. The couple emphasizes the importance of experiencing these cultures firsthand.
Gul and Rishi are keen to expose Nihal to different parts of the country. Travel, they believe, is an invaluable tool for education. By visiting different states, meeting people from various backgrounds, and witnessing diverse ways of life, Nihal can develop a deeper understanding of India's multifaceted identity.
Gul and Rishi welcomed their son, Nihal, in early 2018 but kept the news private for the first six months, valuing their privacy as they embraced parenthood. Gul explained that the name Nihal means "joy, success, and victory that comes with the blessings of God," reflecting their belief in leading principled lives.
Gul Panag, born Gulkirat Kaur Panag on January 3, 1979, is not only an actress but also a voice actress and model. She was crowned Femina Miss India Universe in 1999 and represented India at Miss Universe that same year. Gul began her Bollywood journey with the film "Dhoop" in 2003 and has since starred in several films like "Jurm" and "Dor". Beyond acting, Gul is a certified pilot, like her husband, and has also ventured into politics. She contested the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections as an Aam Aadmi Party candidate from Chandigarh. Gul also runs an NGO, the Colonel Shamsher Singh Foundation, which supports gender equality, education, and disaster management.
