Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, one of India's most beloved celebrity couples, are admired for their approach to parenting their two children, Vamika and Akaay. In several interviews, Anushka has offered candid insights into their parenting philosophy, emphasizing shared responsibilities, a balanced upbringing, and shielding their children from the constant glare of social media.
Anushka has openly discussed her role as the "primary caregiver," especially during the children's early years. This decision stems from her ability to manage her work schedule as a self-employed actor, allowing her to dedicate more time to her family. She aims to strike a balance by taking on one or two film projects a year, ensuring she remains actively involved in her children's lives. In contrast, Virat's demanding cricket schedule keeps him "playing round the year," making it crucial for them to coordinate their time effectively.
Despite their differing professional commitments, Anushka and Virat prioritize shared duties and a cohesive family unit. They reject traditional gender roles in parenting, emphasizing that raising children is a joint effort. "We don't see it as mum and dad duties, but as a family unit," Anushka explained. "For us, it's important that our child be raised with a very balanced outlook. It is all about shared duties."
Anushka has also spoken about the importance of instilling strong values in their children. Drawing from her own upbringing in a progressive household, she emphasizes love, respect, and a strong value structure. "Conditioning is the most important role in how we see the world," she noted. "Love is the underlying factor in our home, and what's important to us is that our child be respectful of people. You have to create that value structure. We don't want to raise brats."
Protecting their children from the public eye is another key aspect of Anushka and Virat's parenting approach. They have made a conscious decision to keep Vamika and Akaay away from social media, allowing them to choose their online presence later in life. "We definitely do not want to raise a child in the public eye," Anushka stated. "We don't plan on engaging our child in social media. I think it's a decision your child should be able to take. No kid should be made to be more special than the other."
Anushka acknowledges that parenting is an unpredictable journey with its own unique challenges. She advises parents not to pressurize themselves to get everything right, emphasizing the importance of learning and adapting along the way. "You have to learn as you go; you can't pressurize yourself, but you have to be prepared because there will be curveballs," she said.
Virat Kohli's cricket schedule for the remainder of 2025 includes several ODI series. India is scheduled to tour Bangladesh in August for a three-match series, followed by a series against Australia in October and a home series against South Africa in November-December. With Virat's demanding schedule, Anushka's role as the primary caregiver becomes even more critical in maintaining stability and routine for their children.
Anushka's commitment to motherhood has also influenced her career choices. She has expressed a desire to do fewer films, prioritizing her daughter's needs and focusing on projects that are worth her time. "I enjoy acting but I don't want to do too many films as much as I was doing earlier," she explained. "I want to do one film a year, enjoy the process of acting which is what I like and balance my life out like the way I am, give time to family. I know my daughter is at this age that she needs a lot more of my time."
In embracing motherhood, Anushka has discovered a newfound sense of confidence and courage. She believes that making decisions for her children has made her more trusting of her instincts and braver as a person. She also emphasizes the importance of family time and setting a positive example for her children, acknowledging the changing dynamics of modern parenting where both parents often work.