Ram Kapoor Reflects on Fatherhood: “My Children Didn’t Know Me for 10 Years

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: In a candid revelation that has resonated with working parents across the country, veteran television and film actor Ram Kapoor recently opened up about the personal sacrifices he made during the height of his career. Known for his powerhouse performances in iconic shows like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain and Kasamh Se, Kapoor admitted that his professional success came at a significant domestic cost: a decade of being an “absent father.”

The Price of Stardom

During the mid-2000s and early 2010s, Ram Kapoor was arguably the busiest actor in the Indian television industry. Balancing lead roles in daily soaps while transitioning into Bollywood meant grueling 18 to 20-hour workdays.

In a recent interview, the actor reflected on that period with bittersweet honesty. Kapoor disclosed that for nearly ten years, his schedule was so demanding that he would often leave for work before his children woke up and return long after they had fallen asleep.

“I was a provider, but I wasn’t a parent,” Kapoor shared. “My children grew up seeing me on billboards and TV screens, but they didn’t really know the man behind the characters. For a solid decade, I was a stranger in my own home.”

A Decade of Distance

Kapoor, who shares two children—Siana and Aaditya—with wife and fellow actress Gautami Kapoor, credited his spouse for holding the family together. While he was building a legacy on screen, Gautami took a backseat in her own career to ensure their children had a stable upbringing.

Key takeaways from his reflection include:

• The “Provider” Trap: The common struggle of equating financial stability with successful parenting.
• The Industry Grind: How the relentless pace of Indian daily soaps leaves little room for personal life.
• The Turning Point: A realization that no amount of fame could replace the missed milestones of his children’s formative years.

Redefining Priorities

The actor’s admission isn’t just a personal confession; it’s a commentary on the “hustle culture” prevalent in the entertainment industry. However, the story has a positive shift. In recent years, Ram Kapoor has undergone a massive lifestyle transformation—not just physically, but emotionally.

By becoming more selective with his projects and prioritizing web series and films over the relentless cycle of daily television, he has reclaimed his time.

“You can’t get those years back,” he noted, “but you can make sure the next ten years look different. I’m making up for lost time now.”

The Impact on Modern Parenting

Kapoor’s transparency has sparked a conversation online about the work-life balance for men in high-pressure industries. His story serves as a poignant reminder that while professional legacy is built over years, a relationship with one’s children is built in the small, quiet moments of everyday life.