Imran Khan discusses challenges of single fatherhood on *Mom Talks

Imran Khan Reflects on Parenting Challenges as a Single Father, Expert Shares Insights

Parenting conversations often center around mothers, leaving the experiences of single fathers largely unspoken. Actor Imran Khan recently opened up about the unique challenges he faces as a single dad while co-parenting his daughter, Imara, with his ex-wife, Avantika Malik. Speaking on Parineeti Chopra’s show Mom Talks, Imran discussed the emotional and social hurdles he encounters in creating a normal social environment for his daughter during her time with him.

Sharing a personal anecdote, Imran revealed how he tried to arrange playdates for Imara but frequently faced rejection. “Imara would ask me, ‘Can you ask this friend if they can come over to play?’ So I would find the number and message one mom: ‘Can so-and-so come over to play?’ And they would say, ‘Sorry, not today.’ Next week again: ‘Hi, can we do it?’, they are like, ‘No, not today,’” he recounted. Over time, he began to sense a deeper discomfort behind these refusals.

Imran noted that some parents, particularly mothers, seemed uneasy about sending their children to a home where only a single man resides. “I’m a man, and I’m the father, but since I’m divorced now, there is no woman at home,” he explained. Acknowledging the societal context, he added, “We live in a world where there are enough problematic men. You can kind of understand where this thinking comes from.” However, he admitted the situation took an emotional toll on both him and his daughter. “It was heartbreaking because week after week I had to tell my daughter, ‘Sorry, your friend can’t come,’” he shared.

Reflecting on the broader challenges faced by single fathers, Imran pointed out how support systems often differ for men and women. He observed that single mothers tend to have stronger emotional support networks, while men often struggle due to societal expectations of masculinity. “Men are strong, men are not like that. So within that, some of these more vulnerable parts of yourself maybe don’t get addressed,” he said, adding that single fathers often lack close emotional connections that can provide support.

Counselling psychologist Athul Raj explains that single fathers in India frequently encounter societal biases. “Caregiving is still emotionally associated with mothers, so when a father becomes the primary parent, people do not always respond with ease. There can be hesitation, distance, or an unspoken suspicion that is difficult to explain but very easy to sense,” he said. This dynamic, Raj noted, can lead to emotional exhaustion for fathers, who may overthink interactions or withdraw from social situations altogether.

Raj also highlighted the impact on children, who quickly pick up on social exclusion. “They notice when invitations stop coming or when friendships remain limited to school. Many begin wondering whether their family is somehow less accepted than others. That feeling can quietly affect confidence, belonging, and even the way children see themselves socially,” he said.

To help children navigate such challenges, Raj advises parents to acknowledge their child’s feelings of rejection rather than dismissing them. “Children do not need adults to pretend rejection does not hurt. They need adults who can help them process disappointment without shame,” he emphasized. Creating alternative spaces where children feel included, whether through a dependable friendship, a close cousin, or a supportive home environment, can significantly bolster their sense of self-worth, he added.

Imran’s candid reflections shed light on the often-overlooked struggles of single fathers, sparking an important conversation about the need for greater understanding and support for all parents navigating the complexities of modern caregiving. [S1-S9]