Royalty by birth, an actor by choice, and a mother by conviction, Soha Ali Khan hardly needs an introduction. She is a woman who dons many hats and that too, graciously. Having grown up under the spotlight, often introduced as Sharmila Tagore’s daughter or Saif Ali Khan’s sister, Soha has, over the years, carved an identity that’s entirely her own – one defined by individuality, intellect, and an effortless sense of poise.
There are no two ways about it — the actress has been candid about growing up as a Pataudi and the perils of being Moderately Famous. She’s always acknowledged her privilege, and with that comes her own share of perspective. Thoughtful, articulate, and never one to mince her words, Soha Ali Khan takes the spotlight in this episode of Anything But.
Her most cherished teachers
Dadi-nani ke kisse are not just for books. They shape our lives, and while doing so, they nurture stories for generations. As for Soha, her grandparents were her greatest teachers.
“My relationship with my grandparents has always been incredibly special. I have such fond memories of spending time with them during festivals, especially in the kitchen. I remember once making halwa with my grandmother, and it was such a fun experience, chatting away while she showed me how it’s done,” she shares.
She further acknowledges that beyond those memories, they taught her the value of patience, kindness, and staying grounded. And if one thing that we have understood from her social media posts is that her daughter, Inaaya, too gets to experience some of those same little rituals that Soha lived as a child.
“Their stories, wisdom, and the little traditions we shared, like taking evening walks, have stayed with me. I feel so grateful that Inaaya now gets to experience it too, which keeps our family traditions alive across generations.”
The social media gaze
In 2025, there’s no dodging social media or the drama it serves (it’s only delulu to think otherwise). And if you’re a celebrity, the gaze is always on — whether you like it or not.
Let’s be honest, we’ve all done it: decoding lives through posts, reading heartbreaks between captions, and yes, checking the followers list to see who’s still on good terms.
For someone like Soha, it’s almost impossible to escape the social media microscope. One missed birthday story for a partner or relative, and you’re in for a rumour-fuelled ride.
“Speculation and assumptions are almost inevitable when you’re in the public eye. That said, I try to keep a clear boundary between what I choose to share and what I keep private,” she asserts.
Her mantra is simple: “My personal relationships are built on trust, communication, and mutual respect — not on what’s being said online. At the end of the day, I believe in being introspective and not letting outside noise interfere with what truly matters.”
And it’s not just the media — she brings the same clarity when navigating parenthood in a hyper-connected world.
Parenting a Gen Alpha
In today’s digital-first world, paparazzi culture has multiplied, and star kids, quite literally, have fan pages even before they can say their first words.
While many actors choose to keep their children away from the camera flashes, Soha Ali Khan and her husband, Kunal Khemu, prefer a more balanced approach. “The paparazzi culture today is far more present and, at times, intrusive, especially when it involves children. Kunal and I understand that a certain amount of visibility comes with the territory, but we draw clear boundaries when it comes to Inaaya,” she shares.
Shielding her completely isn’t possible, so they choose to explain it instead. Earlier, the couple revealed that they tell their daughter this is “inherited visibility” — that people click her pictures because of her famous parents, not her own achievements (at least not yet).
For the couple, it’s important to engage with their child’s curiosity rather than simply shushing it away — a reflection of Soha’s broader philosophy of cycle-breaking parenting.
“One pattern I consciously wanted to break was the idea that children should always ‘be seen and not heard,’” she says. “With Inaaya, I really wanted to encourage open communication, to let her ask questions, express her feelings, and have a voice in the family.”
She adds, “That doesn’t mean there are no boundaries. It’s about involving them in conversations and allowing space for their individuality to grow. It’s a learning journey for me as well, but it’s one that feels right.”
Parenting a Gen Alpha child comes with its own set of surprises, and for Soha, one of them walks on four legs.
“Children today are growing up in such a digital-first world, which makes them incredibly aware and curious. For us, having a pet has been a beautiful influence on Inaaya. It teaches her empathy, responsibility, and gives her a real-world connection that goes beyond the screen.”
Screens, however, aren’t banned in the Khan–Khemu household. “It’s all about balance, not perfection. We try to prioritise playtime, reading, and time outdoors. Of course, there are days when the screen comes to the rescue, and that’s okay too.”
The little trio: Inaaya, Tim and Jeh
There’s no denying that just like Inaaya, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s sons, Taimur and Jehangir, are massive paparazzi favourites. While Soha doesn’t often exchange parenting advice with her brother, she lights up when talking about their kids’ equation.
“Inaaya often takes on the role of a caring, protective sister — especially around Jeh — but she also loves being part of the gang when the three of them get together. Their dynamic is full of fun, laughter, and the occasional harmless mischief, just like any group of young cousins. Watching them grow up together is truly heartwarming.”
Her story of quiet confidence
From the outside, Soha may seem like the perfect multitasker. But ask her how she manages it all, and she doesn’t pretend to have it figured out.
“As women, we’re often expected to juggle so many roles — being a mother, a professional, a partner — and still somehow find time for ourselves. The pressure to ‘do it all’ has only increased over the years. And yes, there are days when it does feel overwhelming,” she admits without hesitation.
Her solution isn’t rooted in control, but in care. “What helps me is building small but consistent habits that support my well-being, eating mindfully, staying active, and making smart food choices. They help me stay focused and present, no matter how packed the day gets.”
Behind all the glamour, once the cameras are off, she isn’t the “royal daughter” or the “actor.” She’s simply Soha, a mother, storyteller, and observer — constantly learning and unlearning how to strike a balance while staying true to herself.
– Ends
