Anil Kapoor may be seen as Bollywood’s forever-young family man, but the actor recently made an honest confession about his role as a father. During a conversation with Lilly Singh on her podcast, Kapoor admitted that work often kept him away from his children while they were growing up.

Opening up about family life, the actor shared that his wife Sunita Kapoor handled most of the parenting responsibilities. “I was hardly there. If my children say positive things about me, I feel happy that I have raised them well. But as a father, I could have been much better. I should have spent more time. In many ways, Sunita has been like a single parent. I was present, but not the way a father should be,” he said.

Kapoor also revealed how disconnected he sometimes felt from everyday details in his children’s lives. “I barely knew which class they were in. I wouldn’t remember their birthdays—my wife would remind me. They would ask me, ‘When is my birthday?’ and I would go blank. But they have grown up to be wonderful, happy individuals.”

Even while admitting his shortcomings, the actor said he does not live with regret. “I don’t have any regrets. I am not someone who dwells on the past. I move on because I have to stay strong. If I start overthinking or regretting, it won’t be good for my family,” he explained.

Anil added that he feels thankful seeing his children settled and successful in life. “God has given me everything. Why regret small things? They are doing well, they are happy, settled in their lives, and focused on both family and career. So, no regrets.”

However, the actor admitted he wishes he had spent more time with his son Harshvardhan Kapoor. “Sometimes a son needs his father more. Daughters often have a special bond with their mother. A son may need that father figure more, but I wasn’t there,” he shared.

Kapoor also reflected on his parenting style, saying he has always connected with his children more like a friend than a strict father figure. He credited Sunita for shaping their personalities and values, especially daughters Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor.

“If you see the way my daughters are, the credit goes more to her. Their confidence, honesty, and individuality—it all comes from her,” he said.