The quirks and perks of girl dads and boy dads
There's no handbook for fatherhood — just heart, chaos, and the unique joys of raising boys and girls. Girl dads braid hair and wear glitter. Boy dads learn football tricks and negotiate over toys.
While the world expects stoicism, these dads embrace softness and emotion. Whether through cuddles, puzzles, or bedtime stories, they're not just raising kids – they're raising humans — kind, curious, and full of heart.
Pic: Anindya Saha
Soham, Ayaansh & Adhyansh
Sohom Chakraborty said: 'My boys only ask for my time. Don and Dontu have their rituals — bhaanrer chaa, football tricks, and their nightly 9pm calls when I'm away for work.
All I ask of them is to be kind, hardworking, and grounded. They're emotional kids, and I love that.'
Pic: Rahul and Sohoj
Rahul & Shohoj
Rahul Banerjee says Shohoj and him bond over everything from Satyajit Ray to Harry Potter.He said: 'Our relationship is a two-way street—we give and take knowledge equally.' A few years ago, Shohoj had asked him, 'Baba, my friends are scared of their dads, but I'm not scared of you! Eta ki thik hocche?' To this, Rahul said, 'I've never told my son to 'man up'.'
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Arjun & Avantika
Arjun Chakrabarty says: 'My princess looks forward to me being home—because to her, Baba means cuddles, laughter and a partner in all things naughty. We bond over word searches, sudoku, and puzzles—just like I used to as a kid.' He explains, 'I never imagined I'd enjoy tying her hair or painting her nails, but here I am. I'm a possessive father, and it's bittersweet watching her grow up, so fast.' When asked about the hardest part: 'When I'm out of town and she asks on video call, 'Baba, when will you come? Why have you gone away for so many days?'
Pic: Anindya Saha
Ranadeb & Aameya
Pic: Anindya Saha
Talking about his daughter, Ranadeb Bose said: 'I often find myself covered in glitter, stickers, or wearing neon eyeshadow—definitely not by choice, but because my daughter isn't allowed to wear makeup yet, and apparently, I'm the closest available canvas. Aameya looks at me with eyes full of joy, curiosity, and a kind of wild creativity that I never want to dim.' He says she is growing up into a fine young lady. 'I just get the honour of watching her become her own person,' he adds.
Quotes:
I love colouring, drawing and playing with Baba. We also love cycling and swimming. I miss him a lot when he's away– Avantika
My dad is the best. He spends all his free time with me, we play games together which is my favourite part of playtime. I'm his princess and I love that– Aameya
Baba always makes sure I am happy. Even when he is busy, he always picks up my calls and helps me whenever I need him– Ayaansh (Don)
Baba always gets me the toys and games I want, and he plays with me. I love him for that. My baba is the best – Adhyansh (Dontu)
Baba is very supportive of me. He's the one I go to for creative advice, ideas and feedback. We have a very strong bond and nothing could ever change that– Shohoj
Honest, fun and protective – that's what defines my relationship with my son Shohoj–Rahul Banerjee
All I want is for my daughter to grow up to be strong-willed & independent – she already has a mind of her own – Ranadeb Bose
Staying away from my little princess, while on shoot, will never get easier, no matter how old she gets – Arjun Chakrabarty
I tell my boys to be kids for as long as they can – they will grow up when they have to – Soham Chakraborty
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