Dads of decades past did their fair share for the family. They would work hard to bring home the bacon, and leave the parenting to the mother. Much has changed and for every Jeetendra and Amitabh Bachchan, whose professional commitments curtailed their time spent with their children, there is a Tusshar Kapoor and an Abhishek Bachchan, who are completely involved with their children’s day-to-day lives. We are loving this new breed of daddies…

Shah Rukh Khan
“The only reason fathers were made was to convince you that’s ‘It’s okay’ even when it’s not….and to warm frozen hands,” wrote the superstar. Devoted to the memory of his own father who he lost when he was just 15, Shah Rukh is open in his adoration of his three children. Whether chilling and chatting with his firstborn Aryan, encouraging Suhana to pursue her dreams, or going toy-hunting with AbRam, staying connected to his kids is clearly a joy and never a duty for Shah Rukh Khan.

Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar has revealed that his father, a soldier in the Indian army, brought him up the “army way”. While keen to pass on the discipline and tenacity learnt from his father, Akshay also adds oodles of hugs to his own style of parenting. Encouragement is clearly the hallmark of his style, whether it’s complimenting his son Aarav, saying, “Every day is a #FathersDay if you have a son like that :)” or reading storybooks and practicing martial arts moves with daughter Nitara.

Shahid Kapoor
Soon to be dad for the second time around, Shahid’s heart is ruled by his little daughter, Misha. Whether a spontaneous dance session on their porch, or the urge to protect her from excessive attention from the media, he is hands-on and happily involved every step of the way. However, as he believes his own father Pankaj Kapur was a bit hyper and over-protective of him, he hopes to avoid doing the same with his children.

Abhishek Bachchan
Dotty about his little princess, Abhishek feels Aaradhya gives him a “fantastic reason to smile”. His parenting funda: “As a parent I think it’s not about giving her material goods. The best gifts parents can give their children are love, care, education and understanding. Also, I firmly believe that taking care of the child is never just a mother’s role. It’s all about sharing responsibilities.” Hear, hear!

Karan Johar
Becoming a father to twins born via surrogacy has been a momentous experience for Karan Johar. Overcome with emotion, he described, “It’s like a powerful switch has suddenly come on in my life, filling the emptiness in my personal space with new energy. I get teary-eyed just looking at them.” From creating a crèche for them at office to choosing to spend time with them over constant travelling, this is one proud and happy papa.

Saif Ali Khan
Saif does not believe in dominating his children’s lives. He prefers to share his experiences and then step back, allowing them to make their own choices. From worrying about how Sara would handle failure, to advising Ibrahim to become worthy of fame, to wishing Taimur has the freedom to follow his heart, Saif enjoys parenting as opposed to being stressed by it.

Aamir Khan
While being close to his children, Aamir is honest enough to admit he is not a hands-on father. “Hands-on is when you're sharing equal responsibilities with your partner in bringing up the child. Honestly, I'm not sharing that. I'm afraid I'm a self-obsessed person.” That said, he is always there for his children without tomtomming the fact; be it encouraging son Junaid who is currently an assistant director, supporting Ira’s celebrity charity football match initiative or playing a game of darts with Azad.

Hrithik Roshan
Post his divorce, Hrithik appears to be going to further lengths to strengthen his bond with his boys, Hrehaan and Hridaan. Whether regular holidays abroad, birthday treats or regular dinners at home, he loves connecting with his children. From style tips to motivation goals, this dad keeps them coming all with doses of fun.