Back in 2016, actor Tusshar Kapoor made headlines when he embraced fatherhood through surrogacy and welcomed his son Laksshya into the world. What surprised many at the time was not just his decision to become a single parent, but the fact that he had taken this life-changing step without informing his father, veteran star Jeetendra, in advance.
In a recent conversation with Meri Saheli, Tusshar reflected on his unconventional journey to parenthood and shared insights into how his family responded. He described himself as “old school” in some ways, much like his father, but also acknowledged the significant differences between them. Having spent five years living in the United States, Tusshar said he learned to be independent and self-reliant — traits that shaped many of his personal decisions.
“I am very old school, similar to my father, but at the same time, we are extremely different,” he explained. “I haven’t even married. I have a child as a single father. However, my father believes strongly in marriage and having a traditional family structure.” According to Tusshar, while he deeply respects the institution of marriage, he does not believe it is meant for everyone. For him, the desire to become a father was stronger than the need to conform to societal expectations.
Interestingly, Tusshar revealed that he never felt compelled to seek his parents’ permission before choosing single parenthood. At 39, he felt mature enough to make the decision independently. The turning point came during an unexpected conversation with filmmaker Prakash Jha. The two met on a flight to Tirupati and, due to cancelled return flights, ended up carpooling. During their conversation, Jha asked Tusshar why he couldn’t consider being a single parent if marriage was not in his destiny. He also shared an example of a woman in his family who had become a single parent around the same age.
The idea resonated with Tusshar. Soon after, he began consulting doctors and undergoing counseling to understand the process and responsibilities involved. “We took it one step at a time,” he recalled, eventually leading to the birth of his son Laksshya via surrogacy in 2016. The decision marked a significant moment in Bollywood, as Tusshar became one of the first mainstream male actors in India to opt for single fatherhood.
Tusshar is also the brother of producer Ektaa Kapoor, and the Kapoor family has since embraced Laksshya wholeheartedly. Over the years, Tusshar has often shared glimpses of his life as a hands-on father, balancing work commitments with parenting duties. He even chronicled his experiences in a book titled Bachelor Dad: My Journey to Fatherhood and More, offering readers an honest account of his emotional and practical journey into fatherhood.
On the professional front, Tusshar made his acting debut with Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai in 2001. Over the years, he has been part of several notable films, including Kyaa Kool Hai Hum, Golmaal, Shootout at Lokhandwala, The Dirty Picture, and Mastizaade. In recent years, he has also explored digital platforms with projects such as Booo Sabki Phategi and Pop Kaun?.
He was last seen in the horror-comedy Kapkapiii, reportedly a remake of the Malayalam film Romancham. Looking ahead, Tusshar is believed to be collaborating with Prakash Jha on a political thriller titled Janadesh.
Through his bold personal choices and evolving career, Tusshar Kapoor continues to redefine conventions — both on screen and in life.
