"No Special Treatment": Paresh Rawal Discusses Sons’ Struggles and Success in Bollywood

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, a powerhouse of Indian cinema, has offered a rare glimpse into his household, where the dinner table is now shared by four actors. As his sons, Aditya and Aniruddh Rawal, step into the limelight, the veteran star is adamant that they must navigate the industry’s challenges on their own merit.

In a recent interview with Variety India, the Padma Shri recipient opened up about his parenting philosophy regarding his sons’ careers. Rather than leveraging his legacy to open doors, Rawal has insisted that Aditya and Aniruddh endure the typical hardships of a budding performer.

The Trial by Fire

Addressing his elder son Aniruddh’s entry into the industry, Rawal revealed he took a firm stance early on. After Aniruddh completed a course in hotel management and expressed an interest in acting, his father directed him toward the tutelage of legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah.

"I told him to join my profession, but not to expect any help from me," Rawal shared. His advice to his son was stark: "Dhakke khana, gaaliyan sunn na, sab sehna hoga" (You will have to face the struggle, hear insults, and endure it all).

Rawal believes that navigating these obstacles is essential for any actor’s growth. He remains steadfast in his refusal to facilitate "special treatment or privilege" for his children, emphasizing that industry credibility must be earned through hard work rather than familial connections.

Different Paths, Same Dedication

While Aditya Rawal began his journey behind the camera as a writer before debuting in the 2020 film Bamfaad, Aniruddh took a more circuitous route. Aniruddh honed his craft by working as an assistant director on massive blockbusters like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai before finding his footing as an actor.

Most recently, Aniruddh received critical acclaim for his performance in Awarapan 2. His father, known for his own nuanced performances, was particularly impressed by the difficulty of the role. "Playing an autistic character can be tricky," Rawal noted. "You can’t go overboard, but you also have to evoke emotions… I am happy that he opted for this role."

Aditya, meanwhile, has been making waves with his performances in Faraaz and his recent villainous turn in Subedaar, where he held his own against veteran actor Anil Kapoor.

A Quiet Tradition

Reflecting on the family dynamic, Rawal says he rarely needs to offer professional advice. The Rawal household, which includes his actress wife Swaroop Sampat, operates on a set of deeply ingrained values.

"I didn’t have to give any such advice because it is a family tradition: do your work and keep a low profile," he said. The actor noted that his sons are naturally hardworking and analytical, preferring to let their performances speak for themselves.

The State of Cinema

While he celebrates his sons’ growth, Rawal remains critical of the broader state of the industry. As he continues to balance projects—ranging from the Netflix film Maa Behen to the ensemble comedy Welcome to the Jungle—he expressed frustration over the quality of storytelling.

"I am an actor; I have to act. But sometimes I feel the lack of good writing," Rawal lamented. "There are so many good writers… I wonder why they are not writing good scripts. Writing remains a perennial problem in our cinema."

For now, the veteran actor seems content watching the next generation of the Rawal family apply the grit and discipline he has practiced for decades, proving that in a industry often defined by connections, talent and persistence remain the ultimate currency.