Celebrating Single Fathers, Who Are Slaying Parenting Goals

In honour of Father’s Day, we are shining a light on single dads across film industry worldwide who are breaking stereotypes and redefining fatherhood raising their children with love, care, and dedication.

Karan Johar

Bollywood’s coolest dad, Karan Johar has always been candid about the challenges of being a single parent to his twins Yash and Roohi. He has described the experience as “daunting and scary”, but has also shown remarkable courage and dedication in raising his children independently. At the India Today Conclave 2017, he even joked, “I am more of a mother than I am a father”, highlighting his willingness to take on both roles and provide a nurturing environment for his kids. Despite the initial fears and doubts, Karan has nailed his role as a single father. He has been open about seeking help from his mother and others when needed.

Tusshar Kapoor

Tusshar Kapoor, the son of veteran actor Jeetendra, became a single father in 2016 when his son Laksshya was born through surrogacy. Tusshar has been open about his journey as a single parent and has spoken about how it has changed his life for the better. He has been raising Laksshya on his own and has been spotted at various events and outings with his son. “Being a single father is a challenging job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for every moment I get to spend with my son,” Tusshar once said.

Rahul Dev

Rahul Dev, the actor and model, became a single father after losing his wife, Rina Dev, to cancer in 2009. He has been raising their son, Sidharth, on his own since then. Rahul has spoken about how his son has been his strength and motivation. However, the journey has not been kind to him, and it’s far away from what they show in films. “It’s very painful. It looks easy in films, so many times films show that someone became a widower. But starting again is not easy at all,” he said to Connect Canada FM.

Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan, the legendary actor and filmmaker, is a proud single father to two daughters, Shruti and Akshara Haasan. Both daughters have followed in their father’s footsteps into the entertainment industry. Kamal has been a single father since his divorce from Sarika in 2004. He has been supportive of his daughters’ careers and shares a close bond with them. “My daughters are my everything, and I’m grateful for every moment I get to spend with them. Being a single father has taught me the value of love, dedication, and hard work,” Kamal once said.

Chandrachur Singh

Chandrachur Singh, the actor, is a single parent to his son Shraanajai. Chandrachur has been raising his son on his own and has spoken about the challenges he has faced as a single parent. “My son is my everything, and I’m grateful for every moment I get to spend with him. Being a single father has taught me the value of patience, love, and dedication,” Chandrachur once said.

Gulshan Grover

Bollywood’s ‘Bad Man’ Gulshan Grover straddle the roles of both mum and dad as he raised his son Sanjay as a single parent following his divorce from wife Meena. “I’m no different than all parents.  Every opportunity I get to be with my son Sanjay, I grab it with both hands,” he once wrote.

Adding to Bollywood veterans, the Hollywood A-listers are also no less when it comes to nailing single-parent and world-famous actor life, showcasing their remarkable resilience and dedication to both their craft and their families.

Tom Cruise

The Mission Impossible star, Tom Cruise has always prioritiSed his role as a father. “My whole life I always wanted to be a father. I always said to myself that my kids would be able to depend on me for anything,” he told People magazine in 2006. As one of the most successful actors in Hollywood, he has had a busy career, but he has always made time for his children, despite his high-profile divorces from Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes, he has remained devoted to his kids, Connor, Isabella, and Suri, showing that his commitment to being a reliable and supportive parent is unwavering, even in the face of challenging circumstances.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson, the Oscar-winning actor is another inspiring example of a single dad in Hollywood. After the tragic loss of his wife, Natasha Richardson, in 2009, he has been raising their two sons, Micheál and Daniel, on his own. Despite his busy career, he has been dedicated to his role as a father and has spoken about the joy it brings him. The action star hasn’t remarried since and raised his boys by himself and said, “It’s an ongoing joy being a dad.’’ In 2020, the dad and his oldest son played opposite each other in Made in Italy.

Eddie Murphy

Grammy-winning actor-comedian Eddie Murphy has been a single father to his ten children, including his daughter, Angel, whom he had with Spice Girl Mel B. Despite their split, Eddie, with a “village of people helping” him, has been involved in his children’s lives and has been spotted with them at various events. Murphy has been praised for his commitment to his children, despite the challenges he’s faced. “Being a dad is a big responsibility, but it’s also a great joy,” he said in an interview.

Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel, the Saving Private Ryan star, is also a dedicated single father. After the passing of his partner, Paul Walker, Diesel became the sole caregiver for their daughter, Hania. He has spoken publicly about the challenges of raising a child on his own, but also about the immense joy it brings him. Diesel has been praised for his devotion to his daughter and his ability to balance his career with his parenting responsibilities. As he once said, “Being a single father is a challenge, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to connect with my daughter on a deeper level. I’m grateful for every moment I get to spend with her”.