Supriya Sule opens up about father Sharad Pawar’s progressive parenting: ‘Wanted to adopt’

Supriya Sule, daughter of Indian politician Sharad Pawar, discussed her relationship with her father on Soha Ali Khan's podcast "All About Her". In conversation, Sule recalled her father's progressive views on family planning. "My father wanted to adopt," she stated, "but my mother said no, let's try to have one of our own." When Sule was born, her father underwent a family planning surgery to ensure she was the only child.

When she later shared her desire to have a second child with him, he responded matter-of-factly, asking why she chose to do so. Sharad Pawar's approach to parenting was characterized by openness and respect for his daughter's decisions, which was seen as liberal at the time. Neha Cadabam, a senior psychologist, highlighted the significance of a strong father-daughter bond, with such a relationship fostering emotional safety, confidence, and boldness in a daughter.

Rima Bhandekar, another psychologist, emphasized that supportive parenting encourages a child to pursue their own passions, rather than attempting to fulfill someone else's expectations.