Alia Bhatt recalls the first time daughter Raha said ‘mama’: ‘I have it on video’

Alia Bhatt recalls the moment her daughter Raha said her first word "mama" during an interview with Allure. The Student of the Year star revealed that this was not just a heartwarming milestone, but also sparked a playful competition between her and her husband Ranbir Kapoor. As recounted by Bhatt, the pair were playing on Raha's play mat when she finally uttered the word she had been eagerly waiting to hear. "The first time my daughter Raha said mama, it was just her and me. We were playing on her play mat," Bhatt shared.

Interestingly, there had been a rift within the family about whether Raha would say "mama" or "papa" first. "There was a fight at home, okay? Between whether she's going to say mama first or whether she's going to say papa first. So of course, mama was like, 'Say, mama. Mama, mama.' And papa (Ranbir Kapoor) was like, 'Papa, papa, papa.'" Bhatt mentioned that the father-daughter duo had a lighthearted banter over the matter, with Ranbir being the vocal proponent of "papa."

Following Raha's initial utterance, Bhatt swiftly seized the opportunity to capture the moment on her phone. She could not resist repeating the request, "Say it. Say it again. What did you just say? What did you just say? Just say it again." Once more, Raha confirmed, "Mama." Not content with merely hearing it, Bhatt pressed further, instructing Raha to repeat the word in a more natural tone. Indeed, Raha complied: "Mama."

Bhatt, clearly elated, acknowledged the significance of this moment, affirming that they hold it dear and possess video evidence. "Of course, we take a great joy and pride in that moment, so I remember that moment very clearly and I have it on video. So if anybody needs proof, she said mama first." This sentiment resonates with many parents who often record such milestones, as psychologist Prerna Pant explains.

According to Pant, a baby's first "mama" or "papa" is an emotionally profound moment that signifies the child's emerging communication skills and connection with loved ones. She emphasizes the joy, pride, love, and validation parents experience, as well as the desire to preserve this once-in-a-lifetime memory as part of their family's cherished history.