‘Jo log zindagi mein kuch ukhaadh lete hain…’: Delhi Crime star Huma Qureshi credits father’s support for excelling in her life

“Imagine your father giving you this seekh (lesson) in life, ki jo log zindagi mein kuch ukhaadh lete hai, ban jaate hai, insaan ke bachhe hi toh hote hai, Mars se thodi aate hai (Those who do something in life, become something, they are also children of human beings, they do not come from Mars). This is the biggest gift my father has given me,” she added.

Role of a father’s support in his daughter’s life

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, shared that a father-daughter relationship is unique, and even after a daughter becomes an adult, a father’s voice still holds emotional weight.

“Fatherly encouragement often signals emotional safety, validation, and belief. Psychologically, when a parent, especially a father in many cultures, affirms your goals, it helps internalise a sense of competence and permission to act boldly,” she said.

Huma Qureshi with her family (Source: Instagram/@iamhumaq)

According to her, a strong father-daughter relationship correlates with higher well‑being, lower psychological distress, and greater fulfilment of basic psychological needs. The steady backing of a father can indeed encourage daughters to take risks – after all, she knows she has an emotional anchor to fall back on in case things go awry.

Rima Bhandekar, psychologist, Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, agreed, adding that supportive parenting is all about asking your child what they want to be, without adding “you should” right after.

“Having a supportive parent is one of the predictors of a child confidently choosing their own career, even if it is far from parental legacy and societal expectations. This provides children with the space needed to choose what feels right for them, such as resources, encouragement, and emotional stability without judgment of tradition, societal status, prestige, and money,” she explained.

When a father stands by a child, it helps them realise that their self-worth isn’t connected tightly to fulfilling someone else’s dream, but their own passion. They are better prepared to handle setbacks on their own, said Bhandekar, adding that they are more likely to stand firm in their choices due to the nurturing space provided by parents who value who they are, not just what they achieve.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.