‘No interest in acting, only food and sports’: Kareena Kapoor on Taimur’s unique passions; why letting children follow their own path matters

Instead, Taimur seems drawn to completely different worlds: food and sports. Kareena revealed, “He once told me he wanted to join a cookery class because his father enjoys cooking. He’s never really met other actors. He keeps asking, ‘Are you friends with Rohit Sharma? With Virat Kohli? Can you message him and ask for his bat? Do you have Lionel Messi’s contact?’ And I’m like, ‘No, I don’t have these contacts.’ He has no clue about actors. He’ll ask, ‘Can I ask this question to Virat?’ and I’m like, ‘No, I don’t know him, you can’t just message him.’”

So, when a child shows no interest in what their parents enjoy or do professionally, what’s the healthiest way for parents to navigate that?

Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, “When a child shows little interest in a parent’s passions or profession, it can trigger disappointment or fear that they’re missing out on legacy or opportunity. But from a developmental perspective, this divergence is actually a sign of healthy individuation — a child forming an autonomous identity rather than mirroring parental expectations.” 

She adds that the most constructive approach is “for parents to stay curious rather than corrective.” Instead of interpreting disinterest as rejection, it helps to frame it as exploration. Children thrive when they feel emotionally safe to express their preferences without fearing disapproval. Parental support should be a platform, not a pipeline.

Encouraging a child to try new things vs. respecting their boundaries when they express disinterest

Gurnani reflects on Kareena’s decision not to insist when Taimur said, ‘I don’t enjoy it’, which reflects an ideal model of autonomy-supportive parenting. The key is not to stop encouraging altogether, but to offer opportunities without attaching pressure or praise to specific outcomes. 

“Psychologists often differentiate between exposure and enforcement — the former expands a child’s world, the latter narrows it. A parent can invite a child to try an activity, but if resistance persists, stepping back preserves intrinsic motivation. Children who feel heard are more willing to return to something later on their own terms,” states the expert. 

How children form role models 

Taimur’s admiration for sportspersons over actors underscores how children form role models based on qualities they connect with rather than professions they inherit. At his age, Gurnani states, attributes like discipline, teamwork or physical excellence may feel more tangible than performance or fame. 

“Role modelling is ultimately less about who they idolise and more about what values they’re internalising. Parents don’t need to redirect their child’s heroes — they simply need to help name the qualities that make those figures admirable. That way, a role model becomes a mirror for character, not career,” concludes the expert.