Tusshar Kapoor opens up about growing up with sister and ace film producer Ekta: ‘Ek doosre ke kapde phaad diye the…’

He added, “We used to stay in the same room till we were in 8th standard. Ek hi gaadi mein school jaate the… toh ek hi tape recorder, ek hi TV, kaunsi movie dekhi jayegi, kaunsa gaana chalega gaadi mein… yaha tak ki hum log ek baar signal pe itna bada jhagda kar liya tha, ek doosre ke kapde phaad diye the… kisi ke birthday party pe jaa rahe the. Ghar jaake wapas change karna pada hume.”

Tusshar Kapoor admitted that he is the more sensitive one between them. “Ekta speaks her mind, that can come across very strongly. In a fight or in an argument, when I start becoming aggressive then even the devil will run for cover. So, it’s like we have different personalities.” He mentioned that he’s sensitive but also resilient. According to him, Ekta is their father’s favourite child, while their mother treats both children equally.

How do shared spaces during childhood impact sibling relationships, and can thus influence persist into adulthood?

Neha Cadabam, senior child psychologist at Cadabams Child Development Centre, mentions, “Shared spaces during childhood often become the foundation of sibling relationships, creating an environment where collaboration and conflict thrive. Growing up in close quarters fosters intimacy, shared memories, and a sense of security, but it can also lead to tensions over personal boundaries and resources.”

The influence of these shared spaces can persist into adulthood, she adds. Positive childhood experiences, such as bonding over shared activities or supporting one another during difficult times, often translate into stronger sibling relationships as adults. “Conversely, unresolved childhood conflicts, such as competition over attention or resources, can leave lingering emotional scars. The key lies in how these childhood dynamics are addressed and resolved,” Cadabam suggests. 

Role of parental favouritism

Parental favouritism, whether real or perceived, can significantly affect sibling relationships, leading to feelings of inadequacy, resentment, or jealousy in the unfavored child, while the favored child may experience pressure or guilt. “Studies, including one published in the Journal of Family Psychology, show that this dynamic can lead to lower self-esteem and strained sibling bonds in adulthood, as well as resentment toward the biased parent. The solution lies in open communication and parental awareness, ensuring equal support for all children and fostering an environment of individuality without comparison,” notes Cadabam. 

Contrasting personalities in siblings

Contrasting personalities can enrich and challenge sibling communication. A sensitive sibling might approach situations emotionally, Cadabam observes, seeking validation and understanding, while a straightforward sibling may prioritise logic and directness. “These differences can lead to misunderstandings, as the sensitive sibling might feel dismissed, and the straightforward sibling might view emotional reactions as overreactions.”

She says siblings can adopt strategies like active listening and validating each other’s perspectives to navigate these differences. Recognising each other’s strengths can also transform potential conflicts into opportunities for mutual growth.