‘We fight and argue as a team against them’: Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani on growing up with adopted and biological siblings

Despite this, the bond between the siblings remains strong, much like the deep connection Raveena has with her daughters. In a 2016 interview, the actor spoke about their relationship, saying, “My daughters are my best friends. When I got married, they were the ones who sat in the car and led me to the mandap. And now, I had the chance to walk them down the aisle. It’s such a special feeling.” 

While Pooja and Chhaya chose careers outside of the film industry, Rasha recently made her Bollywood debut with Azaad, a period drama produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Pragya Kapoor.

But, how does growing up in a blended family with adopted and biological siblings shape a child’s sense of identity and belonging?

 

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Navigating identity and belonging in blended families

According to psychologist Rasshi Gurnani, growing up in a blended family with both adopted and biological siblings can be profoundly enriching yet complex. “Children in these families often develop strong adaptability and emotional intelligence, learning to navigate different perspectives early,” she explains. However, challenges can arise, especially if a child perceives differences in treatment. Questions like ‘Do I truly belong?’ or ‘Am I as loved as my sibling?’ are common.

How parents can foster strong bonds

Gurnani emphasises that open communication is key. “When parents acknowledge and celebrate each child’s unique background while reinforcing their equal value, it creates a strong foundation for belonging,” she says. To strengthen sibling relationships, she suggests:

1. Encouraging Open Communication: Let kids talk about their feelings. Whether it’s excitement, frustration, or insecurity, having a safe space to express emotions helps siblings understand each other better.
2. Celebrating Differences: Every child has their own story. Recognising and respecting each sibling’s journey helps create mutual appreciation rather than rivalry.
3. Creating Family Traditions: Whether it’s movie nights, vacations, or something as simple as cooking together, shared experiences build lifelong connections.
4. Treating Siblings Equally: Fairness is key. When children see that love, attention, and opportunities are distributed equally, it eliminates feelings of favouritism or exclusion.
5. Teaching Conflict Resolution: Siblings will fight — it’s natural. What’s important is teaching them how to resolve conflicts in a way that strengthens their bond rather than weakens it.

“Growing up in a blended family can be a beautiful experience,” Gurnani concludes. “With the right support, siblings don’t just coexist — they build lifelong relationships based on love and respect.”