When Pooja Bhatt opened up about a not-so typical day at home with dad Mahesh: ‘I am still a 10½ pound kid for my father’; expert reflects on such bonds

Reflecting on her controversial 1990 magazine cover with dad, where they were seen sharing a lip kiss, Pooja said it was “absolutely innocent”. “It’s very simple. I think that a frozen moment can be represented and misrepresented in any way you want. I am still a 10 and a half pound kid for my father. That’s going to stay the same forever for me. It was a moment that was absolutely innocent. I am not here to defend anything,” said the Junoon actor.

She added, “Agar log baap-beti ke rishte ko hi galat nazar se dekh sakte hain, toh woh kuch bhi soch sakte hain. Aur fir hum family values ki baat karte hain? Bahut bada joke hai (If people can view a father-daughter relationship from a wrong lens, then anything is possible. And then we talk about family values? This is a joke),” shared Pooja.

Pooja and Mahesh Bhatt’s photograph didn’t go down well with many (Archives)

Taking a cue from Pooja’s admission about her bond with her father, let’s examine the importance of a transparent, trusting, and open relationship with parents.

Having a trusting, open, and transparent relationship with your parents is crucial for emotional well-being and personal growth, said Dr Santosh Bangar, senior consultant psychiatrist, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel, Mumbai.

“When you can openly communicate with your parents, it helps with a safe space where you feel supported, heard, respected, loved, and understood. Trust builds confidence by knowing your parents are there without judgment, allowing you to express your fears, share your goals, and even admit mistakes without fear of consequences,” said Dr Bangar.

Transparency strengthens the bond, helping to prevent misunderstandings and emotional distance.

According to Dr Bangar, it also encourages parents to be more empathetic and responsive to their needs and understand them better.

“Such relationships can guide better decision-making and provide emotional grounding, especially during tough times. In contrast, a lack of openness often leads to secrecy, anxiety, and emotional isolation. A strong parent-child connection rooted in trust and honesty becomes a pillar of strength, helping individuals navigate both success and failure,” said Dr Bangar.