Hiten Tejwani Speaks on Modern Parenting, Rejects Corporal Discipline
Hiten Tejwani discusses evolving parenting styles and challenges of raising Gen Z teenagers.
Veteran Television Actor Hiten Tejwani, widely recognised for his roles in shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, has shared candid insights on modern parenting — especially raising Gen Z teenagers — underscoring a departure from traditional disciplinary methods toward communication and understanding. The remarks came during a recent interview with The Indian Express.
Hiten, who is a father to twins Nevaan and Katya, emphasised that his generation of children responds to dialogue and mutual respect far more effectively than to punitive measures. Reflecting on his own upbringing, he said the era of physical discipline — colloquially described as “thappad aur belan” (slaps and rolling-pin hits) — is a thing of the past and is ineffective with today’s youth. Instead, he believes in explaining decisions and allowing teens the space to learn and make choices, arguing that meaningful agreements arise from understanding rather than coercion.
The actor described his own parenting style as part of a “good cop, bad cop” team, where he considers himself the softer parent compared with his wife, Gauri Pradhan Tejwani. He stressed that maintaining an environment where at least one parent is consistently present helps build trust and facilitates open conversations with their children, particularly as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.
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Hiten's comments resonate with broader conversations about Gen Z’s unique traits and needs, as various studies suggest younger generations often prioritise openness, autonomy and emotional intelligence in family relationships — traits that require communicative, rather than authoritarian, parenting approaches.
Beyond parenting, Hiten also spoke about balancing family life with his long-standing career in the entertainment industry, noting that shared professional backgrounds with his wife have helped them support each other’s roles as parents and actors.
The actor’s reflections highlight a shift in parenting philosophy in India’s urban middle-class, where traditional strictness is increasingly being replaced by strategies seen as more effective for nurturing resilience, confidence and independent thinking in contemporary youth.
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