'I don't want my kids to top the class': Aamir Khan's parenting lessons every Indian parent needs to hear right now

July 11, 2026 - 17:30

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has shared a parenting perspective that challenges the typical Indian obsession with academic rankings. In a recent conversation, the actor stated plainly that he does not want his children to be at the top of their class. Instead, he emphasized the importance of character, curiosity, and emotional resilience over straight A's.

Khan explained that the relentless pressure to be number one often strips children of their childhood and creativity. He believes that when parents push for top grades, kids learn to fear failure rather than embrace learning. For him, the goal is to raise individuals who are kind, honest, and capable of thinking for themselves.

The actor also touched on the idea of letting children make mistakes. He argued that failure is a better teacher than constant success. By allowing his kids to struggle and find their own solutions, he hopes they will develop a strong sense of self-worth that is not tied to a report card.

This message comes at a time when many Indian parents are rethinking the high-stakes culture of competitive exams. Khan's approach is a reminder that a child's happiness and moral grounding matter far more than a rank on a school board. The lesson is simple: let kids be kids, and the grades will follow naturally.