Akshay Kumar’s son works in fashion for Rs 4,500; Here’s why Khiladi Kumar calls it ‘a good thing’

For parents, watching their children start small can be difficult. There is often an instinct to see them land the best job, earn a good salary and choose a career that looks successful from the very beginning. But children also need the freedom to explore, make their own choices and learn through experience.

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar recently shared an example from his own family. Speaking to Shubhankar Mishra on a podcast, he said his son Aarav does not want to follow him into films. Instead, he is interested in fashion and has chosen to start working in the field.

“He is also into health, I am also into health,” Akshay said when asked whether he and Aarav were different. “He is a tall boy and very much focused. He also loves his work.”


There is, however, one major difference between father and son. While Akshay built a career in films, Aarav has no plans to enter Bollywood.

“He doesn't want to be in films. He doesn't have a plan there. He wants to be in fashion. And he is working for Rs. 4,500,” Akshay said.

The revelation surprised the host.

“Akshay Kumar's son is working for Rs. 4,500?” he asked.

Akshay's response was simple: “Why wouldn't he? It's a good thing.”

He explained that Aarav travels for work and even visits villages to learn about fashion and different kinds of prints.

“From villages, to learn all kinds of prints and everything,” Akshay said.

Your child does not have to follow the path you built

One of the hardest things for parents to accept is that their children may not want the life they imagined for them.

In India, a child who performs well academically may quickly be pushed towards engineering or medicine. Someone who is good at communication may be encouraged to pursue law or management. And when parents have built a successful family business, there can be an expectation that their children will eventually join it.

For celebrity children, the pressure can be even greater. Aarav could have chosen films simply because his father is one of India's biggest actors. Instead, he has chosen fashion.

That does not mean parents should stop guiding their children. It means guidance should not turn into control.

A useful question for parents is: “Is this what my child wants, or is this what I think would be best for my child?”

Rs 4,500 can teach lessons that Rs 4.5 lakh cannot

The most interesting part of Akshay's story is not really the Rs 4,500 salary. It is his willingness to let his son start small.

For a young person learning a profession, the first job does not always need to be impressive. It can be about showing up, travelling, observing, doing basic work, understanding how an industry operates and discovering whether the chosen field is genuinely right for them.

This is a lesson many Indian parents can take from the story.

A child does not always need to begin with the “best” opportunity. If a teenager or young adult wants to explore photography, fashion, design, food, filmmaking, sports, animation or another field, parents can encourage them to understand how the work actually happens.

Let them intern. Let them assist someone. Let them travel for a project. Let them take up an entry-level role and learn.

The first paycheck may be modest, but the experience can be valuable.

Don't confuse a modest beginning with a lack of ambition

Parents may worry when their children choose less conventional career paths. A well-paying corporate job can appear safer. A prestigious college can appear more valuable. A familiar profession can feel more respectable.

But a young person who is genuinely interested in something can learn far more by doing the work than by simply discussing it.

Starting small does not mean thinking small.

A young person can begin with limited responsibilities, modest pay and little recognition while still building the skills, discipline and network needed for a successful career later.