The Bengal Story Bureau: Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has opened up about raising his sons, Taimur and Jeh, in an interfaith household with his wife Kareena Kapoor. Speaking at a recent event in London, the actor shared that their family focuses more on spirituality than strict religious boundaries, teaching their children that God is one despite having different names.
Focus on Humanity and Spirituality
During a conversation at the We The Women event in London, Saif explained that he encourages open discussions about faith with his sons. He noted that he is not a highly religious person himself but relies on the core values passed down by his mother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore.
“My mother taught me, and I also teach my children that God is one, only his names might be different,” Saif said. He added that people worship in different ways and at different places, but if a religion teaches love, forgiveness and humanity, that remains the most important lesson.
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The actor also shared a lighthearted moment with his nine-year-old son Taimur. When Saif asked him about the difference between religion and methodology, Taimur replied that people pray in religion but not in methodology. Saif called it a good answer, adding that his wife Kareena shares his mother’s open-minded nature and their family leans heavily towards spirituality.
Growing Up in a Mixed Heritage
Saif was born to a Muslim father, legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, and a Hindu mother. He recalled his own childhood, noting that he grew up in a Christian school environment where daily chapel prayers were mandatory.
He mentioned that his school celebrated Christian festivals like Christmas alongside Hindu festivals like Diwali. Growing up with this mix of traditions made it entirely normal for him not to view religion as a dividing factor.
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His marriage to Kareena Kapoor in 2012 has often drawn unsolicited public attention and social media debates over their interfaith relationship. However, Kareena has previously stated that people waste time discussing age gaps and different religions when the only thing that truly matters is love and mutual respect.
