Veteran actor Rahul Bose recently shared insights into his unconventional upbringing and how it shaped his worldview. In a conversation with ANI, Bose revealed that his parents defied traditional gender roles, which significantly impacted his personal development. The actor, known for his roles in films like "Mr. and Mrs. Iyer" and "Bulbbul," described how his mother's approach to parenting, though strict, ultimately benefited him.
Bose recounted that his mother was career-focused and took charge of matters typically considered "masculine," while his father was more attentive to appearance and presentation. This role reversal was a defining aspect of his childhood. He stated, "I was woke way before the word came up because my mother never cooked, my father cooked."
Perhaps the most startling revelation was that his mother "slapped me every day for 5 years" because he was, in his own words, "such a nikamma (useless) that it only helped me." He added that while such disciplinary methods might be frowned upon today, he believed it was beneficial in his case. Alongside the daily slaps, his mother also "forced me to play Rugby and box.”
Bose also shared his father's reaction to his involvement in rugged sports. "I boxed in school and my father was appalled. He wanted me to wear a cap so that I wouldn't get too dark in the sun. He wanted me to play cricket and be a gentleman. He saw me playing rugby and never looked at the field when he would walk in,” Bose said.
Reflecting on how his parents' contrasting roles influenced him, Bose explained, “I am the product of a father who would ask what we should wear at a wedding and a mother who asked what should I do with my career. This is exactly opposite.”
Bose's comments provide a glimpse into a childhood where traditional norms were upended, and discipline was administered in a manner that would likely raise eyebrows today. However, he maintains that these experiences shaped him into the person he is today, contributing to his understanding of the world and his conscious awareness.
Beyond acting, Bose is also known for his social activism and was named "the superstar of Indian arthouse cinema" by Time magazine. He actively participated in relief efforts following the 2004 tsunami and founded The Foundation, an anti-discrimination NGO, showing his commitment to various social causes. He was last seen in the film Berlin.
