Gauahar Khan, the versatile actress and Bigg Boss 7 winner, responded to her father-in-law Ismail Darbar’s controversial remarks about her work-life balance with a heartfelt Instagram post on October 8, 2025, in Mumbai. Darbar, in an interview with entertainment journalist Vickey Lalwani, praised Gauahar as a “wonderful mother” but stated he “won’t tolerate” her continuing her career after marriage and motherhood, adding that her husband, Zaid Darbar, has the “right” to stop her. The remarks, made amid Gauahar’s recent return to work post her second son’s birth on September 1, 2025, sparked backlash for their perceived misogyny. Gauahar, married to Zaid since 2020 and mother to Zehaan (born 2023) and the newborn, addressed the issue by sharing a reflective note on raising her son with values of respect and equality.
The Controversy: Darbar’s “Backward Family” Views
Ismail Darbar, the veteran music composer known for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, lauded Gauahar’s devotion to family but drew lines in her professional life. “I come from a backward family. We used to turn away whenever a sensuous scene came on in a movie,” he said, explaining he avoids her shows to prevent confrontation. Commenting on his wife Ayesha’s decision to give up her Rs 5 lakh monthly income for the family, Darbar added, “Zaid has the right to tell her not to work—I’m not one to mince words; I won’t tolerate it.” His comment, from a man whose son Zaid (now 25) married Gauahar in 2020, ignited online fury, with #BoycottIsmailDarbar trending and critics labeling it “absurd misogyny.” Gauahar, who resumed shoots for Laughter Chefs Season 2 shortly after her second delivery, has been vocal about balancing career and motherhood, including a past miscarriage.
Gauahar’s Poised Response: A Lesson in Raising Boys
On October 8, Gauahar shared a poignant post featuring her newborn, captioned “reflections on parenting.” “Raising a boy in a world where respect for women is non-negotiable. Teaching him that strength lies in equality, not control,” she wrote, subtly countering Darbar’s stance without confrontation. The post, viewed two million times, included clips from her recent work, underscoring her commitment to both roles. “Being a mother doesn’t mean erasing who I am—it’s about showing my sons that women can be everything,” she added, emphasizing empowerment. Gauahar, who hosted Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 11 while pregnant with her first child, has long advocated for working mothers, sharing her miscarriage journey to destigmatize it.
Human Impact: A Family in the Spotlight
For Gauahar, 42, the remarks resonated deeply due to her blended family life as a stepmother to Zaid’s brother Awez Darbar (a contestant from Bigg Boss 19) and following her recent second delivery. Fans rallied with #SupportGauahar, trending with 1 million posts: “A true queen—work and motherhood on her terms.” In India’s diverse 780-language landscape, her response highlights generational clashes and inspires women to navigate similar pressures. Zaid, supportive of her career, has remained silent, but the couple’s unity shines through family posts.
A Voice for Modern Motherhood
Gauahar Khan’s graceful rebuttal to Ismail Darbar’s views isn’t defiance—it’s a manifesto for equality. Raising boys with respect, she asks: Can tradition evolve without chains? Her answer, in work and words, is a resounding yes, redefining family in Bollywood’s glare.
-By Manoj H