Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla’s Unconventional Parenting Approach
Rubina Dilaik and her husband, Abhinav Shukla, have adopted a unique approach to raising their twin daughters, Jeeva and Edhaa, born in November 2023. Their philosophy centers around grounding their children in nature and a simple lifestyle, prioritizing a connection to their roots in Himachal Pradesh. While the couple resides in Mumbai for work, their daughters are primarily raised in the actress’s hometown, a decision born from careful consideration.
In a recent podcast interview on the Abraa Ka Dabra Show with Paras Chhabra, Rubina explained their reasoning. “When planning our family,” she shared, “we were mindful of the environment we wanted to raise our children in. We wanted a clean environment where they could play in the soil, grow up humbly, stay connected to village life, and eat food grown from our own farms.” This conscious choice reflects Rubina’s own upbringing in a family of landlords and farmers, providing access to orchards and fields. The couple decided that once their daughters reached three or four months old and received their basic vaccinations, they would move to the family farmhouse in Himachal Pradesh.
While the family maintains a base in Mumbai for work commitments, frequent travel keeps them connected. A recent snowfall necessitated bringing Jeeva and Edhaa to Mumbai temporarily, resulting in a poignant moment where Rubina’s grandmother expressed the emptiness of their absence. This highlighted the strong emotional connection to their rural upbringing. The temporary relocation, however, is not a permanent shift; the twins are expected to return to Himachal in a few months.
The couple’s parenting extends to a strict, healthy diet, intentionally avoiding processed foods, sweets, and excessive screen time. Rubina revealed that their daughters have yet to taste salty or sugary foods. This aligns with Rubina’s own childhood, where her parents restricted aerated drinks and processed food—a practice she continues with her children. While the couple prepares separate, traditionally seasoned dishes for guests, their preference for homemade, simple food (“sada khana”) underpins their parenting style.
Ultimately, Rubina and Abhinav aim to provide a balanced upbringing, focusing on a strong foundation and values, rather than material privileges. They are committed to a good education and upbringing, but they intend to allow their daughters the freedom to choose their own path in life, free from the potential pitfalls of an overly privileged upbringing. Their unconventional approach emphasizes a connection to nature, family, and simple living, forming a unique and purposeful approach to parenthood.