Actor Riteish Deshmukh says like his late father and former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh allowed him to pursue a career in acting, he also wants his children -- Riaan and Rahyl -- to choose their career themselves.

"It's totally upon them what they want to become in their lives. It's their choice. As parents, we should not decide what our children should become. I want my kids to decide their future," Riteish, who will next be seen as a host alongside filmmaker Sajid Khan in upcoming chat show "Yaaron Ki Baraat", said at the launch of the show here on Tuesday.

"A lot of people have asked me this question that why I became an actor. They expected me to become like my father and join politics. Even my brother is into politics.

"I found doing films interesting, that's why I made my career in it. Thankfully the co-star with whom I worked in my first film 'Tujhe Meri Kasam', I am married to her today and have two kids," added Riteish, who is married to actress Genelia D'Souza.


Riteish, who previously hosted the Marathi show "Vikta Ka Uttar", says he was earlier "scared of stage".

"Five-six years back only I started hosting with Boman Irani, I really enjoyed the interaction part of it. I never thought of hosting a show. I accepted this show because of Sajid," he said.

The actor, who will next be seen on the silver screen in upcoming drama film "Banjo", says he also wishes to "make a political satire as a producer".

"Yaaron Ki Baraat", which will be aired on Zee TV starting from first week of October, will feature celebrity friends, who will test their love and affection towards each other.

The opening episode of the show will feature actress Parineeti Chopra and ace tennis player Sania Mirza.