The revelation has sparked a widespread conversation about "grassroots parenting" and the importance of learning a craft from the bottom up.
The ₹4,500 Job: Learning the Trade
Akshay expressed immense pride in Aarav’s decision to gain practical experience without relying on his family's massive wealth:
The Income: "He is working and earning around ₹4,500 through a job. Why shouldn't he? It's a good thing," Akshay stated, emphasizing that such early exposure is invaluable.
The Rural Shift: Aarav is currently traveling to Indian villages to study traditional techniques. He is reportedly observing local textiles, indigenous prints, and craftsmanship to deepen his understanding of fashion.
The Purpose: By working at the grassroots level, Aarav is focusing on the "basics" of his field rather than chasing shortcuts or high-fashion luxuries.
"Dad, I Don’t Want to Come": Saying No to Bollywood
Akshay clarified that acting or running the family production house (Cape of Good Films) is completely off the table for Aarav:
The Clear Choice: "He told me straight, 'Dad mere ko nahi aana' (Dad, I don't want to come). He wants to be in fashion and become a designer," Akshay revealed.
Parental Support: While Akshay admitted he initially hoped Aarav would join films, he is "happy and supportive" of his son carving his own identity.
A Life of "Thrifty" Independence
Aarav’s lifestyle in London, where he moved at age 15 for his studies, reflects the discipline Akshay and Twinkle Khanna have instilled:
Second-Hand Fashion: Akshay recently shared with cricketer Shikhar Dhawan that Aarav often shops at a second-hand store called 'Thrifty' because he doesn't believe in waste.
Domestic Chores: Despite his background, Aarav reportedly does his own laundry, cooks his own meals, and cleans his own utensils, living a life of self-reliance.
Martial Arts Heritage: Like his father, Aarav is a trained martial artist, holding a black belt in Kudo and achieving recognition in judo.
Akshay’s "No Lecture" Parenting
When asked about his parenting style, Akshay highlighted a single, guiding principle:
"I don't give lectures—especially not to my son. Just one thing: Don't harm anyone. Don't hurt anyone. That's it. The rest, he should handle his own life."
SantaBanta Verdict:
In an industry often criticized for nepotism and excess, Aarav Bhatia’s journey—from a London university to a ₹4,500 job in a village—is a powerful statement. By choosing the "slow fire" of patience over the "two-minute noodles" of instant fame, Aarav is building a brand that is authentically his own. For Akshay, seeing his son value a ₹4,500 paycheck as much as a blockbuster script is perhaps his greatest "hit" of 2026.
