Action director Sham Kaushal, father to actors Vicky and Sunny Kaushal, recently shared how he raised his family in a cramped 10×10 chawl, instilling humility and resilience through his own struggles.
A Childhood of Humble Beginnings
Sham Kaushal, a veteran in the film industry, recalled the early days when his family, including young Vicky and Sunny, lived in extremely modest conditions. Their first home was a tiny 10×10 chawl room, where they often slept on thin mattresses directly on a cement floor.
The family’s journey saw them gradually move to a slightly larger two-room chawl, and eventually into a flat. Sham Kaushal also recounted starting with a motorcycle before upgrading to a second-hand Fiat car, marking their slow but steady progress.
Parenting Through Example
Sham Kaushal emphasized that he never pressured his sons, simply encouraging them to pursue what made them happy and, most importantly, “Be good human beings.” He believes children learn best by observing their parents’ actions.
His sons witnessed firsthand the difficulties he faced in the film industry. Sham Kaushal openly shared how he would sometimes come home in the evening and weep in front of his children after being insulted at work, believing it foolish for a man to hide his emotions.
Vicky Kaushal’s Reflection on Their Past
Vicky Kaushal has also spoken about his childhood, acknowledging that growing up in such circumstances exposed him to the “harsh reality” of the film industry from an early age. He knew it wasn’t all glamour and glitter.
Vicky recalls seeing his parents slowly acquire furniture and transition from small living spaces to larger ones. This transparency about their struggle meant the challenges of life and the industry were never hidden from them.
Lessons Carried Forward
The values of honesty, resilience, and humility were deeply ingrained in Vicky and Sunny Kaushal, not through lectures, but through their lived experiences alongside their father. They understood the hard work and sacrifices required to achieve success.
This grounding in reality has undoubtedly shaped their approach to their careers and lives, even as they now achieve significant milestones in Bollywood, like Vicky’s recent success with “Chhaava.”
- Sham Kaushal’s family lived in a cramped 10×10 chawl, sleeping on a thin mattress on the floor.
- He taught his sons values by openly sharing his struggles, including workplace insults.
- Vicky and Sunny witnessed their family’s gradual journey from poverty to better living conditions firsthand.
Their story highlights how early life experiences can profoundly shape character and resilience, laying a foundation for future success.