‘Hardest Goodbye’: Vicky Kaushal On Leaving Newborn Son For Work Trip, Jokes About Diaper Duty

Vicky Kaushal reflected on new fatherhood at a recent awards ceremony, joking that he is now "better at changing diapers than acting". The actor said leaving his newborn son in Mumbai for work felt very difficult, even as he collected a major honour for his performance in Chhaava.

Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif welcomed their baby boy in November, and Vicky shared that the emotional shift since the birth has surprised even close friends. The actor said the joy feels overwhelming, and that the experience is still too fresh for any real challenges to appear.

Vicky Kaushal fatherhood spotlight at NDTV Indian of the Year 2025

At the NDTV Indian of the Year 2025 event in Delhi, Vicky received the Actor of the Year trophy for portraying Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava. While accepting the award, Vicky linked the recognition directly to his family and especially the couple’s newborn son at home.

On stage, Vicky dedicated the honour to loved ones and shared how difficult the work trip felt. Vicky said, "Thank you, this is for my family and my little one who has come in as a blessing… Yeh pehli baar hai jo main shehar chhodhke aaya hoon after becoming a father, and it was very tough (This is the first time I've left the city after becoming a father, and it was very tough). It was very tough, but I'm sure when he grows up, and he watches this, he'll be proud of his dad," drawing warm applause from the audience.

Vicky Kaushal fatherhood feelings and changing priorities

Speaking about how parenthood is reshaping daily life, Vicky described the new phase as almost unreal. Vicky shared, "It is too new to feel any challenges. It's all magical right now. It's all very blissful right now… I don't know main shabdon mein nahi baiyan kar sakta ke kya feeling hai (I can't describe the feeling in words). There are all sorts of objectives that I can say, but it's just a very special feeling, and, truly God has been very kind. The family is very happy, and this one is for my entire family and especially for him."

Vicky also added a light-hearted line about his growing confidence with parenting tasks, admitting that he is now "better at changing diapers than acting". The remark underlined how closely Vicky is involved at home, even as film commitments continue after the child’s birth.

Vicky Kaushal fatherhood journey with Katrina Kaif and career milestones

The couple had announced the child’s arrival in November with a joint note that read, "Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy." Priyanka Chopra, Ayushmann Khurrana, Karan Johar and others publicly sent wishes as soon as the message appeared online.

Vicky and Katrina married on 9 December 2021 at Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan. The wedding was intimate, with only selected guests, after months of keeping the relationship private. The pair confirmed their status only when wedding photographs were released from the ceremony.

Alongside the personal milestones, Vicky’s professional graph in 2025 stayed strong. Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, became one of India’s highest-grossing films of the year, earning ₹807 crore worldwide. Vicky now prepares for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, while Katrina’s latest release was Merry Christmas.

Event	Details
Marriage	Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif wed on 9 December 2021 at Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan.
Child’s birth	Baby boy welcomed in November; announcement shared with a joint statement.
Award	Actor of the Year at NDTV Indian of the Year 2025 for Chhaava.
Box office	Chhaava collected ₹807 crore worldwide.
Upcoming film	Love & War with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Vicky’s comments show how the arrival of the baby boy with Katrina has become the centre of family life, even as Chhaava’s success and the NDTV Indian of the Year 2025 award keep career demands high. For now, Vicky seems focused on balancing film sets with late-night feeds and nappy duties.