Pratik Gandhi’s ‘Father Filter’: How The Actor Navigates Screen Time With His Daughter

National, April 17, 2026: In an era where 'screen time' is often met with parental anxiety, actor Pratik Gandhi known for his varied roles across films & series including 'Saare Jahan Se Accha' offered a refreshing and grounded perspective on navigating the digital world with his 12-year-old daughter. Speaking at a curated panel hosted by Netflix, the actor opened up about the evolving journey of parenting in a digital-first world, emphasising that active participation and engagement, rather than just restriction, are key to a healthy digital upbringing.

Diving deep into his relationship with his daughter and their content-viewing habits, Pratik shared how his daughter often seeks his guidance on content ratings, leading to a rule of 'context over control.' He shares, "My daughter always asks me, 'Baba, whatever that you're shooting, is it okay if I watch. So (I tell her) if I sit with you, you can watch because I can set a context for you to understand." Going further into the conversation, Pratik Gandhi highlighted the power of using content as a communication bridge. He added, "Stories are the strongest tool that we have to communicate anything we want without sounding preachy."

While Pratik Gandhi has mastered the art of playing complex characters on screen, he admitted that his most nuanced role is played at home. When asked if his parenting has changed the way he views his career, he shared the delicate balance between his roles as an actor and a father. "It's a constant negotiation that I keep doing with myself. As an actor, I'm not supposed to judge the character, I'm supposed to create it for people to interpret. But as a father, I do think about how my daughter and her friends will process it."

The thoughtfully curated panel on 'Raising Screen Smart Families' brought together actor Pratik Gandhi along with Mahima Kaul, Director, Global Affairs, Netflix India; Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India; and child psychologist Dr. Shwetambara Sabharwal. Moderated by Mansi Zaveri, Founder of Kidsstoppress, the session served as a masterclass for the 40 parents in attendance, fostering an honest, grounded discussion on how families can thoughtfully navigate the evolving dynamic between children and screens.

Watch the full conversation here: