Imran Khan opens up about co-parenting daughter Imara with ex-wife Avantika Malik: 'I did not view it as my duty... it’s my privilege'

Parineeti Chopra recently hosted Imran Khan on the latest episode of her podcast Mom Talks, where the actor spoke candidly about his journey as a father and his approach to co-parenting.

During the conversation, Imran shared a deeply personal take on parenting, stressing that he has never looked at it as a responsibility imposed on him. “I did not view it as my duty; I always saw it as my privilege. The time I spent with my child is something I wanted for myself. It’s not about fulfilling a role but about experiencing joy, love, and connection,” he said.

Parenting is a shared experience, not a gendered role

Keeping the rest of the conversation reflective, Imran emphasised that parenting should not be viewed through a gendered lens. He believes raising a child is a shared experience between both parents, rather than a responsibility that falls on one.

He also highlighted that irrespective of how family structures evolve, a child’s emotional security must remain the top priority. According to him, children thrive when they feel safe, supported and reassured that their parents are in control.

The actor further noted that a father’s active involvement in day-to-day caregiving strengthens the parent-child bond and contributes to the overall well-being of the family. He added that children learn largely by observing their parents, making it important to model healthy relationships and respectful communication.

Imran Khan on co-parenting daughter Imara

For the unversed, Imran tied the knot with Avantika Malik in 2011, and the couple separated in 2019 after eight years of marriage. They share a daughter, Imara Malik Khan.

In earlier interactions, Imran had revealed that the two follow a shared custody arrangement, with Imara spending time with him from Thursday to Sunday every week. He has spoken about being actively involved in her daily routine, from school drop-offs to bedtime.


The actor had also previously opened up about his separation, sharing that his focus on mental health led him to realise that the relationship was no longer working, and stepping away was necessary for his personal growth.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”