As dad & daughter, we laugh, play & just be ourselves, shares Sanvi and Sudeep

On Daughters’ Day, Kannada superstar Sudeep and his daughter, Sanvi Sudeep— who is now establishing herself as a singer—open up to us about what makes their father-daughter relationship so special. In a fun chat, the duo discusses everything from the evolution of their bond to their dynamic handling of social media and their shared passions for music, food, and fashion. We also find out if they plan to work together in the future. Excerpts:
WE STILL ACT LIKE KIDS WHEN WE’RE TOGETHER: SANVI
“Honestly, not much has changed between us,” says Sanvi, reflecting on her evolving relationship. “We used to have pillow fights as kids, and we still do. What has changed is the depth of conversation—we talk about movies, music, and life. But at heart, we’re still kids when we’re together.” Sudeep feels the journey has been equally special. “She was just a tiny baby, and today, she’s all grown up! I used to be the one to advise her; now she does. That’s the biggest evolution in our dynamic.”
I AM HAPPY AS LONG AS MY DAUGHTER IS DOING WHAT SHE LOVES: SUDEEP
Sudeep tells us that he was overjoyed when Sanvi expressed her interest in a music career. “From the first sketch she made as a kid, I’ve always been her biggest cheerleader. Whether it was sketching, singing, or now stepping into the industry, I am happy as long as she’s doing what she loves,” he shares. “Sanvi thinks a lot before she speaks, so if she says she wants to do something, she is sure of it. That confidence gives me confidence as a father,” he adds. Sudeep reveals that fatherhood transformed him in unexpected ways. “In my daughter, I got a partner in crime,” he shares. “She pampered the kid in me. Everybody used to treat me like a grown-up until she was born. After that, nobody could stop me from being the playful father I wanted to be.”
PEOPLE EXPECTED ME TO FOLLOW MY DAD’S FOOTSTEPS, I CHOSE MY OWN PATH: SANVI
“I’ve never felt any pressure from home; the pressure, if any, was from outside—from the fans and people who wanted to see me follow my dad’s footsteps,” Sanvi shares, and adds, “But I’ve always done what felt right to me. If people don’t like it, that’s okay. I can’t dedicate my life to living up to expectations, but I can stay true to myself.” She adds that being a star kid doesn’t mean the journey is easy. “Yes, you may get an opportunity in the industry because of your background, but you have to prove yourself to stay there,” she states. “I’ve faced rejections and I’ve had my own setbacks. People think it’s all a red carpet, but it’s not. If you don’t have a unique skill set, people won’t work with you, no matter whose child you are.”
FOR MY PART, I’VE NEVER TRIED TO KEEP HER AWAY FROM THE LIMELIGHT: SUDEEP
Social media scrutiny is a reality for star kids, but Sudeep asserts he always believed in letting Sanvi find her own way. “You can’t hide your child from the world. From the time she was born, I knew she’d have to face the world. We were a little worried when social media started exploding a few years ago, but eventually she handled it beautifully and faster than we expected. I’ve never tried to keep her away from the limelight,” he shares.

WE LOVE BONDING OVER KARAOKE AND FOOD. HE’S ALSO MY BIGGEST FASHION INSPO: SANVI
Music is a big part of their relationship. “I used to think I was a good singer, until she started singing professionally. Now I’ve stopped competing! But we both love karaoke nights,” Sudeep laughs. Sanvi adds, “We sing a lot together. Our music tastes belong to different eras, but I enjoy his songs as much as he enjoys mine.” When it comes to fashion, Sudeep gives full credit to Sanvi. “I have a team helping me with styling, but she does it all by herself. She has a unique style and makes her own choices,” he notes. Sanvi quickly turns the credit back: “Honestly, 90% of my wardrobe was stolen from Dad’s closet—clothes, shoes, perfumes, sunglasses, you name it. Even today, I wear a lot of his stuff. So technically, my fashion inspiration has been him all along.”

WE ARE HOMEBODIES, WE PREFER SPENDING OUR TIME AT HOME: SUDEEP
Despite their hectic schedules, the duo enjoys the simple joys of life. “Honestly, we both prefer staying at home, cooking, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Neither of us has too many demands from life,” Sudeep shares. Sanvi agrees, “Most of the time, we are too lazy to dress up and go out! We love staying home and being comfortable.”
SO, WILL WE SEE THE TWO OF THEM COLLABORATING SOON?
Sudeep asserts that a future joint project will be a momentous occasion. “I am very proud that she has never asked me for help. She meets people, does things on her own, and that makes me very happy,” he explains. “The day a collaboration happens, it will be special because it will be two independent artists coming together— not just a father and daughter.”