Mumbai: On Monday, actor Tusshar Kapoor became one of the first mainstream Indian celebrities to become single father as he announced the welcome his son into the world.
Tusshar’s son, who has been named Lakshyaa, was born last week through IVF and surrogacy.
“I am thrilled to be a father! The paternal instincts in me have been overpowering my heart and mind for some time now. Therefore, I am thrilled beyond words to have Laksshya, now the greatest source of joy in my life,” Tusshar, son of Bollywood veteran Jeetendra, said in a statement.
Proud grandparents, Shobha and Jeetendra, have also extended their support to the 39-year-old actor. “We could not be more excited to be grandparents to Laksshya, and are completely supportive of Tusshar’s decision. This is certainly a tremendous blessing, and an exciting time in our lives. Tusshar is a wonderful son, and he has proven with responsibility, independence, and kindness that he will be a great father to Laksshya,” they said in a joint statement.
The IVF treatment was led by Firuza Parikh, Director of IVF and Genetics at the Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre. Appreciating Tusshar’s decision and dedication, Parikh said, “I am impressed with Tusshar’s determination to be a father. He maintained a keen interest in the baby’s health at every stage. He will surely be a sensitive and nurturing parent.”
Parikh added that recently they have we have had many single men and women approved for parenthood. “As a public figure, Tusshar’s brave and bold decision will open the field of assisted reproduction making it accessible to not just single parents, but also to many who fervently desire to have a baby.”
There are many stigmas associated with being a single parent in India. Tusshar’s bold and brave step might help in eradicating many of the misconceptions in the society.
On Monday, ICMR director general Dr Soumya Swaminathan told TOI, “The draft guidelines are yet to be passed, but they say that surrogacy is only for married, infertile couples.” This rule is only meant for Indians as surrogacy in India is no longer an option for foreigners or overseas citizens of India.
A senior doctor said that in Kapoor's case “no law has been broken because there are none here”. Subramanian felt that any ART legislation should consider single-parent families. “Single people cannot be denied parenthood. While traditional families have been heterosexual couples, new age families can have a single parent or gay parents. This isn't about being accepted by society, but it's about a basic right,” said Subramanian, adding that the law should also have safeguards for the child's rights as well. Earlier, superstar Amir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao had a son Azad Rao Khan through surrogacy. Even Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan's third child AbRam was also born through surrogacy.
A senior doctor said that in Kapoor's case “no law has been broken because there are none here”. Subramanian felt that any ART legislation should consider single-parent families. “Single people cannot be denied parenthood. While traditional families have been heterosexual couples, new age families can have a single parent or gay parents. This isn't about being accepted by society, but it's about a basic right,” said Subramanian, adding that the law should also have safeguards for the child's rights as well. Earlier, superstar Amir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao had a son Azad Rao Khan through surrogacy. Even Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan's third child AbRam was also born through surrogacy.
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