Children are an important part of our lives. At the time when it’s raining celeb babies, it’s refreshing to see people take the road less travelled. Now, we’re not against having your own babies but adopting is something that still has stigma attached to it. And it’s time we see things in a different light. Currently, the internet is buzzing about Raveena Tandon and her girls, who she adopted when she was just 21-years-old. FYI, she did make headlines back then for her ‘bold’ move.
Now we know that Bollywood celebs are not just public figures but they’re also trendsetters. Over the years, Bollywood celebs have helped ease the stigma and taboo surrounding adoption. And these celebs were not just all talk, they went on to set an example by adopting children and raising them as their own.
Now that may not seem like a big deal to most of us today but back then adoption was not an easy process. It came with a lot of paperwork, questions and controversies and also some taunts and discouraging words from people (read: aunties). Irrespective of the challenges and hurdles, these celebs did their bit to bring a change in society.
Here’s a list of all our favourite Bollywood celebs who adopted children.
1. Raveena Tandon
Most of us don’t know this but Raveena Tandon was only 21 years old and at the peak of her career when she took the leap of faith and adopted not one but two girls. Raveena set an example for everyone when she adopted 11-years-old Pooja and 8-years-old Chhaya in 1995. Speaking to Hindustan Times about this move, Raveena said, “Back then people were apprehensive on my decision and said no one would want to marry someone with this ‘baggage.’ But as they say, what is destined to be, it will happen. I couldn’t have been more blessed. There was something about them (Pooja and Chhaya) that made me feel that me being a 21-year-old doesn’t matter. I can say it has been the best decision of my life.”
FYI, Raveena later married film distributor Anil Thadani in 2004 and gave birth to 2 kids – Rasha and Ranbirvardhan. She managed to raise four kids and we have to agree that it’s not an easy task. More power to you, girl!
2. Sushmita Sen
Sushmita Sen was only 25 years old when she adopted her first child, Renee, and it wasn’t easy. The actress had to fight a long legal battle to bring her first child home in 2000. But if that wasn’t enough, Sushmita went on to adopt her second daughter Alisah in 2010. Over the years we’ve seen Sushmita embrace motherhood and we have to say, she did ace being a single parent!
According to media reports, after adopting her second daughter, Sushmita had said, “I wanted to be a mother all over again. The earlier law was that if you have adopted a girl as your first baby, you can’t adopt another girl child. And I wanted a girl. Thankfully, the High Court changed the ruling. You can’t imagine how happy I was after hearing that.”
3. Salim Khan
Did you know that Salman Khan’s beloved sister Arpita is actually adopted? Back in the day, screenwriter Salim Khan adopted Arpita after getting married to Helen. He raised her along with Salman, Arbaaz, Sohail and Alvira. Arpita Khan, being the baby sister, has been spoiled with love by the Khan Khandan!
4. Sunny Leone
Sunny Leone and Daniel Weber adopted a 21-month-old baby girl from Latur, Maharashtra. This sizzling celeb couple’s daughter is named Nisha Kaur Weber. Soon after adopting their daughter, Sunny gave birth to twin boys Asher and Noah.
Speaking to the media about her daughter, Sunny was quoted saying, “Nisha is the best gift I could ask for. She is so beautiful and amazing! From being in a foster home to coming home with us, she has been adjusting to her new life, it’s so amazing. It is just that God brings people in your life, when it is the right time.”
5. Mithun Chakraborty
Years ago Mithun Chakraborty adopted a baby girl who was abandoned by her parents and reduced by an NGO. Mithun Da and his wife Yogita named their adopted daughter Dishani. The couple raised their daughter along with their sons Mahaakshay, Ushmey and Namashi.
6. Sameer Soni and Neelam Kothari
After tying the knot in 2011, Sameer Soni and former actress Neelam Kothari adopted a baby girl in 2013. According to media reports, the duo always wanted a daughter and went on to adopt Ahana. The reports also suggest that it was Ahana’s smile that won over the couple.
7. Subhash Ghai
Filmmaker Subhan Ghai may be known for his films but did you know that his daughter Meghna Ghai is actually adopted? Subhash and his wife adopted his younger brother’s daughter and went on to raise her as their own along with their other daughter Muskaan. As of now, Meghna Ghai is the president of Whistling Woods International.
If all that still doesn’t inspire you to adopt children, we don’t know what will. What better way to spread some kindness than adopt kids and give them a better life?
Featured Image: Instagram
