Kiran Khoje: Someone’s success depends on their commitment to their work, not on how their partners support them

While getting the right kind of support system from your family, especially your partner is important; success is not only based on this factor, says actress Kiran Khoje. Kiran who was recently seen in Dry Day, is known for her films Talvar, Hindi Medium and Super 30. She adds that today we live in a world where both husband and wife can progress at their jobs and handle the house collectively.

“In some places, things remain the same, while in others, there’s a shift happening. It’s a bit subjective, and right now, it seems like an individual choice. Personally, I feel that if women decide they want to focus on raising children first and then pursue a career, that’s their individual choice. Similarly, if a husband decides to take care of the baby and home, it’s a rare but mutual understanding. In some instances, women might need to make sacrifices, but overall, it’s becoming more about individuals making decisions about staying at home or pursuing a career. These choices should be made by the individuals involved, and it’s not something others should dictate,” she says.

Many feel that for a man to excel in his career, a woman’s support is important. However, this might not always be true, says Kiran. “Firstly, I don’t believe that for a man to progress, his wife or another woman should stay at home, managing household tasks. Success, in my opinion, doesn’t come from someone staying at home but from dedication and genuine focus on one’s work. Whether a person is a man or a woman, success depends on their commitment to their work, not on how their partners support them. However, mutual understanding is crucial in relationships. It’s essential to ask if your partner can handle certain responsibilities while you focus on your work, rather than giving orders. I don’t agree with the notion that a man becomes successful because a woman solely manages the home. Success for both men and women comes from their dedication to their work. What you do and how you do it, determines your success. But supporting each other is crucial. It means offering help when possible, and both partners can contribute in that regard,” she says.

With daycares available, women also have the chance now to excel in their careers despite having kids. However, people will take time to accept this in our country, says Kiran. “In India, this isn’t a widespread practice yet, but it has existed for a while. There are small daycare facilities for toddlers, around 2-3 years old. Parents can leave their kids there for a short period, providing a good solution when they need to go out for work. Having a daycare is beneficial because it assures you that someone is looking after your child, allowing you to focus on work with a bit less stress during that time. However, it’s important to spend quality time with the kids alongside this arrangement,” she adds.

Ask her what according to her is the best way to balance home and profession, and she says, “I believe the best way to balance home and career is by helping each other in every situation. Whether it’s the husband or the wife, both have responsibilities, and it’s essential to support each other to move forward together. Most of the time, we need to set aside our egos and collaborate to find ways to maintain this balance. Helping each other is important for a harmonious life where both personal and professional aspects can thrive.”