Parineeti Chopra supports Raghav Chadha's call for legal paternity leave

Actor Parineeti Chopra has publicly backed her husband Raghav Chadha after he called for paternity leave to be recognised as a legal right in India. Sharing his remarks from Parliament, Chopra praised Chadha’s stance, describing his advocacy as both personal and significant for families navigating early parenthood.

Chadha, a Member of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party, raised the issue during a parliamentary session, arguing that caregiving responsibilities must be shared equally by both parents. His proposal, which seeks legal backing for paternity leave, has since drawn attention online, with Chopra amplifying his message on social media.

What did Raghav Chadha say in Parliament?

Chadha stressed that while both parents are celebrated at the birth of a child, the burden of caregiving largely falls on the mother. He argued that this imbalance needs legislative correction, adding that fathers should be able to support their partners after childbirth without risking their jobs.

He also highlighted that the postnatal period is crucial for a mother’s recovery and wellbeing, making the presence of a partner essential. According to Chadha, recognising paternity leave as a legal right would reflect shared responsibility in Indian families.

Why did Parineeti Chopra support the demand?

Chopra’s response comes from personal experience. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Neer, in October last year. In her post, she described Chadha as a hands-on father and said his advocacy resonates with many mothers who often feel unsupported during the early stages of parenting.

Her public endorsement added a personal dimension to the policy discussion, drawing attention to the lived realities of new parents.

What is the broader context of this proposal?

Chadha’s call feeds into a wider conversation around parental rights and workplace policies in India. While maternity leave is mandated under law, there is no comprehensive provision granting paternity leave as a legal entitlement across sectors.

The proposal aims to encourage more equitable caregiving practices and bring Indian policies closer to global standards, where shared parental responsibilities are increasingly recognised.

Chopra and Chadha, who married in 2023 in Udaipur, have occasionally shared glimpses of their life as new parents, adding context to their public positions on family and work-life balance.