THE BOND

What does it mean to be a parent in this day and age? In GQ's annual series dedicated to fatherhood, we take a peek at the intimate relationships that some of the coolest dads share with their kids.

- SALONI DHRUV

JACKIE SHROFF, 67 Actor
KRISHNA SHROFF, 31 Fitness Expert and Entrepreneur

Krishna and Jackie Shroff are at their farmhouse near Mumbai to celebrate Jackie's 67th birthday. The actor, who has appeared in cinematic hits like Hero (1993), Parinda (1989), Saudagar (1991), Rangeela (1995), whose filmography is shockingly long with 272 movies, has become an internet sensation of late. His no-nonsense life advice, cooking recipes, and gardening tips have made him popular, especially with Gen Z. "I just planted a mogra in the yard," he says, unsurprisingly, when he turns up.

Shroff was in his 30s, at the peak of his career, when Tiger and Krishna were born. The former is now a Bollywood actor, like his father, with a vast following, thanks to his films and dance videos. Krishna, on the other hand, has taken a different route, deviating from the film industry to become a fitness expert, entrepreneur (founder of MMA Matrix fitness centre), and YouTuber.

We catch up with father and daughter to talk about their relationship, Jackie's social-media popularity, and who wears the crown as the better cook in the Shroff household.

Jackie, do you think you're a cool dad?

KRISHNA: I don't think he thinks that, but I'll say 100 per cent. He's the coolest! But he's also a friend who knows which hat to wear when. He's always there for us without any judgments. He has our backs and guides us in the right way and towards the right way. He's literally the one person in my life that I can count on.

He's also very popular on the internet.