Hiten Tejwani’s ‘no thappad, no doom-scrolling’ rule: What can parents learn from this in the digital age – The Times of India

If Indian television has been part of a family’s evening routine over the past two decades, chances are Hiten Tejwani has been there too. From daily soaps to today’s micro-dramas, he has moved with the times without losing his core. The actor speaks with The Indian Express and explains about fitness, marriage, parenting teenagers, and staying relevant in a noisy digital world. What stands out is not just discipline, but clarity. And for parents trying to balance work, screens, and growing children, there is much to take away.

The discipline that doesn’t have to shout

Tejwani jokes that he decided at 20 not to age. Behind the humor lies a steady routine he has followed for nearly 25 years. His breakfast rarely changes: millet roti, usually bajra or jowar, paired with eggs. Lunch is simple: brown rice, dal, chicken, one vegetable, and salad. He avoids regular bread and prefers sourdough when needed. Milk tea is out; green tea and one black coffee a day are in.For parents, this approach feels practical. Children notice consistency. When they see adults choosing steady habits over quick fixes, they learn that health is not a 30-day challenge. It is a long-term relationship with the body.

Fitness in real life, not Instagram life

Shooting schedules rarely allow perfect gym routines. So Tejwani turns to bodyweight exercises. Push-ups. Dips. Basic movements that can be done anywhere. He believes fitness is part of professional responsibility. Looking after the body reflects dedication.Children watch how adults treat their own health. When fitness becomes non-negotiable, even in small ways, it sets a quiet example. Not the loud “six-pack” kind. The sustainable kind.

Marriage: Acceptance before advice

Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan have been married for over two decades. Their relationship, by his own admission, rests on acceptance and trust.Both come from the same industry. They understand unpredictable schedules, public attention, and long work hours. That shared background reduces insecurity.He describes a home where habits are known and accepted, not constantly corrected. Trust is not dramatic. It is routine.For families, this speaks volumes. Children grow up feeling secure when they see stability between parents. Not perfection. Stability.

Parenting teens without fear

The couple are parents to twins, now teenagers. Their style is clear: no hitting, no old-school intimidation. Conversation replaces control.Tejwani admits he plays the softer role. They ensure at least one parent is around for the children. Space is given, but guidance stays present.He acknowledges that this generation is different. They question more. They need explanations. Agreement comes only when reasoning makes sense to them. This shift reflects broader changes in parenting across urban India.Parents reading this may recognise the struggle. Teens today are growing up in a world flooded with information. Control no longer works. Communication might just do the magic for you.

Digital boundaries in a hyperconnected world

In a time when most people reach for their phone before they open their eyes, Tejwani avoids his device for the first 90 minutes after waking up. He checks his phone during specific windows. On set, the focus remains on the script. At night, the phone is set aside before sleep.This is not anti-technology. It is structured use. Even his social media feed is curated around acting and theatre. The platform becomes a learning tool rather than a distraction.For parents, this discipline is crucial. Children learn screen habits by observation. A household where devices have boundaries creates emotional breathing space.

The larger picture for families

What emerges from Tejwani’s reflections is not celebrity advice. It is lived routine.

There is no dramatic formula. Just steady choices repeated for years. That is what children witness. And that is what shapes them.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews and verified media interactions. It aims to reflect the actor’s views accurately while offering broader parenting insights. Individual lifestyle and parenting choices may vary based on personal circumstances.