Marriage, Mindsets & Modern Parenting: Suniel Shetty’s Comment Fuels Generational Debate

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty recently sparked an online storm with his comments on modern marriages, igniting a generational debate that quickly spilled over into broader discussions about gender roles in parenting. Known for his fitness, calm demeanor, and steady public persona, Shetty found himself in the middle of a social media backlash after he suggested that today’s marriages fail because couples are "less patient and less committed than before."

While some applauded his sentiment as a call for perseverance in relationships, a large section of netizens pushed back, calling his views outdated and "boomer" in tone. One viral post summed up the sentiment: “He is 65, literally grandparents ka generation — stop acting like today’s youth is allergic to commitment.” The generational divide was laid bare, with younger users defending evolving relationship dynamics and older users agreeing with Shetty’s nostalgic view of love and marriage.

The incident reignited conversations not only around relationships but also around the deeply intertwined issue of parenting — specifically, the role of men and women in raising children in a changing social context. Experts have stepped in to contextualize the actor’s comment and offer insights on how evolving gender roles affect both marriage and parenthood.

Suniel Shetty’s Comment: A Call for ‘Old-School Values’?

In an interview promoting his latest venture, Shetty remarked, “Back in our day, we didn’t give up on relationships so easily. We worked through problems, stayed committed, and had respect for the institution of marriage.” He went on to express concern that today’s youth are “too quick to walk away” and lack the emotional investment once common in long-term partnerships.

While his comments were seemingly rooted in concern for rising divorce rates and fractured families, critics immediately pointed out that such a view oversimplifies complex modern realities. Women today are financially independent, emotionally aware, and more empowered to leave toxic or unequal relationships — a shift that older generations may interpret as instability.

Generational Divide: ‘Boomer’ Take or Honest Concern?

Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit lit up with polarizing opinions. One user wrote, “He means well, but maybe he should reflect on how women were often stuck in unhappy marriages in his ‘time.’ That wasn’t loyalty — it was lack of choice.”

Others added humor to the debate. “Suniel Shetty giving marriage advice is like your dad trying to explain dating apps. Sir, respectfully, times have changed,” posted a Gen Z user on Instagram.

Still, many agreed with Shetty’s underlying message: relationships require effort, compromise, and maturity — qualities that transcend generations. A middle-ground comment on Reddit read, “Yes, women have more agency now. That’s a great thing. But we can still learn something from the patience older couples showed. Balance is the key.”

Changing Gender Roles: The Real Conversation

Experts believe that the real issue raised by Shetty’s comments isn’t just about marriage — it’s about shifting gender roles in both partnerships and parenting. Dr. Ananya Rao, a family therapist based in Bengaluru, says, “What we’re witnessing is a generational correction. For decades, women bore the emotional and logistical weight of both relationships and parenting. Today, there is a rightful expectation for men to be equally involved.”

She notes that marriages today face strain not because people are less committed, but because they are more conscious of mental health, emotional needs, and shared responsibilities. “People are no longer willing to tolerate imbalance,” Dr. Rao says.

Parenting in the 21st Century: A Joint Venture

Shetty’s remarks also sparked a sidebar discussion on parenting roles — especially how outdated mindsets around gender contribute to strained marriages. Modern families now strive for equal parenting, where both father and mother contribute not only financially but emotionally and physically in child-rearing.

In contrast to older models where men were breadwinners and women caregivers, today’s parenting demands flexibility and partnership. Fathers are changing diapers, attending PTA meetings, taking paternity leave, and contributing to emotional labor.

According to a recent study by the Indian Council of Social Research, urban Indian fathers are now spending three times more time with their children compared to a decade ago. However, the same study notes that women still do 75% of total parenting-related tasks in dual-income households.

Cultural Shifts and Resistance

Some resistance to evolving gender roles in relationships comes from cultural conditioning. Older generations often equate female assertiveness with rebellion, and male emotional vulnerability with weakness. These perceptions affect how people approach both marriage and parenting.

Dr. Rao points out that generational perspectives like Shetty’s — while not entirely wrong — may lack the context of modern emotional dynamics. “When he talks about 'working through problems,’ it’s important to differentiate between healthy compromise and enduring neglect or abuse. Today’s generation has greater self-worth and isn’t afraid to seek better treatment.”

Can Tradition and Progress Coexist?

The backlash to Shetty’s comment has also opened a dialogue on whether traditional values can find a place in modern relationships. Many agree that loyalty, perseverance, and mutual respect are timeless values — but they need to be reframed within today’s context of equality, autonomy, and emotional intelligence.

Some users even offered constructive interpretations. “Instead of dismissing his opinion as grandpa talk, maybe we need to teach the older generation what emotional equality looks like. They’re right about commitment — but it has to be mutual and healthy,” said one user on X (formerly Twitter).

The Way Forward: Listening Across Generations

In an age where everyone has a platform and every opinion gets amplified, bridging the generational gap becomes more urgent than ever. Whether it’s about marriage or parenting, respectful dialogue across age groups can reveal a lot about how society is evolving — and what values are worth carrying forward.

Suniel Shetty’s comment may have been rooted in nostalgia, but it unintentionally held up a mirror to a deeper societal transformation — one where relationships are no longer defined by endurance alone, but by equality, empathy, and balance.

Beyond the Meme, a Message

While many netizens laughed off Shetty’s comments with memes and jokes, the broader takeaway remains valid: conversations about love, commitment, and parenting are evolving. What was once tolerated is now questioned. What was once accepted without discussion is now being renegotiated.

Suniel Shetty may indeed be from the "grandparents ka generation," but his remarks have opened a timely conversation on what relationships should look like in the 21st century — not just in theory, but in practice.

And if that leads to more fathers in playgrounds, more emotionally available partners, and more equitable homes, then perhaps the debate was worth it.