Archana Puran Singh with her sons and husband Parmeet (Photo: Archana Puran Singh/Instagram)
Recently, Parmeet Sethi and Archana Puran Singh, along with their sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan Sethi, sat down for a conversation with Son of Sardaar 2‘s lead actors, Mrunal Thakur and Ajay Devgn, where the latter opened up about their favourite foods. As Mrunal Thakur said, she loves ragi balls with chicken curry, Parmeet responded, “They just don’t know. The boys are vegetarian”, as Archana chipped in, “I am also a vegetarian. Always been, bachpan se (since childhood)…but he is hard-core non-vegetarian.”
For many, such opposing food preferences within a single family may appear to be a recipe for disagreement, judgment, or even subtle emotional friction, but the truth we often miss is that difference does not equal disconnection, said Delnna Rrajesh, psychotherapist and life coach.
Delnna said that these choices reflect individual autonomy, cultural identity, ethical beliefs, and sometimes even health needs. “What matters more than ‘what’ is on the plate, is ‘how’ the difference is held-with mutual respect and zero shaming,” said Delnna.
People can have different food preferences (Photo: Freepik)
Food is deeply personal. For many, it’s memory, religion, and nostalgia. So, when someone’s plate looks different, it’s not just about diet – it’s about dignity.
Contrary to popular belief, emotional maturity is not about agreeing on everything.
“It’s about staying connected even when you don’t. A couple may vote differently, worship differently, eat differently – and still be deeply in love. A child may rebel against inherited traditions – not because they don’t love you, but because they are discovering who they are. A family may feel diverse on the surface, yet deeply united at heart,” continued Delnna.
When parents model this kind of quiet inclusion, children grow up with a sense of emotional safety.
“They learn that being loved isn’t conditional on fitting in. They learn that they can be vegetarian, vegan, meat-eating, gluten-free, sugar-free, or soul-food craving – and still belong. They learn that love can sit with difference, and not try to change it,” said Delnna.
In homes like these, the table serves as more than just a place to eat. “It becomes a place to heal. A place to listen. A place to honour differences without defensiveness. And over time, this simple act of accepting someone’s food choices becomes symbolic of something much bigger – accepting who they are, what they believe, and how they live,” said Delnna, adding, “let’s build more homes like that”.
Curated by Dr. Elena Rodriguez
