We are more like buddies now,” says Parth Oza , who has continued the legacy of his father, garba singer Sanjay Oza . On Father’s Day, they join us for a heartwarming, fun chat about how their bond has evolved, what Sanjay would want as a gift today and more.

Dad has never imposed anything on me: Parth

It is said that sons are closer to their mothers, while daughters are dad’s favourites. Parth laughs, “I have been extremely close to dad too since childhood. He never said typical dad things like, ‘Homework khatam karo, varna papa aa ke daatenge.’ He has never imposed anything on me, be it education or taking up music as my career.”

Sanjay adds, “For me, it was important to expose my children to both the worlds (education and music) since childhood. Parth excelled in both, and I saw a spark in him during childhood when it comes to music. But I never imposed that on him. His natural inclination towards music and riyaz brought us closer and it has been a fun journey.”

Are they best friends? Parth says, “I am my most transparent with him. He knows about everything that is going on in my life. Now, as I am ageing too, I have started understanding him more.” Sanjay adds, “Trusting and believing in each other, especially when you are working in the same field, is important. I trust him fully, and I hope it is a mutual feeling (laughs).”

‘We love going on small trips together’

As professional garba singers, they have hectic schedules round the year. Sanjay shares, “This is a part of any artiste’s life. While Parth was growing up, I was working and going on tours. I tried being home for birthdays or his exams. But today, with changing times, busier schedules, and overseas shows, we create some family moments whenever possible.”

Parth adds, “For us, celebrating birthdays and other occasions piles up. Jab sab saath ho, jab time miley, we celebrate. Going on small trips or hikes, simply sitting at home and watching TV, and having a family dinner, makes up for lost time. A lot of credit goes to my mom for handling our crazy schedules.”

‘To sustain as a ‘nepo kid’ is a bigger struggle’

Parth feels, “the term nepotism should be acceptable.” He adds, “Every parent would be happy if their child chooses the same profession. But what people don’t understand is that it does not make things any easier for us. Today, any outsider can take as much risk as an artiste while performing, with no fear of losing anything. But I have to maintain dad’s earned legacy and respect in this field. So, every choice, every decision is critical. To sustain as a ‘nepo kid’ is a bigger struggle.”

Sanjay adds, “The fact remains that Parth is a doctor, who later became a professional singer and is now exploring avenues like acting. He has carved his own journey without my help and that speaks volumes.”

I would love to gift dad a new car on Father’s Day. I am a bit scared about what he might ask for as a gift (laughs)

-Parth



He knows what I want. Now that he’s well-settled in life, we are waiting for a sweet girl to come into his life (smiles)

-Sanjay


If I had to compare dad to a Bollywood dad, it has to be a milder, mellowed down version of Kamal Mehra (played by Anil Kapoor in Dil Dhadakne Do)

-Parth