Malayalam actor Shwetha Menon has sparked discussion with her unconventional view on parenting: she openly admits she hasn’t saved any money for her daughter and has no plans to leave her property or assets behind.
In a recent interview, Menon made it clear that she believes in raising her child, rather than handing her off a financial safety net. “I will not buy or invest anything for her,” she said, adding that she fears over-providing could hinder her daughter’s growth. Instead, she emphasises the importance of education, health and experiences, qualities she considers far more valuable than material inheritance.
Menon revealed that her own father profoundly shaped her beliefs. She says she feels his presence in nearly every decision she makes, and that she often reflects on what he would have thought when raising her daughter. This strong bond with her late father seems to inform her parenting style: less about leaving a legacy, more about imparting resilience and independence.
She also clarified that while she does give her daughter meaningful gifts, trips, shared experiences, she draws a firm line at ownership. When her daughter once asked if their home belonged to her, Menon corrected her emphatically. “No, it isn’t,” she told her. She emphasises that she wants to live her life fully, rather than setting aside every rupee for someone else.
Menon’s approach challenges a prevailing assumption: that the responsible parent must prioritise building up their child’s financial inheritance. For her, that mindset can be counter-productive. “When we live for others, we forget to live for ourselves,” she stated. She cautions against “punishing” children with everything they want, urging parents instead to give them what truly matters: time, love, and a secure foundation.
Her message is simple but bold, by not handing over wealth, she hopes to teach her daughter to stand on her own two feet.
