Beyond the Court: How Prakash Padukone is finding a new rhythm in grandparenthood

The badminton legend opens up on his 'semi-retired' life, the joys of watching granddaughter Dua grow, and the realities of modern parenting.

For over three decades, the name Prakash Padukone was synonymous with the relentless pursuit of excellence on the badminton court. Now, at 70, the Padma Shri awardee is trading the intensity of the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy for a quieter, more personal pace. Having stepped back into a "semi-retired" role, the icon is discovering that his most challenging and rewarding role yet isn't found in a trophy cabinet, but in the small, everyday moments spent with his granddaughter, Dua.

The transition from world-class athlete to grandfather has been a revelation for the legend. Padukone admits that while he once dismissed the fuss grandparents made over their grandchildren, he now finds himself in their shoes, completely captivated by the experience. It is a sentiment that brings a rare, candid vulnerability to the man often defined by his stoic, focused demeanor during his playing days.

A second chance at the little things

Life for Padukone is no longer measured in match points, but in the milestones of his granddaughter’s development. He speaks with a touch of regret about his active years, acknowledging that his professional commitments meant he missed the granular, daily details of raising his own daughters, Deepika Padukone and Anisha. "As a parent, I don’t remember having brought up our kids or being involved as much because I was hardly home," he reflects. Watching Dua discover the world today offers him a chance to be present in a way he couldn't be before.

This commitment to presence extends to the practical side of family life. Whether it is a quiet stroll through Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park or a discreet ride on the Metro, Padukone and his wife Ujjala are intent on giving Dua a sense of normalcy. In a life often dictated by public attention, these outings are deliberate attempts to ground their grandchild, ensuring she experiences the city away from the glare of the spotlight.

The bigger picture: A shifting legacy

When asked about the parenting style of Deepika and Ranveer Singh, Padukone is quick to offer praise. He describes the couple as genuinely hands-on, noting that while Deepika shoulders much of the day-to-day care, Ranveer remains deeply involved whenever his professional schedule permits. The support system, he notes, is bolstered by the presence of both families, creating a collaborative environment that is increasingly common in modern, high-pressure households.

Why this matters goes beyond the celebrity narrative. Padukone’s transition highlights a broader cultural shift among India’s high-achievers. After decades of hyper-focus on professional legacy, there is a visible pivot toward reclaiming the personal. For a generation of sports icons and public figures, the "semi-retired" phase is becoming a space to reconcile the trade-offs made in the past. By choosing to prioritize these quiet, familial rhythms, Padukone is redefining what a successful post-retirement life looks like, proving that the most enduring impact may well be the one made at home.