Mumbai: Alia Bhatt has often spoken about how motherhood transformed her life, and in a 2024 interview with Allure, the actor shared some heartwarming memories of her daughter Raha. Among them was the playful competition between Alia and husband Ranbir Kapoor over which parent their daughter would name first.

Alia revealed that she and Ranbir had jokingly tried to influence Raha to say either “mama” or “papa” first. When Raha eventually said her first word, Alia was quick to reach for her phone and record the moment.

Alia and Ranbir competed over Raha’s first word

Recalling the episode, Alia said there was a playful “fight” at home over whether Raha would say “mama” or “papa” first.

According to the actor, both parents were repeatedly encouraging their daughter to say their respective names. Alia recalled saying “mama” to Raha, while Ranbir was encouraging her to say “papa”.

When Raha finally uttered her first word, Alia said she immediately pulled out her phone and asked her daughter to repeat it.

Raha had said “mama” first, much to Alia’s delight.

The actor said she had preserved the moment on video, joking that the recording could serve as proof for anyone who questioned which parent won the playful competition.

Alia also said the family took “great joy and pride” in the milestone and that she remembered the moment very clearly.

‘I have it on video’

Speaking about the incident, Alia recalled how she reacted when Raha said “mama”.

She said she immediately took out her phone and asked Raha to repeat what she had said, wanting to make sure she had captured the special moment.

The actor’s recollection offered a glimpse into the more intimate moments of her family life, away from the public attention that usually surrounds her and Ranbir.

The couple have generally maintained a degree of privacy around their daughter, although Alia has occasionally spoken about motherhood and shared limited glimpses of her life with Raha.

For Alia, the first-word milestone became particularly memorable because it was shared between mother and daughter and documented on camera.

Alia describes Raha’s birth as unforgettable

In the same interview, Alia also opened up about the day Raha was born, describing it as one of the most emotional and significant experiences of her life.

The actor recalled hearing her daughter’s first sound and described the moment as surreal and deeply emotional.

Alia said she would never forget the moment when she first heard her daughter’s voice. She described feeling as though she had “met God” and recalled an overwhelming sense of love when Raha was placed on her.

The actor said the experience made her feel safe and gave her a sense that her purpose had been fulfilled.

Her comments reflected the profound impact that becoming a mother had on her personal life and perspective.

Alia and Ranbir welcomed Raha in 2022

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor welcomed their daughter Raha on November 6, 2022.

Since then, the couple have largely kept Raha away from the spotlight. While they have occasionally spoken about their experiences as parents, they have generally chosen not to make their daughter’s life a regular part of their public appearances.

Alia has nevertheless spoken openly about how motherhood has influenced her, including the emotional significance of milestones such as Raha’s first word.

The story of the first “mama” moment also highlights the playful side of Alia and Ranbir’s parenting journey. What might have been a simple first word became a cherished family memory, complete with a friendly competition between the two parents and a video recording to preserve the moment.

For Alia, the memory remains particularly special because it captures one of the earliest milestones in her relationship with her daughter.