Parenting isnt exactly the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of a modern Indian sitcom, right? And a single father at the center of it allwell, thats even rarer. In this Single Papa review , we dive into how the Kunal Kemmu sitcom takes on this unusual setup with surprising charm. Single Papa , starring Kemmu himself, jumps straight into a world filled with comedy, chaos, and heartfelt moments, all while tackling some of the most overlooked conversations about parenting, gender roles, and societal expectations.
Inspired in spirit by Mehmoods 1974 classic Kunwara Baap, this six-episode series offers both nostalgia and a refreshing new narrative. Lets break down what works, what stumbles, and why this show still manages to stay with you.
A Bold Premise: A Haryanvi Single Dad With a Baby
Single Papa opens with a scenario you’d expect from classic Bollywooda man suddenly becoming the caretaker of an abandoned baby. But this time, the man is a Haryanvi guy named Gaurav. And this choice alone flips a bunch of stereotypes on their head. Haryanvi men are often portrayed as macho, hyper-aggressive, and rough around the edges. Here? We see softness, panic, tenderness, and vulnerabilityall wrapped in a relatable comedic tone.
Isnt it refreshing when a show dares to rewrite a stereotype instead of milking it for laughs?
Conversations We Needed But Didnt Know We Needed
One of the strengths of Single Papa lies in its ability to weave meaningful commentary into everyday situations. The show gently nudges viewers to rethink some long-accepted norms:
Equal Parenting Isnt Optional
Why is it assumed that only mothers know how to pacify a crying baby?
Why do workplaces rarely consider fathers as caregivers?
The show asks these questionssometimes subtly, sometimes head-onand never feels like its giving a lecture.
Gender Discrimination in Childcare
It highlights everything from judgmental aunties to workplace policies that scream parents not welcome. Anyone who has ever dealt with office HR about maternity or paternity leave will feel this deeply.
Workplaces vs. New Parents: A Comedy of Errors
Lack of creches, nosy colleagues, logistical nightmaresSingle Papa puts a mirror to how hilariously unprepared workplaces still are when it comes to supporting new parents.
A Parallel Storyline That Hits Hard
Single Papa Review, Through Gauravs sister, Namrata (played earnestly by Prajakta Koli), the show highlights another very real challengesocietys obsession with marriageable age. Her arc includes:
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Pressure from regressive in-laws
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Protecting her mental health
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Maintaining dignity while navigating family chaos
Her journey is relatable, especially for Indian women balancing cultural expectations and their own aspirations.
Postpartum& for Adoptive Parents? Absolutely.
Heres where the show gets surprisingly profound.
Many people assume postpartum struggles are limited to biological mothersbut Single Papa breaks that myth. Through Gaurav’s meltdown moments, sleepless nights, emotional swings, and his helplessness in adapting overnight, the show portrays something rarely addressed:
Parenthoodno matter how it beginscan hit you like a truck.
And guess what? Asking for help doesn’t make anyone a bad parent. If even a handful of viewers take this message home, the show wins big.
Where the Story Trips: Forced Drama and Flimsy Conflicts
While the heart of Single Papa is in the right place, not everything lands smoothly.
Unnecessary Conflicts
Some scenes feel manufactured just to create drama:
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Gaurav lying to Mrs. Nehra about hiring a nanny
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Coincidental encounters that expose his lies
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His ex-wife failing a presentation because he doesnt show up in time
These moments feel like they were added just for tensionand instead break the shows gentle, warm rhythm.
A Screenplay That Stretches Too Thin
The series sometimes feels like a short film dragged into six episodes. Certain episodes lose momentum, and some emotional beats are skipped entirely.
Music That Leaves No Impression
Lets be honestyou wont remember even one track once the credits roll.
A Questionable Character Arc: Mrs. Nehra
Neha Dhupias character, who handles adoption cases, could have been a beautifully layered addition. Instead, shes writer almost like a villainous caricature.
If her dislike for men is root in past trauma, why not explore that? In a show thats otherwise emotionally rich, skipping this depth feels like a missed opportunity.
The Performances: The Real Lifeline of the Show
Kunal Kemmu Shines
Somehow this guy looks like hes still bunking college, but dont let that fool you. His portrayal of a clueless man-child turning into a loving father is heartfelt, hilarious, and convincingly real. His scenes with the baby are pure gold.
Dayanand Shetty Is the Surprise Package
Known for breaking doors in CID, he breaks stereotypes hereplaying Parbat Singh, a gentle and vulnerable character. Hes delightful to watch.
Prajakta Koli Delivers Earnestness
She brings emotional grounding to the show and handles her dramatic scenes beautifully.
Manoj Pahwa and Ayesha Raza Add Charm
Theyre consistent, funny, and engagingthough the Godman storyline feels randomly inserted.
The Baby Deserves an Award
No joke. The infant is expressive, natural, and steals every scenemaking you wonder if born actor is actually a thing.
Delhis Haryanvis: Loud, Loving, and Larger Than Life
The shows portrayal of Haryanvis living in Delhi is spot-on and hilarious:
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Huge Buckingham Palace style homes
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Flamboyance
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Swagger
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Big hearts hidden beneath even bigger personalities
This world-building is some of the shows sharpest writing. And most importantly, it portrays maternal masculinitya concept rarely explored in Indian storytelling.
A Much-Needed Commentary on Man-Children
The show subtly explores how pampered sons often grow into emotionally dependent mencreating strain in modern relationships. Its a necessary reminder that parenting shapes adulthood, especially for boys who are never taught emotional accountability.
Imperfect, But Worth Watching
Single Papa is far from flawlessyoull notice the bumps, the stretched screenplay, and the occasional clumsy scene. But beneath all that is a warm, earnest, and important story.
In a world still arguing over who should change the diaper, a show that proudly portrays men as nurturing, emotional, vulnerableand still strongis a breath of fresh air.
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Conclusion
Single Papa Review, Single Papa may not be a masterpiece, but its heart beats loudly and sincerely. It opens up conversations that society desperately needs, all while keeping things light, humorous, and relatable. If youre looking for a show that blends comedy with real emotional depth, this ones definitely worth a watch.
