Soha Ali Khan recalls growing up with a mouse in her room, learning empathy from pets, and watching elephants protect their young in South Africa—on World Animal Day.
Soha Ali Khan has always lived with animals — not as pets, but as quiet companions in a life shaped by proximity and respect. On World Animal Day, she reflected on a childhood where farm animals were part of the landscape, from Bhopal to Pataudi, and where even the unlikeliest guests, lizards, mice.
Were welcome. Her earliest memory isn’t of a dog or cat, but of a small mouse that shared her bedroom. ‘The first connection I had with an animal was with a little mouse,’ she recalled, noting that while city children today might be alarmed, she felt no fear. That comfort wasn’t casual.
It was rooted in a deeper understanding. Her father, former Indian cricketer Tiger Pataudi, encouraged his children to grow up with pets, not just for joy, but for emotional education. The loss of Kunal Kemmu’s dog Masti became a turning point, especially for Inaaya, who experienced grief for the first time.
Kunal later got the dog’s name tattooed on his body, a gesture Soha described as tender and enduring. Now, Oreo. Their current companion, is more than a pet. He reads moods: when Soha and Kunal argue, he barks, jumps between them, trying to lower the tone.
He senses sadness, moves to the person who’s down, licks their ear, rests his head on their lap. She calls him empathetic, almost therapeutic. But it’s not just about affection. Inaaya, now nine, has taken responsibility seriously.
She ensures Oreo doesn’t get too many treats, doesn’t eat human food, and teaches friends how to carry him properly. Because, she knows, their spine isn’t like a child’s. There’s also a quiet reverence for wild animals. Soha spoke of seeing elephant mothers protect their young during a trip to South Africa.
She didn’t want to intrude, only observe, admiring their intelligence, their bonds, their presence. For her, animals aren’t props or playthings. They’re teachers. And the lessons?
They’ve stayed with her, through homes, families, and generations.
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