Celebrating Love Across Generations
Rabina Desraj has lived her life with grace, resilience, and a love that transcends traditional boundaries. Her story, shared with her two sons, Ayushman and Ashirman, is one of mutual growth, understanding, and celebration of life’s milestones—both expected and extraordinary.
From the very beginning, Rabina instilled in her sons an essential truth: “I am your mother, not God.” It was a lesson she repeated often as they grew, always emphasizing, “I’m human too. I can make mistakes.” This candid honesty forged a unique bond between them. Instead of viewing their mother as a flawless figure, the two brothers came to see her as a friend—a confidant who commanded respect and exuded warmth. They knew they could bow their heads before her in reverence and lean on her for unwavering support.
For Ayushman and Ashirman, their mother wasn’t just a parent; she was a source of radiant memories and shared joys. Even as public figures—successful actors—they never saw Rabina as a distant or authoritative figure. She was, above all, their companion in life.
Growing Together
Rabina’s motherhood journey was anything but conventional. She raised her sons with love, empathy, and discipline while navigating her own personal growth. “We grew together,” Ayushman reflects, acknowledging that his mother’s evolution as a person mirrored their own.
One day, Ayushman approached Rabina with a glow on his face, holding the kind of news that changes families forever: he was in love. He and Priyanka Karki, a popular actress, had decided to get married. When he shared the news with Rabina, her first response was simple: “Are you happy? If you are, then it’s okay.” That’s how Rabina always supported her children—with faith in their happiness and choices.
Later, as Ayushman and Priyanka started their life together, they welcomed their daughter Ayanka. With her arrival, Rbina stepped into a new role—not just a mother, but a grandmother. Watching her grandchild grow brought a fresh wave of joy into her life.
A New Chapter for Rabina
For many years after her separation from Ayushman and Ashirman’s father, Rabina lived as a single parent. She weathered life’s challenges, focusing on her family and career. Then, unexpectedly, love found her again. She confided in Ayushman, “I’ve met someone special, and I’m going on a date with him.” Her son looked at her, reading the excitement in her eyes. “Are you happy?” he asked. When she said yes, Ayushman replied, “Then it’s okay.”
That person was Stuart Chapman, a kind-hearted British citizen. With her sons’ blessing, Rabina introduced Stuart to her family. Her children’s support was unwavering, as they understood that love and happiness are meant to be celebrated, no matter when or how they arrive.
Love Knows No Boundaries
On June 22, 2023, Rabina and Stuart tied the knot. The celebration wasn’t just about their wedding; it was a tribute to love itself. Ayushman, reflecting on the day, said, “We didn’t just celebrate a marriage; we celebrated love. We invited people who truly believe in celebrating love.”
Even as Rabina embarked on this new chapter, her bond with her sons remained unshakable. Although she now lives in Malaysia with Stuart, and Ashirman is in India, their daily connection starts with a “Good morning” text. Across countries and time zones, they share life’s joys and challenges.
Rabina once shared on a podcast with her daughter-in-law, Priyanka, “No matter what, children will always need their parents. Whether it’s a mother’s second husband or a father’s second wife, the responsibility toward your children remains.” This sentiment deeply resonates with Ayushman, who values his mother’s unconditional love above all else.
Lessons from a Strong Woman
As a former banker who held a prominent role as Deputy CEO at Mega Bank, Rabina was often seen as a “strong woman” by those around her. But her sons witnessed her vulnerabilities. They saw the tears she shed when work became overwhelming and the comfort she found in sharing her burdens with them. For Rabina, her sons weren’t just her children—they were her safe space, her pillars of strength during tough times.
Her parenting style was unique. She allowed her sons the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. When Ayushman started smoking, he confessed it to her honestly. Her response wasn’t harsh. Instead, she said, “We already know. But when you turn 21, you can smoke in front of us.” Her gentle approach fostered trust and openness, allowing her children to feel safe sharing their lives with her.
When Rabina remarried, the public’s response was divided. Some applauded her courage and called her decision revolutionary, while others criticized her for going against societal norms. Ayushman and Ashirman, however, stood firmly by her side. They didn’t just support their mother—they celebrated her. This act of unconditional love inspired other children to think differently about their parents’ happiness.
Rabina, however, never saw her decision as radical. For her, it was simply about celebrating love and happiness. She believed that life’s beauty lies in embracing love whenever and however it comes.
Today, the three—Rabina, Ayushman, and Ashirman—live in different countries but remain deeply connected. With Raveena’s birthday approaching, her sons are already planning a celebration to reunite with their mother. As Ayushman puts it, “We’re looking forward to that day.” For them, no matter where life takes them, their bond remains a constant source of joy.
Rabina’s story is a testament to love’s enduring power—to heal, to connect, and to celebrate. It’s a reminder that life, with all its ups and downs, is always more meaningful when shared with those who matter most.
