‘Don’t have children, have dogs’: Shefali Shah sparks debate with candid advice on marriage and life choices

Mumbai | May 16, 2026

Acclaimed Indian actress Shefali Shah has sparked a fresh debate on social media after her recent remarks on marriage, parenting, and women’s life choices. During a candid interaction, she reportedly suggested that couples who are unsure about having children could consider having pets instead, a comment that quickly went viral and divided public opinion

. Shefali Shah, known for her powerful performances in films and OTT series, was speaking about modern relationships and the pressures faced by women in marriage. She emphasized that every couple should make independent, pressure-free decisions about parenthood rather than following societal expectations blindly.

Her remark, “have dogs instead of kids,” was widely circulated online and interpreted in different ways by audiences. While some users viewed it as a humorous and practical take on responsibility and companionship, others criticized it as insensitive toward traditional family values.

 Supporters of the actress argued that her statement reflects a broader conversation about changing lifestyles, rising costs of living, and the increasing number of couples choosing to remain child-free. They added that pets often provide emotional support and companionship similar to children in modern households.

Meanwhile, critics felt that such comparisons between pets and children could be misleading and overly simplistic. The discussion has since fueled a wider debate on social media about marriage, parenthood, and the freedom to choose one’s own path in life.