15th May is marked as International Day of Families and what better to talk about Gujju Families. As Karan Johar rightly picked: GUJJU – Gathiya, Undhyu, Jamnagar, Jamvanu and Unghvanu (yes, I added this one – but come on, why not!). Gujarati families are a whole package of entertainers with a pinch of seriousness. And yes, they do carry Thepla, Khakra and Mamra wherever they go — from Kashmir to Canada — like edible souvenirs of home. Forget about Adani-Ambani & Modi, every gali here has aShah, Patel & Mehta.
When it comes to family, no one does it quite like the Gujaratis. Big-hearted, louder-than-life, and forever ready to turn a regular Tuesday into a mini Garba night. Any song can make Gujarati family do Garba steps on. Gujarati families are all about togetherness, tradition, and timeless food. The one from outside would be scared to listen them talk, because we Gujaratis are loud.
Gujarati Family’s Portrayal in Indian Cinema
Hindi cinema got the memo early. From the eccentric Parekhs of Khichdi to the hilariously dysfunctional Sarabhai vs Sarabhai to the ‘always-in-your-business’ society folks of Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah. The portrayal of Gujarati families is often exaggerated. But never completely wrong, because we are extra, and we’re proud of it.
Take Kal Ho Naa Ho — remember Kantaben’s face every time she misunderstood Aman and Rohit’s bromance? Peak Gujju aunty energy! Or Anupama — the quintessential Gujarati mother who holds the family together, one roti and one sacrifice at a time. Even in drama, there’s always masala.
“Not every Gujarati Saas is as strict as Kokila Modi and not every Gujarati Bahu is as dumb as Gopi Modi.” – Zeal Vyasfrom Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Let’s clear the air on a few things while we’re at it:
Myth Busted: Gujaratis Add Sugar to Everything
Not everything, okay? We love our sweet-savory balance, especially in traditional dishes. The people here are so sweet that their love of feeding might make the food extra sweet. But no, we don’t pour sugar into biryani or tea. (Unless it’s your chai-pani budget we’re sweetening.)
Myth Busted: Every Sentence Ends with “Che”
“Kem cho? Maja ma cho?” – sure, we say it. But we don’t sprinkle “che” like coriander on every sentence. That’s just how TV loves to stereotype us. Real Gujaratis code-switch like pros — English, Hindi, Gujarati — all in one conversation. “Tumko Gujarati nahi aavadta, toh koi baat nahi hum tumko teach kardenge.” that’s what we say smiling.
Myth Busted: We’re All Business, No Play
Yes, we’re entrepreneurial to the bone. But we also live to celebrate — from Navratri nights to family picnics with 28 dishes and no room for minimalism. Gujarati families are built around shared meals, laughter, leg-pulling, and legacy. Family legacy businesses are like gali-gali ma in Gujarat. Majority of Gujaratis are God’s favourite children blessed with ‘Papa no business’. We have Dhandho in our DNA. If not, Every Gujarati sitting in office or with friends plans/discusses about business and stocks. It’s like a staple-ranting for Gujarati employees. And guess what? Majority of business ideas are born with friends and at a tea-stall and are very successful. Gujaratis are the perfect blend of tradition and ambition.
Gujarati Families: Where Everyone Is a Character
The kaka who still uses a Dablu phone (old-school keypad phones) but gives the best life advice. The foi who knows everyone’s business before it even happens. The cousin who’s simultaneously in Surat, Sydney, and on a Zoom call with Vadodara. It’s chaos, but it’s our chaos — and that’s what makes it beautiful. Gujarati families are one where Ramayana & Mahabharata are not just epics but daily family drama. And after all the drama, they eat together doing their daily panchat(gossip). The panchat that ends with: aapde su? emna gharnuae jaane! (they know their home; it doesn’t matter to us)
This International Day of Families, let’s raise a cup of cha or Chass to Gujarati families. For the love they spread, the laughs they bring, and the undhiyu they serve with pride. Because whether you’re in a 1BHK flat in Ahmedabad or an NRI mansion in New Jersey, one thing’s for sure — home is where the khakra is. I know all Gujaratis can relate to this and has a huge smile and sense of proud reading this.
Happy Family Day from Gujpreneur — where legacy meets laughter, and every family is a startup of love, values, and vision.
