How celebrity kids are outgrowing their dads – and what food has to do with it

Ever scrolled through Instagram and done a double take because Arjun Tendulkar looks like he could dunk on his dad, Sachin? Or noticed that Junaid Khan has a solid half-foot advantage over Aamir Khan? What’s going on here? Are celebrity kids sneaking height boosters into their protein shakes, or is this just nature flexing its randomness?

Let’s dig into the great height mystery – what makes some kids shoot up past their parents, and can YOU help your child grow taller?

Blame it on the genes (or thank them?)
If height had a rulebook, it’d go something like this: Genetics control about 60-80% of a person’s height (Nature), which means if your ancestors were tall, you have a better chance of stretching skyward.

But here’s the fun part – genes are unpredictable. That’s why Saif Ali Khan (5’7”) has a son, Ibrahim, who stands at 5’11”. Or why R Madhavan (5’10”) has a 6’1” son, Vedaant. Somewhere in their family trees, there were tall genes just waiting for their moment.

So, yes – height is mostly genetic. But what about the remaining 20-40%? That’s where food, lifestyle, and maybe a little luck come in.

Eat your greens (and proteins and calcium and zinc...)
If you’re still hoping to squeeze out a few extra inches (or want to make sure your kids hit their full height potential), nutrition is your best bet. Studies show that kids with high-protein, calcium-rich diets grow taller than those who survive on junk food.

So, what’s on the menu for height gain?

• Protein for growth – Eggs, chicken, fish, lentils, and dairy build strong muscles and bones.
• Calcium & vitamin D for bone strength – Milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, and fortified cereals keep bones healthy.
• Zinc for growth hormones – Nuts, seeds, chickpeas, and whole grains help with overall development.
• Healthy fats for overall development – Avocados, nuts, and fatty fish provide essential nutrients.
• Fruits & veggies for essential vitamins – Carrots, citrus fruits, bananas, and berries support bone health.

So, if your kid refuses to eat their spinach, remind them: even superheroes need strong bones!

Timing is everything
If you’re waiting for a growth spurt, know that height doesn’t happen overnight (unless you’re in a sci-fi movie). The biggest changes come during:

• Infancy (0-2 years) – Babies shoot up fast! Nutrition is crucial in these early years.
• Childhood (3-10 years) – Steady, consistent growth. Keep those milk glasses full!
• Puberty (10-18 years for boys, 8-16 for girls) – The BIG one! This is when kids grow the most, so their diet and sleep matter a lot.

After puberty? Well, if you’re still waiting to get taller, sorry buddy—the bone growth plates close, and that’s pretty much it.

Can you actually make your kid taller?
If genetics say 5’6”, you probably won’t turn your kid into an NBA player. But you can maximize their height potential with:

A high-protein, nutrient-dense diet

Regular exercise & sports (basketball, swimming, running—basically anything that makes them move)

8-10 hours of sleep every night (because growth hormones work hardest while sleeping)

Less junk food, more real food (sorry, fast food lovers!)

So, while you can’t outsmart DNA, you can give it the best possible environment to do its thing.

Can you really make your child taller with food?
Yes, but only to their maximum genetic potential. If their genes say 5’10”, food won’t make them 6’5”.

No, you can’t “hack” genetics. No special supplement or “miracle food” can override DNA.

But a poor diet can definitely make a child shorter than their potential height—so food matters!

So, why are celeb kids giants?

Simple: good genes + great nutrition + a little bit of luck.

Arjun Tendulkar didn’t just wake up 6’3” while Sachin stayed at 5’5”. He had access to the best food, fitness, and health care. The same goes for the other tall kids. They inherited tall genes from somewhere, and their lifestyle helped them reach their max potential.

So, parents—if you’re dreaming of a tall kid, feed them right, get them moving, and let them sleep in. You never know, they might just surprise you!