From Movie Buff to Family Champ: Gurmit Singh’s New Chapter
Remember the legendary Phua Chu Kang TV prankster of Singapore? He had us rolling on the floor in the early 2000s. Fast forward to today, and another star—Gurmit Singh—is turning the spotlight inward to become a real-life family hero.
Why the Switch? The “Absent Father” Confession
- In 2014, the 57‑year‑old actor told his three kids that he’d be stepping out of full‑time showbiz to squeeze in more “Dad time.”
- His children—Gabrielle (25), Elliot (21), and little Mikaela (9)—saw the change the way they see a superhero’s costume change.
- “I felt like an absent father,” Gurmit confided in an AsiaOne interview. “I knew I wasn’t pulling in the household income enough, even though we were doing fine.”
- He admitted he yearned for the moments he’d lost: grocery shopping side‑by‑side, a quick Lego session before school, and watching solar movies in a Dyson‑24‑hour sleep‑schedule.
The Hard Truth: Sacrifices & No Business Class
When Gurmit pitched the idea to his kids, he outlined the cost: a real‑life “no business class” deal. But his eight‑year‑old son, wise beyond his years, said, “If it means you have more time with us, it doesn’t matter.” Tearing up was unavoidable. Gurmit still bids himself “sob” in the mirror—about time the kids see that the man who once played Phua Chu Kang is, in fact, a genuine dad.
Sunny Side Up: The New Soap‑Opera of Daily Life
Gurmit’s latest project, Channel 5’s Sunny Side Up, lets him balance work and family like a juggling act on a tightrope. He plays Alex Rajendran, a father who merges with his partner’s three kids for “a new blended family”.
What Makes Alex & Gurmit a “Peacemaker” Duo?
“Alex is friendly, peace‑seeking, just like me!” Gurmit jests.
“If the scriptwriter knows my home life, I’m probably on a very close connection to the writer’s bed… or maybe just my coffee mug.”
He’s bemoaning that on set you can easily hit schedule kinks, but “part‑timer” life is a win: You can fit a baby’s sleep cycle around a filming shoot, or throw a quick soccer match in the early evening.
Dad‑Life Philosophy: No “Cane” or “Belt” Backpacks
Gurmit grew up in a “hardcore” parenting era—think cane, belt, feather dusters—and he’s determined to break that mold. Instead, he leans on “friend first” parenting: feel‑good, high‑five, mystery‑on‑the‑side approach.
When his kids make mistakes, he invites them to a “corner” of reflection—a creative way of saying, “Let’s introspect.” He joins them in earnest introspection, ensuring both sides are heard.
Rainy Day Lesson: The “Waterproof” Kid
Some parents at his daughter’s school could have turned a puddle adventure into a micro‑calamity. Gurmit’s response: “Oh sorry, my child is waterproof—it’s okay.” It’s a humorous reminder that real parents view life as a shared adventure—braving every storm together.
Make It a Must‑Watch! 
Join the fun every Monday‑Thursday at 7:30 pm on Channel 5 or stream on meWATCH. Expect a blend of heart, humor, and everyday Singapore.
Related stars: Wang Yuqing, Chen Xiuhuan, Najip Ali, Siti Hajar.
