By Upala KBR, Mid-Day
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Madhuri Dixit-Nene's second child, Ryan, is just learning to walk, and the actress says, "I am always running after him, trying to stop him from falling."
Now cocooned in a cosy family foursome in Denver, the former Dhak-dhak girl says weekends are special because husband, Dr Sriram Nene, is with the family, and the Nenes head out of the city for mini-vacations.
We caught up with Madhuri about being a second-time mommy, returning to films, and life as a homemaker...
How old is your second child?
Ryan is eight months old. My older son, Arin, is over two, and looks like a combination of Ram and me. Arin has his dad's eyes, and a lovely smile. Even if he does something really naughty, all is forgiven the moment he flashes that smile. Arin and Ryan are very different from each other.
Is it different being a mom, the second time around?
People think giving birth to a baby is the same experience every time - it's not. It's wonderfully different and exciting each time, because every child is unique. But it's been fun and I cherish every moment of it. It's also a little tough to give equal attention to both. Although Arin is old enough to understand that he has a brother, he's possessive about Ryan taking up all my time.
Have you given up on films?
No, I haven't. I've been in the film industry for twenty years, and loved and enjoyed every moment. I'd always dreamt of having a family and babies... now it's time to devote myself to my family. But yes, I do miss acting and films. The last film I saw was Baghban - it was a beautiful film; Amitji was fantastic in it.
Do you feel you've lost out on films, especially with the different kinds of cinema being made today?
I don't regret any missed opportunity. Some people might feel deprived, but I feel blessed. I have two wonderful, healthy babies and nothing can be more important than that. I just want them to be brought up properly. I am sure opportunities will come again; I believe if you are talented enough, people will come back to you. If I get an exciting role I might just do it... but it has to be challenging enough, because it would mean time away from my kids.
Have you changed, after five years of marriage?
It's actually six years. I can't speak for other women, but I met my Mr Right and took the plunge. Every marriage - love or arranged - is a gamble; one has to make adjustments all the time. But I am very happy, content and comfortable in my personal life. Marriage and my family have completed me. I feel wonderful and happy. It's been a good experience.
How was the transformation from actress No 1 to homemaker?
Even when I was working, my family never made me feel that I was a star. Today, I give my family the same passion and love I gave my work. I try to give my best to everything I do. I don't think of housework as beneath my dignity; that's just the way I was brought up. If there is any change in me today, it's that I've become more eloquent and expressive after marriage.
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