They say when a baby is born, the mother gets a new birth with it. Embracing parenthood is a life-altering journey, it demands effort, attention, and time. When it comes to actors, parenting becomes all the more delicate considering their rigorous work schedule, and the nature of their work that keeps them in the public eye 24×7. However, it is worth noting that several actors have done a great job of managing both worlds. They do it with grace and determination. They know that raising a kid, especially a kid who becomes a person of interest even before he or she is born is not easy. Giving a normal childhood to a famous kid before understanding what the word fame means is a challenge. Also, ensuring that the world of stardom and parenthood don’t overshadow or clash with one another, is another task that stars take upon. Yet each one of them, has their guide to navigate through the phase, to ensure that their dreams don’t die and their child grows in an environment packed with love and warmth.
A supportive family makes everything possible
They say it takes a village to raise a kid. Now imagine if you have not one or two but three kids, you will need the whole universe to come together. Luckily, for many that universe comes in the form of a supporting family. Gauri Khan, the famous interior designer, and producer, has raised three children with Shah Rukh Khan – Aryan, Suhan, and AbRam. Today, all three are at an age where they can take good care of themselves and can be there for one another when needed. Thus, during a conversation with ETimes, when asked if maintaining a work-life balance turns easier as kids grow up, Gauri shared, “Work-life balance came naturally to me because I have a supportive family,” she shared.
She highlighted the importance of discipline to attain a balance. “I have always believed that to be successful, you must be organized and disciplined. I prioritize family time and set up meetings around those commitments, and that works very well,” she added.
There needs to be consistency in efforts
Managing the kids, family and work is no longer just a woman’s job. The 21st-century fathers are as involved in the family as the mother. Take Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt for example. The couple on many occasions have confessed how Ranbir is the burp expert for Raha, the one who invents fun, interesting games for the daughter, while Alia takes up the role of a disciplinarian.
This shows that despite the busy schedule, one needs to be consistent with his or her efforts to find a balance. Speaking on the same line, Aparshakti Khurana in his earlier conversation with ETimes shared, “I am also grateful for all the work that has kept me busy, so I strive to strike a balance between my family and work. I don’t want to compromise on the time that I spend with Aakriti (his wife) and taking care of my baby. It’s my responsibility to be there with my daughter as she grows up.”
“We have divided the responsibilities, but I guess a father can never match up to a mother when it comes to taking care of a child, especially an infant. However, I make sure to try my best so that the burden doesn’t entirely fall on Aakriti,” he added.
It is ok to take a break
For actor Vikrant Massey, becoming a father has brought newfound meaning to life. Reflecting on his journey as a parent at TOI Dialogues, he shared, “Vardaan is a good boy; he doesn’t even wake up at night.” Vikrant’s calm demeanor as a father exemplifies how embracing the joys of parenthood can enrich one’s perspective, even amidst a demanding career.
On the topic of striking a balance between work and family, he shared, “I took a month off in April and have taken several breaks in May because I want to see him grow.”
“The nature of my job often keeps me away from family, but I’m learning that it’s not impossible to work and spend time with them,” explained the actor.
Motherhood doesn’t mean the end of ambitions
Saif Ali Khan, father to four children—Sara, Ibrahim, Taimur, and Jeh—has always championed the idea of women pursuing their dreams alongside parenting. Speaking about Kareena Kapoor Khan during his chat with Bombay Times, he noted, “The kind of person that Kareena is, she’s not going to ever think that her life and career is over with motherhood. That is not what I want either. I am sure she will find the right balance.”
Kareena herself has redefined Bollywood’s perception of working mothers, seamlessly transitioning between glamorous movie sets and her role as a devoted mother.
Taking it not as a challenge but as a matter of pride
Punjabi actress Neeru Bajwa takes immense pride in her role as a mother, considering it her most cherished accomplishment. “I’m most proud of being a mom. I will speak up if somebody attacks me on that,” she said passionately in her conversation with us. Neeru, a mother of three, has openly shared how motherhood has given her strength and purpose. She balances her thriving acting career with her responsibilities as a parent, often involving her children in her creative process and cherishing every milestone they achieve.
She further has a message for all the working mothers who suffer from mom guilt. “Put down on a paper, why am I working? I am working because (a.) it’s my passion; (b.) it’s what I love to do, and you make money also. I think your kids and husband should appreciate it. So look at these things and say, I am contributing, I am lucky that I am working.”
Conclusion
What emerges from these stories is a common thread: the key to balancing stardom and parenthood lies in strong support systems, conscious prioritization, and a deep understanding of personal boundaries.