Malaika Arora opened up about her motherhood journey as she recalled how people told her that her career would be over once she became a mother.
In an interview with the Bombay Humansthe actress detailed her experience of being a working mother.
The 48-year-old actor said: “‘This will end your career!’ is what people said when I was expecting. Back then, after marriage, you hardly ever saw an actress on screen. But being raised by women who advocated being independent, I knew motherhood just meant I had to rehearse a role more: the role of mom!”
“I worked during my pregnancy, transporting shows and rehearsals. And when Arhaan was born, I promised to give him the world. I also promised myself: I will not lose my identity in the process of being a mother. Since then, I have fulfilled both promises.”
She shared how just two months after giving birth, she performed at an award show, adding, “I was proud of myself because I also got home in time to tuck Arhaan into bed. Knowing that I could juggle motherhood and work empowered me. In fact, I said yes to Karan for Kaal Dhamaal a year after giving birth!”
She continued: “But it was her ‘working mother’ fault. So, I maximized my time with Arhaan. She would tie him up and run errands before going to work. And he always came home on time to read to her. I also had a strong support system in my family.”
“I always picked him up or dropped him off at school. Soon, he became the highlight of my day. I talked to Arhaan about everything!”
“Today, Arhaan is my dearest friend. And now that he’s away studying, we keep sending each other recipes via DM. I miss you; empty nest syndrome is real, but it’s good that I kept my second promise: not to lose my identity in the process of being a mother. I have my job, my friends and my life,” added the actor.
Malaika concluded: “So, live your dream: find that job, walk away if you are in an unhappy marriage, and put yourself first. Being a mom doesn’t mean you stop being you. Motherhood is not the end. Treat it like a comma, but never a period!