Kalki Koechlin is a name that bears resemblance to shattering stereotypes. Right from choosing unconventional scripts at the very beginning of her career to bearing a child out of wedlock at the age of 35, the National Film Award winner does life her way. An inspiration for many, Koechlin spoke to ParentsWorld on pregnancy and upcoming motherhood plans as she sets goals for other women.
Read the full interview here:
Since you embarked on this new journey, how it has changed you personally & professionally?
Things have changed. The major change that has happened is the way in which I react to things. I am more deliberate and patient. When motherhood comes eventually, it brings with it a new consciousness to your sense of person. I still want to work but it is less about the rat race and more about nurturing oneself through one’s work. It becomes about infusing concentration and energy inward.
How are you managing your professional commitments during this phase?
It’s not been easy. Sometimes long hours on set or at rehearsal can really aggravate pregnancy symptoms like nausea and vomiting. I have had to be very strict about putting my timings and restrictions on contract, and had a manager who’s been very firm on my behalf!
Why have you decided to go for water birthing?
The reason why we have opted for a water birth is that it is the least painful form of delivery for the mother, damages the perineum area less, and is a natural progression for the baby from the amniotic fluid environment that surrounds the embryo inside the womb. We have found a trained midwife in Goa, with 20 years of experience in water births and we will be heading there in January.
In terms of health & fitness, how has your routine changed?
I have done a yoga course from Bangalore. Now, I have set my routine, I practice yoga, go for long walks with my partner. Balancing physical and mental health is fitness for me. A balanced lifestyle is tough in this fast-paced world, but I am making small changes. I switch off my phone once I’m home and don’t check it until breakfast the next morning. This way, I wake up to my own dreams and motivations for the day rather than external influences.
We hope to offer our child a diverse upbringing, with people from mixed social backgrounds, religions and of course encourage a gender-neutral atmosphere. As for paparazzi, we will be polite but firm.
Recommended: Gender-neutral parenting: The good and bad of it
You have been trolled for having a child out of wedlock. How have you dealt with it?
I deal with it by not reading or engaging with comments on social media.
Yes, the trolling has happened. There are people who have asked me questions like “Where’s the husband”, How can you do this”, Don’t wear tight clothes” etc. But I feel that trolling happens even when you are not pregnant. The best part of this is that I do not know these people personally so the trolling does not affect me. However, I can’t deny the fact that the aunties in the neighborhood and my building have many-a-times asked “Aapke liye kuchh chahiye kya” which is really very sweet of them.
Are there any projects lined up till your due date? How do you plan to balance motherhood and professional life?
As of now, I am doing this BBC Podcast – My Indian Life Season 2 which is slated to release soon this month. Currently, I’m not looking for work offers. I’m looking to take a break – a three-month maternity leave. I am not too worried about work because there are many things coming up like we are discussing Made In Heaven season 2. I will come back to work after April next year as I need some of this time for myself and for my baby since it’s my first birth.
Sukanya Nandy