“There must be that degree of frankness and ability to discuss anything you want openly…Parents must not be strict to the point of exclusion of discussions and discouraging honesty in kids, but they need to be firm and clear,” said the actress.
It is all about celebrating work and family for actress Prachee Shah Paandya. She holds a Guinness record for performing 93 spins in a minute, in Kathak, is performing on stage to roaring ovations, while wrapping up work in blockbusters including Student of the Year, Mulk, Judwaa 2, ABCD 2…having packed in mega TRP spinners in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Ek Shringaar -Swabhiman, a Barjatya production, on the telly. The soft-spoken Prachee Shah Paandya is busier than the proverbial bee, handling her hectic shoot schedule, home and hearth, and heart as she brings up her 11-year-old daughter Khiana. Excerpts from a conversation:
So are you dealing with the pre-teen tantrum phase?
Honestly, I am getting used to the mood swings and a sudden rush of emotions now and then. I attribute it to menarche, probably. The dynamics have changed incredibly these days. Each day at a time, I believe.
What is the latest gift that you have bought for her?
Vishwas and I just gifted her with a phone. Of course, we were told that everyone had already possessed a phone before she got hers (smiles broadly).
Have you set a ration schedule in place?
Oh yes. So far her vacation is in progress but once school starts, it will be rationed to a limited time. Kids are not allowed to take phones to the school anyway. I have not yet encountered the “taking the phone inside the closed room” phase. But then Khiana still sleeps with us.
Who is the strict parent, you or Vishwas?
Me, I am the disciplinarian. Vishwas is cool, though when he loses his temper, Khiana knows he means serious business. Like just yesterday there was a big argument about the phone usage, getting addicted to it and we explained our concern. It didn’t go down very well with her. But the argument drove the point home. Khiana did not touch the phone for the rest of the day even though it was accessible.
Shilpi Madan for Indian Express