“Enjoy your pregnancy, celebrate your bump. The idea of yummy mummies is a societal construct that you don’t have to conform to. Enjoy your own freedom, own your quirks,” says actor Sameera Reddy.
“I know I’ll bounce back and I am not afraid of being judged. I wanted to share how I looked without make-up and my morning face and how it’s important for me to celebrate it,” said actress Sameera Reddy as she shot for the #imperfectlyperfect campaign, in a series of wonderful videos and pictures celebrating her bump. Sam, as she is often called, is the star of Race, Taxi No 9211, Maine Dil Tujhko Diya and De Dana Dan, Kannada film Varadhanayaka fame. Cut to 2019. She is a doting mother to two kids, four-year-old son Hans, and few weeks old daughter Nyra.
Excerpts from a conversation that took place while Nyra nodded off and Hans was busy leaping around the house, refusing to nap
Why a four-year gap between the kids?
Honestly, I would have liked a shorter gap, but once Hans was born, I went through postpartum depression. It took me a little while to swing out of it. Looking back, perhaps it worked out for the best as Hans is a sensitive child and I was able to give him enough time, prep him for the little one’s arrival. I don’t think he would have adjusted so well to Nyra if he were two.
Share with us how you managed to do that.
I think the first step to pulling yourself out, is to admit that there is a problem. As an actor, I was used to being in the limelight, staying svelte and slim, having a melee of people – spot boy, make-up artiste -around me. Suddenly I was out of shape, feeling exhausted and low. I’m a cheerful person otherwise. There is a big difference between baby blues and postpartum depression. I sought help in therapy, took homeopathy treatment and worked on myself. Cut to the present, the ease with which I confess to having experienced depression surprises many people as most are uncomfortable even admitting that they have experienced it. This needs to change.
That’s truly commendable. So when was the last time you cried?
Just days ago when my little baby girl smiled for the first time. I shed bucketfuls of tears! It was such an overwhelming, incredible experience.
Are you a hands-on mom?
Very! I have never had a nanny for my kids. I love bathing Nyra, enjoy doing everything for my children. It helps that my husband is a doting dad and extremely hands-on. He chips in tremendously before he leaves for work and after he returns in the evening.
Shilpi Madan for Indian Express