She turns grandmother to son Saif Ali Khan and daughter-in-law’s Kareena Kapoor Khan’s first born in this month. The original Bengali Tigress cannot wait for the cub to arrive. She is proud of how Kareena has worked and kept herself active throughout the pregnancy. Here she talks about how she is proud of the mommy-to-be and how the whole clan is looking forward to the new addtion to the family. Read on...
Looking at Kareena during pregnancy one is reminded of you when you expecting Saif?
(Laughs) Kareena has been so lovely. She has carried pregnancy her effortlessly and gracefully…kisiki nazar na lag jaye. She is enjoying every moment of her pregnancy. She is dressing up, going out and being so natural and beautiful about it.
You did some of your best work during your pregnancy?
Yes, I did. For example, Safar. But while I was pregnant, I said no to many films, like Khilona, Tere Mere Sapne,Haathi Mere Saathi, Caravan, Kati Patang….films that made the careers of so many actresses.
Regret losing out on those roles?
I don’t regret it at all. One has to do everything at the right time. That includes motherhood. I am now enjoying this grandmotherly phase of my life.
Pregnancy didn’t affect your career?
Even if it had, I didn’t hide my pregnancy. Why should I have? I wanted to plan a family and that was my priority at that point of time. I didn’t want to hide my pregnancy and then distress my producers. They were all thankful to me.
You don’t look like a grandmother.
Do you know I don’t dye my hair, although it’s turning grey. Every age bracket has to be respected and embraced naturally.
How has life been treating you the past year?
Very well. I’ve been busy travelling. I travel quite a bit. Renovation work has been on in our ancestral home in Pataudi. So that keeps me busy. I also love gardening and reading. Saif is an avid reader. He points out books worth reading. I also solve a crossword every morning. Then there are family and friends to attend to. 24 hours aren’t enough.
How do you look back on the year?
The year started with Tiger’s (the late husband Mansur Ali Khan) birth anniversary. And we had a wonderful cricket match on the occasion. And now, we want to institutionalise the match to celebrate the day every year. Now the year ends with the birth of Kareena and Saif’s child. I am quite looking forward to being a grandmother again. It can’t get any better. We are all looking forward to this.
