Acclaimed actress Kalki Koechlin, who welcomed her daughter Sappho with partner Guy Hershberg on February 7, 2020, recently opened up about the challenges of pregnancy and early parenting. In an interview with ANI, Kalki shared insights into the physical and emotional toll motherhood takes, shedding light on a subject she believes is under-discussed in society.
“I think as a mother, the nine months of pregnancy, followed by delivery and postpartum, take a lot out of you,” she said. “Your body becomes an incubation system for the baby, giving up nutrients and energy. Even the first six months after birth are incredibly tough. You’re up all night feeding the baby, sleep-deprived, and feeling lost. Breastfeeding affected my nutrition, and I often questioned, ‘Where is my life? Who am I?’”
Kalki emphasised that these struggles are often overlooked and believes open conversations can help normalise these experiences.
Despite the challenges, Kalki now shares a deep bond with her daughter Sappho. “She’s become chatty, and we share secrets. It feels like I have a new friend. We get along well, and she even gives me the freedom to work,” Kalki shared, expressing joy over their growing relationship.
The actress, fondly remembered for her role as Aditi in the iconic film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), also reflected on the movie’s re-release, which received a heartwarming response from fans. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film starred Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Aditya Roy Kapur alongside Kalki.
Recalling behind-the-scenes moments, Kalki said, “In Gulmarg, Kashmir, Deepika and I would sneak snow into Ranbir and Aditya’s t-shirts, but when they tried the same, we’d stop them, saying, ‘Baal kharab ho jaaega (Your hair will get spoilt).’ They eventually got their revenge during the Haldi ceremony in Udaipur, drenching me in Haldi instead of applying just a dot!”
On the professional front, Kalki is set to make her Tamil debut in Nesippaya. Directed by Vishnuvardhan and featuring music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, the film sees Kalki in the role of a lawyer. This marks a new chapter in her illustrious career, showcasing her versatility and commitment to exploring diverse roles.
As Kalki balances motherhood and her thriving career, she continues to inspire with her candid reflections and dedication to her craft.