When you switch off the spotlights and turn the flashbulbs away, Juhi Chawla is just like any other mom. She worries about her children’s grades and what to pack for school. She asks her son to help her with the printer. “Parenting now is a two-way relationship where you learn from each other,” says Juhi, currently the face of Kellogg’s Chocos ‘Khuljaye Bachpan’ campaign. The star with the cheery smile and attitude to match did not really bid goodbye to Bollywood after marriage to industrialist Jay Mehta but just shifted focus to indie and art house films, taking up roles that no longer required running around trees, matching steps with the hero. With two kids — Jhanvi and Arjun — and working as a producer and entrepreneur, Juhi has her hands full. She has just signed up for Chalk and Duster, a movie about children and teachers.
How difficult is it being a parent today?
Parenting is taken way too seriously these days. I don’t remember my mother making such a fuss. I guess it’s because of the world we live in today.
How did motherhood change you?
Motherhood changed me completely. Before, I used to interact with kids but I was never fond of them. I would be like ‘look at these small things with so much energy’. During shoots, I would wish we could be locked up in separate rooms. But after my kids, I woke up to a completely new world. Motherhood has made me a much better person. I see everything from a new perspective — with a sense of wonderment.
What’s it likebringing up kids in the glare of thespotlight?
Celebrities or not, we’re all just people. The attention we get is only from outside. At home, we are like any other family. I still worry whether they have finished homework, about their grades and what to pack in their tiffin box. The world outside may look at us differently, but we are no different from other mothers.
What kind of relationship do you share with your kids?
I am like a friend to my children but when things get out of hand, the ‘mum’ in me springs up!
Are your children inclined towards a career in Bollywood?
They have gone through their phases. My son, who is the younger one, has his ambitions all mixed up. He is a Jack of all trades. So I am not sure how he is going to turn out. My daughter too has had her phases — from wanting to be a writer to a model to acting in theatre. I have one advice — whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. And enjoy it.
There’s been a dramatic drop in the number of movies you’ve madeafter marriage and motherhood. Why?
That’s because I only choose projects that interest me and those I think are worth my time. You want to spend as much time as possible with your kids. In time, you grow out of wanting to do the roles that were offered to you before. I am happy with what I am doing now and it suits me. I don’t want to take the effort. I don’t want to shed weight, nor wear a mini skirt. I don’t want it any other way.
