How has parenthood changed your relationship with husband Raj?
Each phase in your life teaches you something. The beauty of parenting is that both parents work together to give their child the best of everything, and this nurtures their relationship too. Raj is a hands-on father and he works really hard to spare time for Viaan. He takes him for swimming, as it is that one thing I can't do.

Why are we seeing so many long-lasting relationships fail?
What's lacking in marriages these days is compromise and a positive, giving attitude. Our parents had lasting relationships because that generation had a different mindset. Today, the word 'compromise' makes the relationship sound 'not-so-good', but to me, 'compromise' is 'understanding' and our parents were more understanding than us. I think a lot of people also end up taking their relationship and partner for granted, especially after the child comes in. With the child being your top priority, you also have to give your relationship a lot of importance. Some couples end up living with each other only for the sake of the child. It should never be that way. You must be in a relationship only because you like the person not because you have to be in one. When it comes to us, we spend enough time together as a couple. We make sure we plan a date night once a week. We make it a point to save that time for bonding.

How tough is it to keep the spark alive as the relationship ages?
Everything in life requires hard work. We often feel we are living in the same house and spending enough time with each other; but how much of that time is spent having a meaningful conversation? It's great to step out once a week. When you are having a meal at a restaurant or sitting in a garden, you forget all your household chores and responsibilities and focus on each other. It need not be an expensive affair in a five-star restaurant. What you need is some time away to talk your heart out and share little things that matter.

While leading a hectic urban lifestyle with corporate jobs, people often tend to ignore their health. What's the trick to eating right?
Working men and women have to plan ahead if they wish to eat healthy. With multiple op tions for ready made foods today, we have become lazy. When you don't have time to cook a decent meal, just prepare a soup and store it in the refrigerator for two to three days. You can also carry a fruit or vegetable bowl and add some chicken to it. It's almost like a full meal. I was brought up in a middle-class house where both my parents were work ing. These are the little things my mum used to do. I remember she used to make chicken and mutton on a Sunday night and store them in the deep freezer. At meal times, she would remove a portion and heat it up for the family. I think it is all about making a choice.

Have you ever been uncomfortable with your body?
Having a great body obviously has its positives, but it also has a few negatives. You tend to become very conscious of your weight and the way you look. During my pregnancy, I had gained around 20 kilos. When you are fit, you feel good and you start looking after yourself better. You value your body. For me, fitness is of para mount importance. I do yoga not because I want to be a size 8 but because I want to be my best when I am 50.