There is no right time or age to embrace any of life’s most beautiful experiences; the perfect time is when you are ready for it. Actress Sangita Ghosh would know. She welcomed her daughter Devi on Christmas day last year at the age of 45.

She says, “I believe one should choose parenthood only when they are prepared for it. Nowadays, medical science and technology have advanced so much that many options are available. Adoption is also a wonderful choice. Becoming a mother at any stage demands adapting to the child’s needs and learning alongside her. It’s both tough and fulfilling. In a way, I believe it’s good that I became a mother at this stage because it motivates me to stay fit for her. I am more experienced and worldly-wise. Some people tell me that I will be in my 60s when Devi turns 20. So what? Growing old is a privilege. Many women tend to neglect themselves after having a child, but I have started focusing on my well-being even more now.”

While age has never been a challenge as a mother, what she finds a little tough is to strike a balance between her baby and her passion – acting. “Devi was just 25 days old when I returned to work with Swaran Ghar. It was very tough, as I was away for most of her initial months. However, she was very well taken care of by my husband in Jaipur and I was constantly in touch through video calls. She also stayed with me for a while in Chandigarh, where I was shooting,”

Sangita shares, adding, “I am a new-age mother, and I want to teach my daughter right from an early age how it’s important for every woman to pursue her own dreams. I am passionate about my work, and I want to be able to create a work-life balance.”

Why not take her child to work, as many actresses do these days? She explains, “I don’t want her to grow up on the sets. My husband and a few others feel that she would be magical in front of the camera, given her lively and expressive nature, but I am not too inclined towards it. I have seen child actors on the sets. They don’t enjoy the freedom they should have as children, and Devi is too young to understand the demanding and erratic schedules of this field. I want her to make her own choices. Also, the atmosphere on sets isn’t suitable for a child; they aren’t always organised and hygienic. Young children absorb everything they see around them. In fact, I am already scared about the time she will start going to school. Comparisons will start, like who has the latest phone, who goes to the most luxurious holiday destinations, or who wears certain brands. Actually, we teach kids the concept of bribery when we say, ‘Do your homework, and we will give you a treat’. In the past, I may not have been conscious of my actions but now with Devi in my life, I have become mindful of my behaviour and words.”

Sangita says, “I want my daughter to pursue her passions and dreams. I want her to learn from life, as it’s the greatest teacher. I would love for her to excel in sports, as it teaches discipline. Having said that, whether she chooses sports, academics or acting will entirely be her decision. I will teach her that even failures are fine because every setback provides a valuable lesson. That’s how you grow in life.”