It’s easy to feel lost when you stand in the shadow of a megastar. But entrepreneur Upasana Kamineni Konidela, who’s married to actor Ram Charan for 12 years, has a fresh take. “They say, behind every successful man there is a woman. When he’s shining, it’s great to be the shadow. And when I shine, he is secure enough to be in my shadow,” she tells us during a tête-à-tête, ahead of International Women’s Day tomorrow (March 8).

An established name in the medical world in her own right, Upasana is part of her family healthcare business. So, marrying an actor was a big change.

The 34-year-old says, “Previously, it was tough, as I came from a different world. Now, I feel proud. When you’re in the spotlight, you are going through a lot, and you need that one person to fall back on.”

As more women step into the workplace and excel in all fields, the notion that she can’t have it all — a career and a family life — still holds true for some. Upasana, who gave birth to her daughter, Klin Kaara, last year, says, “As a mum, it’s a battle for me to be as productive at work as I was before. The mindset and the corporate culture in India need to change to make it easier for women.”

Sharing what worked for her, Upasana adds, “Women should save their eggs by insurance. I saved my eggs too, and I am proud to say Ram and I made a choice to have a child when we were in a comfortable space,” she wraps up.

“Beyond being my wife, Upasana is my rock and the force that keeps us together. Whether it is with our family at home or contributing to her philanthropic projects, she excels in all roles due to her unwavering commitment and deep-rooted family values. Upasana has beautifully carried forward her family legacy.”