Anita Hassanandani Reddy is all set to return to the small screen after a five-year break with the show Suman Indori. While the actor — who went on hiatus when she was pregnant with her son — made a brief appearance in Hum Rahein Ya Na Rahein last year, she views the new show as her actual comeback.

She admits that getting back into the groove required her to mentally prepare for leaving her son, Aarav, at home: “Leaving Aarav has been challenging, but I’m coping with it. I love my work and have been missing shooting, so there’s a bit of mom guilt mixed in with the excitement. Rohit (Reddy, her husband, internet personality) also takes time off to be with Aaru when I’m working. We’re striving to find a balance that allows us both to pursue our passions while giving him the attention he needs.”

The 43-year-old says she’s been splitting her time between home and the set, which allows her to spend quality time with her son. “I try to take him [to set] on the weekends; now he also knows how to video call and has been a great support. He is young, but understands that his mum will come back,” she shares.

Despite her careful planning, the process has not been without its challenges. “There have been days where he has called me crying,” she reveals, but adds that her shoot schedule has allowed them to spend more time together.

“I do get breaks between shoots, so there’s a balance. But TV does take a lot of time and I was mentally prepared for this,” she wraps up.