New mother Surveen Chawla on how she evaded post-partum depression and whipped herself into shape in six months
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 8, 2019)

Flooding her Instagram feed with pictures in a swimsuit, new mommy Surveen Chawla has been making a pertinent point about returning to a healthy lifestyle, post delivery. "I practised yoga, and took to cardiovascular activity, and sometimes did both in the same day. I ate only home-cooked food, and fortunately, did not crave outside meals. I had put on 18 kilos, and now, six months post delivery, have only five to lose," says the actor, who ate small portions every two hours.

In the months that led to her delivery, Chawla had heard so much about post-partum depression, that she had actively taken steps to evade it. "Since I am expressive, I could vent. I am not diplomatic, and am also lucky to be blessed with a partner who shares everything with me. One shouldn’t have to repress themselves. [Depression] starts from a single instance, but becomes a larger problem. Throughout my pregnancy, I kept myself in an emotionally-sound place. I had knowledge about what was going on with me, and the baby. There were days when my emotions were all over the place. But, I did my best to stay centred, and share [my feelings] with my partner. I reminded myself everyday that I was doing the best I could."

Chawla relied on a generous appetite of vegetables, eggs and nachni rotis to whip herself into shape. "Snack included fruits, dhoklas or pastas. Dinner would usually be eaten late because we would be tending to our baby."

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; November 8, 2018)

After her marriage to businessman Akshay Thakker in Italy on July 28, 2015, Surveen Chawla is looking forward to welcoming a new member in the family. Yes, the actress is pregnant and we caught up with her while she was busy shooting. In an exclusive chat, she revealed the good news. She said, “It’s a beautiful feeling and more so, as it has come completely unexpected for Akshay and me. Suddenly, life has become beautiful. I am looking forward to every step now. Of course, it’s unfamiliar territory, but the only one that comes with a guarantee of being wonderful. Akshay and I feel really blessed!”

Ask the actress if she is nervous about embracing motherhood, and she says, “Honestly, initially, the fear of change engulfed me, but later, the beauty of it all started sinking in. Now, I feel like I am embarking on a new journey and adventure of sorts. I don’t know how many women will tell you the truth, but the reality is that motherhood is a slow, gradual process. Motherly instincts are not born out of nowhere. Motherhood, to me, is a feeling that grows on you, with the growing life inside you. I think just the fact that women are designed to grow a whole being inside them is a far more superior feeling.”

With actresses now getting interesting work after they get married or embrace motherhood, Surveen feels that this is not even a point of discussion today. She says, “Why should this question of whether an actress will continue to work or get interesting projects after marriage or motherhood be a point of discussion? I think we, as a society, should stop making a big deal about a woman becoming a mother, and of it having any adverse impact on her work or career. The day this question is asked to a man who embraces fatherhood, I will answer this one elaborately.”

Surveen is currently enjoying being pampered by her family. She says, “The best part about pregnancy is that everyone around you puts you on a throne and makes you feel like a queen. I am loving it.” Though she is an actress, her husband has always kept a low profile. “Akshay is a low-key person and does not like to be in the limelight. At least not for now, and I respect that,” she says.

The Hate Story 2 actress, who is due in mid-April, plans to continue working, even during her pregnancy. She shares, “I opted out of one project in the beginning, because I had to be careful. But now, I am shooting and will continue to work till I can. I also want to enjoy this phase and make the most of it.”

On a parting note, Surveen says, “Post April, I will experience what women who have been there, call ‘bliss’ or the ‘best feeling in the world’.”