Karisma Kapur is beaming with energy these days, more than ever before. The stunning actor finds herself absolutely comfortable wearing the hat of a mother, twice over. Her baby boy Kiaan is growing fast and she admits it’s easier to be a mother the second time around, since the experience with her first, her daughter Samaira, now six, has made her a lot calmer. “Honestly speaking, I was very paranoid when I was pregnant with Samaira. I am disciplined and very particular about things that made me worry even more.
Second time around it was much easier. Being a mother is the best thing in the world. It’s a learning experience and you learn every day because you want to be a good mother, a good parent. I remember during Samaira’s time I would often be sleep-deprived. I would get up in the night to check if my baby was all right, but during Kiaan’s time I was like it’s OK and I was much more relaxed. Since you have been there and done that you feel it is easy, really. I believe nothing can prepare you fully for motherhood. I read books on motherhood, took advice from my mother, but when you hold your baby in your arms it’s a totally different feeling. And nothing can prepare you for that experience.”
At 37, Karisma is one of the hottest moms in Bollywood. She’s in fabulous shape, has maintained a youthful charm and the glow on her face makes her look 26 at the most. So what‘s the secret behind her perfect figure? “You will not believe this, but I had put on 25 kilos during my pregnancy. But being a hands-on mum, I run after my children and that is responsible for my body shape. One needs to remember that during pregnancy you’re going to put on weight, no matter what. So eat healthy, eat right and don’t deprive yourself. I think if you enjoy your pregnancy and enjoy the process, then losing the weight will be equally easy.
Come 2012 and Karisma will make a comeback with a bang. For the first time she will be see in what can be called an ‘experimental’ role in Vikram Bhatt’s Dangerous Ishq. Talking about her character in the film she says “It’s a step above what I had already done as an actor. Plus, it’s a 3-D film. It’s very different and I really don’t mean that in a cliched way. About my character in this film – all I can say now is that it has different layers to it and I had an amazing experience shooting the film. I will also be part of the remake of Satte Pe Satta, which is going to start soon.”
Bollywood, it seems, is waking up to the presence of yummy mommies with yesteryear silver-screen hotties like Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Sridevi and Karisma making a comeback to the silver screen. “I think Bollywood is aping the West. Today It doesn’t really matter if you are a mother or not. At the end of the day, we are all actors. As long your work speaks for yourself and you are a good artist, there’s work for everyone. Even for mothers! If you look at Hollywood, actors like Julia Roberts and Kate Winslet are working mothers. Angelina Jolie is a mother of five kids and still very much in demand. I think here in B-town our minds have opened up now and we have become more accepting. Also, there are great opportunities and roles up for grabs to us mothers and I feel this is a welcome change!”
Besides her films, Karisma must be looking forward to the most anticipated wedding ever – of her younger sister Kareena Kapoor with long-time boyfriend Saif Ali Khan. Can big sister tell us when D-day will be? “Very honestly, we don’t have dates fixed. As far as I know, they [Saif –Kareena] haven’t planned the details as of now, but I’m sure when they zero in on the date, they will let the world know for sure and let everyone enjoy the moment with them.”Until then, this gorgeous lady is all set to enjoy her moment in her re-found sun!
