Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore recently opened up about her experiences as a mother while managing a busy film career. Speaking at a Mother’s Day event for YFLO, the 79-year-old actor shared insights into her early years of motherhood and the challenges she faced.
Balancing Career and Motherhood
Sharmila Tagore, who was married to cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan, became a mother for the first time with the birth of her son, Saif Ali Khan. During this period, she was heavily involved in the film industry, working at least two shifts a day. Sharmila admitted that for the first six years of Saif’s life, she was often absent due to her demanding career.
Reflecting on Early Motherhood
At the event, Sharmila Tagore expressed her feelings about the early years of motherhood. She said, “When I had Saif, I was very busy. I was working two shifts a day and for the first six years of his life, I was really absent. I did whatever I had to do—I went for the parent-teacher meetings, attended his plays but I don’t think I was a full-time mom. My husband was there, but I wasn’t.”
Overzealous Motherhood
After realizing her absence in Saif’s early years, Sharmila Tagore described how she became an overzealous mother later. She said, “Then when I became a mother, I became an overzealous mother. I wanted to feed him, bathe him, and do everything. That was the other side of the pendulum. I made a few mistakes, honestly.” Despite her self-criticism, she noted that Saif grew up well, thanks to the support from her husband, extended family, and friends.
Support from Family and Friends
Sharmila acknowledged the crucial role played by her extended family and friends in Saif’s upbringing. She mentioned a schoolteacher who lived nearby and helped look after Saif, adding that this support network was vital during her busy career phase.
Experiences with Her Daughters
Sharmila Tagore also has two daughters, Saba Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan. By the time they were born, her work commitments had reduced significantly. During an appearance on the show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, Sharmila and her daughters discussed how her career impacted their childhood differently compared to Saif’s early years. Soha and Saba recalled not seeing much of the “film side” of their mother, with fewer memories of her early morning shoots.
Memorable Anecdotes
Soha Ali Khan shared that she was unfamiliar with her mother’s hectic shooting schedules, while Saba Ali Khan recounted a specific memory from a film set. Saba remembered being shocked to see her mother crying, only to learn it was due to glycerin used for a scene. This incident helped them understand the nature of their mother’s profession better.