Sharmila Tagore Speaks To Subhash K Jha On Being A Grandmother All Over Again

How  has life been treating you during the past year?

Very well. I’ve been busy travelling. I travel quite a bit.Renovation work has been on in mi our ancestral home in Pataudi. So that keeps me busy.I also love gardening and reading. My son Saif is an avid reader.He points me to books worth reading.I also must do the Indian Express crossword every morning  which is not too difficult and yet not too easy either.Then there are family and friends to attend to. 24  hours isn’t enough.

How do you look back on the year?

The year started with Tiger(husband Pataudi)’s birthday.And we had a wonderful cricket match on the occasion. And now we want to institutionalize the match  to celebrate his birthday every year. Now the year ends with the birth of Kareena and Saif’s child.

Are you looking forward to that?

Of course. I am quite looking forward to being a grandmother again. The year started with the match for Tiger and it will end with the coming of a baby in our family after a long time. I remember when Saif’s daughter  Sara was born. I was the only mother-in-law to be allowed  in the labour room. I was there when Sara was born. I went  into the labour room They didn’t ask me to leave.So I didn’t. It was so lovely in there, the dim lights, the soft music. I don’t think this time they will allow me to go in there.

Looking at Kareena during pregnancy I am reminded of you when you expecting Saif?

(Laughs) Kareena has been so lovely. She has carried pregnancy her effortlessly and gracefully…kisiki nazar na  lag jaye. She is enjoying every moment of her pregnancy .She is dressing up , going out and being so natural and beautiful about it.

You did some of your best work during your pregnancy?

Yes I did. For example, Safar.But while I was pregnant I said no to many films, like Khilona, Tere Mere Sapne, Haathi Mere Saathi,Caravan,  Kati Patang….films that made the careers of so many actresses.

Pregnancy didn’t affect  your career?

Even if it had I didn’t hide my pregnancy.Why should I have?  I wanted to plan a  family and that was my priority at that point of time. I didn’t want to hide my pregnancy and then latkao(distress) my producers. They were all thankful  to me.

Do you regret losing out on any of those roles?

I don’t regret it at  all.One has to do everything at the  right time. That includes motherhood.I am no enjoying this grandmotherly phase of my life.

You don’t look like a grandmother?

Do you know I don’t dye my hair . Although it’s turning grey. Every age  bracket has to be respected and it should be embraced naturally.