Lifestyle
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Books
  |  24 NOV 2015

Sonali Bendre’s Experiments With Parenting

The celebrity actor-turned-author talks about motherhood and her new book The Modern Gurukul

Verve Magazine

What can mothers take away from your book?

This book is not just for mothers but fathers too, and traces my journey of parenthood. I hope parents find comfort and solace in it.

How is a celebrity mother different from one that doesn’t have her life in the limelight?

A mother is a mother no matter what she does and who she is. A celebrity mother and one who doesn’t have her life in the limelight both work equally hard to ensure the best for their child.

Will someone read this book for a voyeuristic look at a celeb mom’s life?

Honestly, I don’t think my career plays a role with regards to me raising my son. At the end of the day, we’re all parents, irrespective of our careers. The book is a journal, from one parent to another.

Celebrity moms have made parenting “cool”. How do you feel about that?

I have never perceived it as “cool”, but if that’s what you think then I will enjoy that opinion!

Do you think there are certain clear-cut “rights” and “wrongs” in parenting? Do the chapters in your book explore mistakes too?

I believe that there are no right or wrong ways of raising a child. Parenthood is an experience, and as long as it’s heartfelt it’s great.

Babyhood, toddlerhood, childhood and now preteens — which phase of being a mother has been most exciting for you, and why?

The journey has become more thrilling with every passing day. Ranveer’s [Behl, Bendre’s son] mind is growing, and interactions have become more fulfilling.

What is the biggest lesson having a child has taught you?

It has definitely taught me to listen to my child and not just hear him. These 10 years have been the most memorable years; I would not change a thing. But if I had to, I would want to focus on my health from the beginning.