‘I didn’t want to be associated with negativity’: Shriya Sarani

Shriya Saran is back in India after two years, and she speaks in a voice bursting with joy of someone who has successfully managed to keep a secret. The actor recently opted for a child disclosure rather than a gender disclosure – Radha, their daughter with entrepreneur husband Andrei Koschev was born in Barcelona, ​​Spain in January this year.

Now back in Mumbai with his family, and at work, Saran is part of several projects: SS Rajamouli’s ambitious RRRtelugu movie Gamanam Coming in four languages, bilingual music school, with music by co-stars Sharman Joshi and Ilaiyaraaja (the film’s choreographer, Adam Murray, was part of the Elton John film, rocket Man), apart from his Tamil projects. Her film with Kartik Naren, narsasuran, is also up for release.

In between shoots, she speaks about the journey of being Radha at a time when the world was in turmoil, coping with Covid-19, and staying relevant decades after making her debut with Telugu. optimum in 2001.

Edited excerpts from an interview with The Hindu Weekend.

While active on social media, how did you keep your happy secret and Basant Radha as a surprise?

While it’s hard to keep to myself like this, I knew the world was going through a rough time. In the second wave I lost a friend, and it was very hard for me. It brought me to a place where I knew how precious a pregnancy moment was, and I wanted to share it when more people were ready. When there is sorrow all around, it is not considered appropriate to share it. I wanted Radha to be welcomed into the world when I was ready and she was big enough.

Although she was a planned baby, no one really prepared you for the journey. It’s an intense process – I’m a social person, but I chose to keep quiet. I grew up happy and fat, wore whatever I wanted and read a book, went to a cafe and walked around Barcelona. I really wanted to enjoy the last few months of my pre-baby life.

Did being a public figure put any pressure on you to get back to your pre-pregnancy shape?

Well, your body completely changes, and it wasn’t a quick process to get back to who I was. My mom got back in shape in a month. I wanted to do the same, and I ate healthy and worked out. I didn’t post a picture because even though you’re used to negative comments on social media, I didn’t mind receiving them. I didn’t want to get attached to the negativity. I decided it was best to share the images after meeting Radha’s grandparents.

How was your routine during pregnancy?

For the first three months, I was very careful. Then, I resumed my Kathak classes, yoga and walking. It was difficult because we were all in our own bubbles. Andrei and I were doing everything ourselves, and the two-week trip was extended to two years. We didn’t have time to think; There was enough work to do, and there was dancing.

How were the first few months of facing motherhood?

My mom came for a month, and then there were all three of us. We were under stress and needed family support. When Andrei and I got Covid-19, my mother-in-law quipped. I don’t know how we would have managed without him. But the journey and waking up during the night was worth it. Now, Radha has a lovely grandmother in Mumbai, and my mother is also around.

Have you missed the set in these two years?

Absolutely not, because no one was actually shooting then. I always wanted to be a working mother and now I am back at work. I miss Radha, yes, but it’s nice to be back at work.

Radha is a good traveling girl…

Yes. It was really good in Barcelona and then in Russia. We lived by a lake, and I took him for a swim. She loves water and it was fun.

Do you intend to take your pregnancy journey forward?

I don’t think I would do that. But it was interesting, as was the case for any mother who had a baby during the pandemic. Intense and beautiful, all at once. I am blessed and happy to have Radha and getting some good medical help during this difficult time. We had a lot of positivity and love in our lives and I am grateful for that.

Over the years, you have always rediscovered yourself… Staying relevant.

Well, it’s about identifying something that challenges you and avoiding going to a place where you do the same thing over and over because it’s easy. I have always tried to push the boundaries; i have done this in telugu movie Gamanam very. It is a constant struggle, but as long as you are an artist, you keep working on yourself. The process is always on.

A few years ago, you founded Spandana, a spa managed by the visually impaired. How has the pandemic affected this passion project?

The spa is on hold now as it is difficult to operate one during the pandemic. The people I was working with are super talented and have love in their hands.

During the pandemic, did you have a close circle to bow to?

Not necessarily. I guess for me it was all about Zoom classes, taking as many as I could, and learning new things. I learned to cook and cook. I had to be more careful because covid-19 is more dangerous when pregnant, so I only went for long walks. My parents and friends were around, but my true circle was my husband. And then, my constant companion during the pandemic is Radha – first inside me and then in my arms!