In my free time, I love to catch up with tennis, swimming, travelling, and chess.
Namrata Shirodkar
Interviews and public opinion about me never mattered. I know exactly who I am.
Mahesh didn't want a working wife; he was clear about that. He wanted time given to him and, later, to the kids.
On some days, I just want to sit under a shooting umbrella in a sunny outdoor location all over again.
I enjoy a good movie, no matter what the genre.
I don't want to say it myself, but Gautam is a very good-looking boy. He has my eyes and Mahesh's smile.
Motherhood is filled with magical little moments that bring you immense joy.
The West is more organised, and they work according to a plan. That is one way of functioning, and I mean no disrespect to my country, because the way Bollywood functions works fine within our perimeters.
It's easy to fall in love, but it's a lot harder to sustain love.
I was never career-oriented, not in the way other heroines are. Of course, I took my work seriously. But I never solicited work and never sought fame or money.
I do not want to do the regular heroine roles anymore. I am looking at working with good directors on interesting projects.
Mahesh doesn't show his own anxieties when his films are up for release, but I become a nervous wreck.
To be honest, I don't have much to do in 'Hathyar.' I won't call it a pivotal role.
It is the director's vision, and as actors, we are just extensions of that.
I can never bring myself to watch Mahesh's films. It's way too stressful for me. All his family members are eager to attend and enjoy the previews of his films like normal people. But I sit at home chewing my nails, praying, wondering if this one will be as big as the previous one, and so on.
I wouldn't do a lot of the things most actresses do, and that includes my sister.
I am more of the disciplinarian and the bad cop at home. Since Mahesh spoils our son, I have to balance it out.
I don't plan my life.
Mahesh is a hands-on father, though he does not have too much free time because of his work. But whenever we can, we take short breaks and vacations and spend time together.
Mahesh and I are very real, simple people.
Kids are the most beautiful beings that can come into your life.
People believe Mahesh does what I ask him to. That's not true. He may look shy and gentle, but he knows his mind.
Our son Gautam is very shy, just like his father.
I don't have even a moment of regret for leaving my career behind.
It's easy to be loud, outspoken, and play to the gallery. It's difficult to underplay one's self.
I wish the media stopped making two and two equal five all the time.
I would love to do only one film a year.
I am making a conscious effort to ensure that my acting potential gets tapped in every project I do.
Love is very subjective.
We take off sometimes for impromptu vacations the moment Mahesh is free, and I join him even if I have work.
The best part of being married is to be a family.
When Mahesh is not around for weeks together, I have to take care of everything - kids, home. But the fact that I am able to survive and not feel alone is very challenging. It's about a healthy companionship and being true to each other.
I guess every woman at some point wants to have a family and settle down.
Being married is the best feeling.
My sister lives in London, and I'm extremely close to her and her daughter.
I believe when two people are in the same profession, they understand each other better.
I had many luxuries in life, even before I tied the knot.
Mahesh is a big star, but he doesn't like to flash his money.
When you have everything in life, sometimes kids don't learn what is right and what is wrong. Kids cannot get whatever they want.
Mahesh lays down most of the rules. Even when I was dating him for four years prior to our marriage, he didn't want our relationship to be out in the open.
I still consider 'Vaastav' and Raj Kumar Santoshi's 'Pukar' two of my better films, though I admit nothing great happened thereafter.
I prefer to work at my own pace.
I have a life beyond the camera. I like to travel. I need a breather between movies. And I don't think I can do that if I work on five films at the same time.
I believe good music heals souls.
My sister was much closer to Mom. Mom accompanied my sister to all her shootings. I made my way on my own.
Most of my closest friends have come to visit me in Hyderabad. So I feel I'm always linked with Mumbai.
'Charas' will remain an unforgettable experience.
I did some really big films like 'Vaastav' with Sanjay Dutt, 'Pukar' with Anil Kapoor, and 'Jab Pyar Kissi se Hota Hai' with Salman Khan. But I didn't make any effort to cash in on their success.
I guess I'm making up for my own lack of interest in my career by being so keenly interested in my husband's career.
There was never a burning desire to be a top actress in the first place. I happily gave up my career to marry Mahesh.
