Just Mum!

As a single heterosexual woman, when politician, entrepreneur and former actor Shrreya Pande chose to have a baby via surrogacy, she raised several eyebrows. But now that she has learned the ropes of being mum to Aador, 2, she opens up about her initial insecurities...

- KRISELLE FONSECA, SHRUTI TEJWANI

Shrreya Pande is a familiar face in the social circuit. Her father Sadhan Pande is a well-known politician in West Bengal, and much like her dad, she is bold, outspoken, and isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. After harbouring an innate desire to have a family of her own, Shrreya chose to turn a deaf ear to naysayers, and welcome baby Aador through what she terms, ‘the miracles of medical science’ or surrogacy. “For me, a child is first born in your heart, and then takes physical form,” she asserts. As we settle in for a chat, she pulls out little Aador’s birth announcement with the widest of smiles, even though it is reminiscent of a very vulnerable time in her life. “When I first had to explain my decision to the public, people were shocked. It was splashed all over the news,” she recalls.

Shrreya is open about the fact that surrogacy wasn’t always a part of her plan. “I’m an old soul, and a die-hard romantic. I always wanted to marry and settle down with a family of my own,” she admits. While her decision never came easy, baby Aador’s arrival made her realise that it was the most fulfilling judgment call she’s ever made, and she happily submitted to her li’l one being her priority, the love of her life. Shrreya is candid and bold, and as her momyhood journey reaches the two year mark, she takes a trip down memory lane...

ME, MYSELF AND I