MOTHERS AMONG US

How does one define ‘motherhood’? It is a feeling - nay, a living quality - that can only be understood by those who live the role and those who have been impacted by the umbrella of maternity. What you will find on the pages ahead is Femina’s ode to those mother figures who have not only wanted the best for children (often not their own), but also worked hard to provide it

- By Sharon D'Silva, Parul Karn, Kayal Arivalan, Ravina M Sachdev

PRIYA MALIK

ACTOR, POET & WRITER

Spoken Fest 2024, Priya Malik introduced herself with a line that had the audience in splits: “'So beta, when are you having a baby?' - that's how old I am.” It was the perfect icebreaker, equal parts cheeky and clever, and a reflection of the signature style that has made her one of the most beloved voices on India's spoken word scene.

Priya's personal journey mirrors the verses she crafts: woven with grit, grace, and an unshakeable spirit. Married at 21, she endured the heartbreak of a divorce before finding love again and remarrying. A miscarriage tested her spirit, but she emerged with renewed determination, going on to welcome her rainbow baby Zorawar Sahib Singh Bakshi – his name carries the strength of everything she's survived.

Whether she's dissecting the nuances of womanhood and mothering, charting the highs and lows of love, confronting the weight of grief, probing the fluidity of identity, or sharing her postpartum journey, Priya brings an unflinching vulnerability to every verse. It's this raw authenticity that transforms her poems into unforgettable experiences.

By Sharon D'Silva F

MANDIRA BEDI

ACTOR, TV PERSONALITY & AUTHOR

From the moment she stepped into the limelight with her iconic role in her debut TV series Shanti (1994), Mandira Bedi has built a career that spans diverse sectors - anchoring cricket shows, designing fashion, writing a book, and much more. Yet, it is her evolution into a mother that has been perhaps her most transformative role.