A celebrity actor, producer of TV shows, and a mother to two young boys, Tara Sharma is as zesty as it gets. She is known for her enthusiasm, her never-say-die attitude towards life, and to say the least her pristine skin. But we at parentune love her for something else...her role as a mother. “Parenting is the most incredible journey of life and the hardest too. You want to do your best in it because of the people involved—your own children,” says this celeb-mom. When it comes to her children, Zen (4 1/2) and Kai (2 1/2) Tara has no airs and neither does she want her children to develop any. Parentune catches up with her. Here are some excerpts.Q Between your professional assignments, other responsibilities, and taking care of your children, how do you manage to strike a balance?
A For me, it is important to be near my children. I am a hands-on mom and if possible, like to have them around me so that I can check on them or reach them if they need me. Fortunately I am in that space. When not shooting, I work from home and even on shoots, when their schedules allow it, I often take them along. They enjoy being on the sets and watching all the activity happening around them. And thanks to technology, I can manage work without having to seclude myself in an office. I can take calls from the play ground, send emails without having to block my children out totally. But nonetheless it is tough. At times, I have to close doors and I sometimes feel guilty about doing that.
Q Your show, The Tara Sharma Show, which has had a very successful run for 4 years and 2 seasons with Season 3 starting soon, is also about parenting. Where did you get the inspiration from for a parenting show?
A When my son Zen was around 9 months, I was at home taking care of him. I love being a hands-on mum whether it is about feeding or narrating bedtime tales, with help when needed and if possible, of course!. But I also slowly wanted to get back to work. It was then that I thought of combining somethings that I love— performing, business and parenting, and something which I could involve my children in too, without it being intrusive in any way.
I have seen so many shows—travel, carpentry, cooking, crafts—but nothing about parenting that is light-hearted, fun, and shows the life of a normal mother. I co-produce the show with The 120 Media Collective and we have enjoyed 2 successful seasons with the 3rd coming up.
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Q But do you think your celebrity status affects your parenting style and the show?
A At a parenting level, no. At home, I am a normal mother and have a normal life. My children go to school, to the park to play, and I take them out for dinner etc—things that most mothers do for their children. Also I am no major big star. In fact through the show I find people seem to relate to me as a pretty regular mum.
On the show also, I am very clear that I am not an expert on being a parent. My show portrays that—the life of a regular mom and her dealings with her children. The show started out as a blog where I was just expressing myself as a parent. The blog was doing well, when I figured that I should do a show on the same--something that all parents can relate to. www.tarasharmashow.com
For me, the show is the start of a second career and a fulfilling one at that. It gives me the chance to do something I love and am passionate about but along with my children.
Q And how do your children react to the fact that their mom is such a well-known face?
A I am no big star as I always say and even if a little known, to be honest, I have never hidden this fact from them nor have kept them hidden away. Each to their own is my parenting motto, you have to do what works for you. Some celebs are ok showing their kids like me, within our comfort level of course, and some are not. In our case they have a normal life, going to parks to play, hanging around with friends etc. I am protective definitely but they know what I do and in fact love it. They have travelled all over the world with me for the show and when we are not doing shoots, Zen will ask me “Why aren’t we shooting? Where are we going next?” So for me it’s been a great way to be with both of them and my husband (his company co-produces the show, and work!)
Q But what about difficult moments when they get into fights or sibling rivalry surfaces?
A They are both very close in age and therefore I think the rivalry doesn’t really exist between them. Yes, there are fist fights, squabbles, etc. but nothing very serious. It is like any other children. They fight but they love each other too. When not near, they will miss each other. On shoots too, they keep company and take care of each other. On my part, I do not take sides, when they get into a tussle. I try to sort the issue but be impartial.
Q Any beautiful moment, in your life as a parent, that you want to share with us?
A Each moment as a parent is unique and beautiful. For me it is the most important aspect of life. From their little smiles to tears, everything is special for me. I believe that when you have children, you not only become a parent, but you grow as a human being too. You become more compassionate and sensitive.
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Q Anything in your own parenting that you think you could have done better?
A Every day, I feel, I could be a better parent. It is a continous learning process. I experience a range of emotions around my sons---from being happy, satisfied, to feeling guilty. On some days, my sons will say something which gets me thinking “What have I done wrong? What should I avoid doing the next time around?” and then there are moments when they make you feel great. But every day, I am thankful to have my children and my family around me.
