Genelia D’Souza has always lived life on her own terms, be it choosing marriage over her career or becoming a mother while still young. In much the same way, the actor is giving her two sons, Riaan and Rahyl, a unique urban and rural upbringing.
The 29-year-old, who is married to actor Riteish Deshmukh since 2012, says that she tries to keep her children away from Bollywood by indulging in simple activities with them. “I am not too keen on games, parties or play dates but I do love playing football with Riaan,” revealed D’Souza. “I think it is very important to do a lot of outdoor activities. I believe in giving children an insight into different things, even reading and singing. Riteish has had a rural upbringing and I’m glad my boys will have a rural as well as an urban childhood.”
According to the Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na star, motherhood has changed everything about her.
“When I became an actor, things changed. Even when I got married, things changed. Therefore, I wouldn’t call it a change but just growing up. Life is about adjusting to each new phase,” explained D’Souza. “Motherhood has taught me a lot and has made me more aware of things. I have always considered myself as aware but it has doubled or tripled now.”
The former model went on to add that the most exciting moment of her life was the birth of her first born. “I wasn’t sure whether I was doing things right or not. By the time I had my second child, the excitement didn’t lessen. But now, I feel a lot more confident that I am doing the best I can and so are the other mothers out there.”
Asked if she felt any pressure to be a perfect mother, D’Souza responded in the affirmative. “Yes, there are loads of anxieties and all of us question whether we are doing things right. As a new mom, you need a lot of assurance and I have felt the difference between my experience the first time and the second time,” she shared. “With time, you realise there is no point in being anxious and you just have to trust your way,” she said.
D’Souza regards her sons as “little projects” she is working on. “I’d love to see them doing their bit out there. My biggest joy will be if they are independent, affectionate and normal children,” she said.