As actress Ektaa Kaull stages a comeback to television after 5 years, she emphasizes
work-life balance as a mother.
In the midst of the ongoing debate on eight-hour workdays in the film industry, with actresses like Deepika Padukone and Radhika Apte advocating shorter schedules for better work-life balance, Ektaa Kaull, all set to return to television after a five-year hiatus, has now added her voice as a new mother. The 35-year-old welcomed her son Ved Vyas in June 2020 and will be seen in Hui Gumm Yaadein – Ek Doctor, Do Zindagiyaan soon.
As per EKtaa, while
this return means adapting to TV’s demanding nature, she is clear about the boundaries she has now set – on the number of days she can work. Can’t be on set for 25 or 26 days a month and won’t do a show that demands that many days. Around 17 to 20 days is her limit.” She adds how the production team has already tried to accommodate her needs. They have discussed for not working on Sundays. If that happens, it will be great, not just for her but for the entire unit. Everyone deserves some time with their family.”
About her decision to leave her kid back home, Ektaa is quick to say it wasn’t easy. “It’s still a very difficult decision for her she admits, adding earlier, she used to take him to the set, but now he has a routine, has school, has his own life. Thankfully, the team is very understanding, and they are trying to find a balance.”
The actress further mentions how returning to sets was just like returning home. “It feels exactly like coming back to one’s own house after living a different life. Coming back is like returning home for her
In these five years, she has evolved as a human being. A mother now, and carries all that experience with her. Ask her what pulled her to the role, and Ektaa says, “she was looking for a character not just on the surface, and this character was exactly like that.
She further adds, that she has a lot of layers, which are genuine and not something that’s been created merely for drama. It’s the kind of character that teaches something and stays.
Notwithstanding common industry perceptions, Kaull says motherhood hasn’t restricted the kind of roles she’s now being offered. “Being a mother has actually empowered her to experiment more as an actor. She has done an action film and a few web shows after turning mother and she loves portraying different characters, especially when they’re challenging.”
Elaborating further, she says, “It wasn’t a big challenge. While taking a break was a personal choice, returning has been the same.” She adds, “Now that she’s back, she isn’t trying to overdo it in terms of projects or mediums, but taking it slow and focusing on one project at a time. She never wanted to make a comeback with just any show or character. She was focused on finding the right script, and this show gave her that.”
Throughout it all, Kaull credits her husband, actor Sumeet Vyas, for being her biggest support system amidst the break and now with her return to work. “Sumeet has been a pillar in every aspect of her life and she has learned so much about life and about their profession merely by being around him. If he wasn’t the way he is, she wouldn’t have resumed work. She can write an entire essay about how important he is in her life.
News Edit KV Raman
