That Bollywood hottie Maryam Zakaria was pregnant came as a shocker to many after MissMalini broke the news because not everybody knew she was married in the first place. But now that she’s spilled the beans on why she kept her marriage under wraps for so long, Maryam shares exclusive pix with Team MissMalini‘s Ranjit Rodricks and discusses her pregnancy with him in full detail.
Team MissMalini: Since Grand Masti was a huge success and you gained a lot of attention for your role as Rose, why did you plan on becoming pregnant so soon?
Maryam Zakaria: I have been wanting to have a baby for a long time, but since I had been focusing on my career and my goals, it was a little difficult to make family life possible. When I moved to India from Sweden, I had a goal to act in Bollywood films and wanted to do lead roles. And for the past five years – touchwood – most of my work in South Industry and Bollywood was really successful and I feel blessed.
Last year after the Grand Masti success, l got a couple of movie offers but none of them were appealing.They were not the kind of roles I wanted to play. This is when I thought of going ahead with having a baby and decided not to wait any longer. I felt it was time for me to be a mother. Life is short and time goes fast. To have your own family is something one should not wait for, for too long for. I believe is important to live life to the fullest. I will make a comeback after some time as I love my work. My husband is very supportive and he also wish to see my dreams come true and achieve more.
Team MM: Weren’t you scared of missing out on film roles, live performances and item number roles during your pregnancy?
MZ: No, I wasn’t feeling sacred. I was just feeling bad that I would miss out on opportunities that would come my way. In fact, after I became pregnant, a couple of major television shows and movies/songs came my way but I was not feeling bad that I had to say no to them. I know that after my baby is born, more success will come to me.
Team MM: How have you been adjusting to your pregnancy been over the past six months?
MZ: At the beginning of my pregnancy, I was in Sweden and I was very sick. But later on, when I was in my third month, I came back to India and I was feeling much better and had more energy. In mid September I went back to Sweden as my grandpa was not well and unfortunately we lost him. It was really hard time for us, I was very sad but I had to stay strong and think of my little angel.
Of late, I have been suffering pain in my back and ribs but I am trying to take care of it with stretching and acupuncture. At the same time I am loving every moment of my pregnancy, especially when I feel my angel and the kicks. I am surrounded with amazing family and friends and Arvind is such a kind and loving husband, they all give me so much love and care . These are exciting times indeed and I love every moment.
Team MM: What is your daily fitness routine now?
MZ: Before my pregnancy I used to eat very healthy diet food. My body was never used to carbs. But since I became pregnant, I started to have carbs as well. I eat everything, whatever I crave for. But I mostly eat at home and try to avoid eating outside. It’s very important to eat healthy during pregnancy, but at the same time I do exercise, stretching and walking. It’s good to walk at least for 15 -20 mins every day. I also go for special yoga and pilates pregnancy class, two or three times in a week.
Team MM: Would you wish for your child to get into showbiz like your husband and yourself?
MZ: Each child is gifted with a unique talent. If my child has the interest and inclination, why not? But education comes first!