Shriya Saran: Reflects on Motherhood Shaping Her Work-Life Choices
Shriya Saran: In a candid conversation, actor Shriya Saran spoke about the personal adjustments she has made to balance a demanding acting career with the responsibilities of motherhood. Speaking to news agency IANS, she shared how becoming a parent has reshaped her priorities, often prompting her to make quick, exhausting travel decisions just to be present for important moments in her daughter’s life.
Rushing Between Film Sets and Family Milestones
Recalling one such instance, Shriya described how she once boarded a late-night flight immediately after a shoot so she could return home in time for her child’s school sports day. With little rest and no time to change, she arrived directly from the set, still dressed in her on-screen character’s look. What mattered more than appearances, she explained, was simply being there.
She noted that parenthood has a way of changing perspectives in unexpected ways. Actions that once seemed impractical, such as traveling overnight for a few hours at home, now feel completely natural. For her, the effort is justified by the limited time working parents often have with their children.
Navigating the Emotional Side of Parenthood
Shriya shared that moments like these come with their own emotional challenges. Attending a school event straight from a shoot drew curious looks from others, especially given her serious on-set demeanor. Yet she found no need to explain herself. The experience underscored a broader reality many parents face: the constant effort to be fully present, even when professional responsibilities leave little room to pause.
According to the actor, motherhood encourages a heightened sense of urgency around time. Every free hour becomes valuable, and even short windows are worth the effort if they allow meaningful connection with a child.
Rethinking Project Choices After Becoming a Mother
Beyond daily scheduling challenges, Shriya said motherhood has also influenced how she evaluates new professional opportunities. Before becoming a parent, decisions were largely guided by the strength of the script or the appeal of the role. Now, she weighs those factors alongside a more personal question: whether the time away from her child is truly justified.
She explained that while financial considerations remain important, long absences need to be balanced against their impact on family life. Projects that require extended commitments must offer a sense of purpose and pride, not only professionally but also personally.
Balancing Practical Needs With Personal Values
Shriya emphasized that working parents often walk a fine line between practical needs and emotional responsibilities. Earning a livelihood is essential, she acknowledged, but so is choosing work that aligns with personal values. For her, the goal is to pursue roles her child can one day feel proud of, while also ensuring stability at home.
This approach, she suggested, has brought greater clarity to her career decisions, even if it means being more selective than before.
Current Professional Work and Audience Response
On the professional front, Shriya is currently drawing attention for her role in the OTT series Space Gen, which premiered on January 23. The series is inspired by India’s Chandrayaan mission and explores the people behind the country’s ambitious space program.
In the show, she portrays a senior scientist, a role that has earned positive feedback for its restrained and focused portrayal. The series also features performances by Nakuul Mehta and Daanish Sait, adding to its ensemble strength.
A Continuing Balancing Act
As her career continues to evolve, Shriya’s reflections highlight the ongoing balancing act faced by many working parents in the public eye. Her experiences underline a simple but powerful idea: success is no longer measured solely by professional milestones, but also by the ability to remain present for the moments that matter most at home.