Exclusive | Shivaleeka Oberoi Says Motherhood Made Her Appreciate Her Own Mother More

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Actor Shivaleeka Oberoi, who recently welcomed her first child — a baby girl — with filmmaker husband Abhishek Pathak, says motherhood has transformed her emotionally and helped her understand her own parents in a completely new way.

Speaking about the life-changing experience, the actor shared that the moment she held her daughter for the first time remains unforgettable.

“The moment I held my daughter for the first time, everything else just faded away. I remember looking at her tiny face and feeling this instant, unconditional love that’s impossible to explain unless you experience it,” Shivaleeka said.

She added, “My first thought was honestly, ‘You’re finally here.’ It felt like my heart had stepped outside my body.”

Shivaleeka Oberoi On Discovering Pregnancy

Recalling the moment she found out she was pregnant, the actor said she experienced a mix of emotions all at once.

“It was a mix of excitement, gratitude and nervousness. I don’t think it fully sinks in immediately, but deep inside you know life is about to change forever,” she shared.

Shivaleeka revealed that she informed husband Abhishek Pathak almost immediately after learning the news.

“We were both emotional and excited, and from that day onward every little thing started feeling more meaningful.”

‘Motherhood Introduced Me To A New Version Of Myself’

The actor described motherhood as an emotional journey that has revealed a new side of her personality.

“The most surprising part has been discovering a strength in myself I didn’t know existed. You suddenly become so protective, patient and emotionally strong for this tiny human being,” she said.

At the same time, Shivaleeka admitted that first-time motherhood also comes with moments of self-doubt and anxiety.

“The only challenging part is constantly worrying whether you’re doing everything right. But every little smile or cuddle somehow makes it all worth it.”

Abhishek Pathak Has Been A Strong Support System

Shivaleeka also praised filmmaker Abhishek Pathak for being deeply involved during this phase despite his professional commitments.

“Abhishek has been incredibly supportive throughout this journey. Even amidst work and projects like Drishyam 3, he has been very present and involved as a partner and father.”

Speaking about their parenting dynamic, the actor joked that both she and Abhishek may eventually become “fun parents.”

“We laugh our way through diaper changes and sleepless nights. We’re simply enjoying every little moment together and creating beautiful memories as a family.”

Motherhood Changed Her Relationship With Her Parents

Shivaleeka said becoming a mother has given her a deeper understanding of the sacrifices parents make silently.

“Motherhood softens you and strengthens you at the same time. You suddenly realise the kind of patience, sleepless nights and emotional strength it must have taken to raise us.”

The actor added that she now feels more emotionally connected to both her mother and mother-in-law.

“There are so many little things mothers do silently every single day that you only truly understand once you experience motherhood yourself.”

She also laughed while recalling a line her mother often repeated to her growing up:

“I heard ‘Jab khud maa banegi toh samjhegi’ throughout my 20s, and now I finally understand what she meant.”

Future Plans

When asked about balancing career and motherhood, Shivaleeka said she now wants to focus on meaningful work while maintaining a grounded personal life.

“I want to focus on projects that genuinely excite me while also allowing me to spend quality time with my daughter. Personally, I want to create a calmer and more balanced life now.”