Mumbai, July 22, 2026: Actress and model Tejaswini Kolhapure has spoken candidly about one of the most challenging chapters of her life, revealing the emotional and physical difficulties she experienced during her journey to motherhood through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
In a recent podcast conversation with Siddharth Kannan, the actress shared details of undergoing multiple IVF treatments, enduring miscarriages, and coping with the immense mental strain that often accompanies fertility struggles.
Her honest account has resonated with many women and families who have faced similar experiences, highlighting the realities behind fertility treatments that are often discussed only privately.
“IVF Is a Very Difficult Process”
During the interview, Kolhapure revealed that she underwent five IVF cycles before successfully becoming a mother.
She described the treatment process as physically demanding and emotionally exhausting, particularly during the initial attempts. According to the actress, repeated clinic visits, hormone treatments, and injections required significant mental strength and determination.
Kolhapure explained that while each cycle presented its own challenges, persistence and resilience became essential as she continued her journey.
She emphasized that IVF is far more than a medical procedure, often affecting every aspect of a person’s emotional well-being.
The Physical and Emotional Toll
The actress spoke openly about the long-term impact fertility treatments had on her body and mental health.
According to Kolhapure, she underwent more than 1,000 injections throughout the process. She noted that the treatments led to noticeable physical changes and required her to adapt to a new reality.
She also reflected on how the experience transformed her emotionally, saying that the person she was before the treatments differed greatly from the person she became afterward.
While describing the journey as extremely difficult, she also credited it with making her mentally stronger and more resilient.
Coping With Pregnancy Loss
One of the most emotional moments of the interview came when Kolhapure discussed experiencing two miscarriages during her fertility journey.
She spoke about the heartbreak and disappointment that followed each loss, acknowledging the psychological burden many women carry while undergoing fertility treatment.
The actress explained that repeated setbacks can leave individuals feeling emotionally drained and vulnerable, particularly when hopes are repeatedly raised and then shattered.
Her comments shed light on an aspect of fertility treatment that many families experience but often struggle to discuss publicly.
Finding Success After Years of Effort
Despite multiple challenges, Kolhapure eventually achieved a successful pregnancy during her fifth IVF attempt.
She and her husband, filmmaker and actor Pankaj Saraswat, welcomed their daughter Vedika in January 2015, several years after their marriage.
The arrival of their daughter marked the culmination of a long and difficult journey, one that the actress now feels comfortable discussing openly in the hope of helping others feel less isolated in similar situations.
A Personal Message About Family Planning
Reflecting on her own experience, Kolhapure also shared personal advice regarding family planning, noting that she chose to pursue motherhood later in life.
While emphasizing that every individual’s circumstances are different, she encouraged women to consider their options early and remain informed about reproductive health decisions.
Medical experts generally advise that fertility outcomes vary significantly from person to person, and decisions about parenthood should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals.
A Life in Cinema and Theatre
Tejaswini Kolhapure comes from one of Bollywood’s most well-known film families.
She is the younger sister of veteran actress Padmini Kolhapure and Shivangi Kolhapure, making her the aunt of actors Shraddha Kapoor and Siddhanth Kapoor.
Over the years, she has worked across television, theatre, and independent cinema. Her career includes appearances in projects such as Mujhe Chaand Chahiye, Raavan, Ugly, and more recently, Daadi Ki Shaadi.
Beyond acting, her willingness to discuss deeply personal experiences has earned appreciation from audiences who value honest conversations around women’s health and fertility.
Breaking the Silence Around Fertility Challenges
Kolhapure’s story arrives at a time when more public figures are choosing to speak openly about fertility treatments, pregnancy loss, and reproductive health.
Advocates say such conversations can help reduce stigma, encourage awareness, and foster empathy for individuals navigating similar journeys.
By sharing her experience, the actress has contributed to a broader discussion about the realities of IVF—one that includes not only hope and success but also perseverance, heartbreak, and emotional resilience.
