In 2014, Lakshmi Manchu and her husband Andy Srinivasan welcomed a baby girl, Vidya Nirvana, through surrogacy. Possibly the first Tollywood actor to opt for surrogacy, she became the subject of a lot of chatter back then. But over the years, she has earned the moniker of a trailblazer for trying to normalise the conversation. This Mother’s Day, News18 Showsha exclusively catches up with Lakshmi as she rewinds to the time when her unconventional motherhood made headlines.
“I know that I was the first one to openly talk about it. There was a lot of fear on whether we should share the news because what would people think! Surrogacy is still a very taboo kind of a thing and this was ten years ago! But then I thought, no one is paying my bills. It’s my heart and my womb and my journey of motherhood,” recalls Lakshmi, who has often spoken about how she couldn’t become a mother naturally despite many attempts.
What followed after the news broke out was unpleasant but she never let it deter her spirits. “People don’t say it to your face. They talk about it behind your back. But you always come to know if they’re talking. I’m born and raised in this industry. I’ve heard the ugliest rumours about myself without any hint of truth in them. So, I’ve been used to this kind of scrutiny all my life,” Lakshmi says.
In fact, the 46-year-old credits her father, Telugu star Mohan Babu, for being a pillar of strength to her during those difficult moments. “Emotionally what I went through at that point of time is something that only I know. But then, my dad gave his blessings and I didn’t care about the rest of the world. When I had him say that whatever it takes, we should do it, I felt like I’ve the strength of a thousand elephants. And then there was no looking back,” she tells us.
But did she want to embrace motherhood after Nirvana’s arrival again? “I tried about four more times after Apple was born. You can wish what you want but god has to propose. I’ve one child and I’m done (laughs),” shares the Pitta Kathalu actor.
As Nirvana is all set to turn ten a month later, Lakshmi says that she thoroughly enjoys being a mother but that her definition of the same remains different from most others. Prod her further and she says, “I’m her mother and not a friend. Most mothers want to become best friends with their children but I don’t. I want to guide her, protect her and say a no to her for things that aren’t good for her. I just want to give her the best advice possible.”
Lakshmi adds, “There are good days and bad days. But to be very honest, she’s an easy child. If you ask my friends, they’ll tell you that Nirvana isn’t a child but a divine angel who just dropped into my lap. She calms me down most of the times.”
Lakshmi’s husband, an engineer, is settled in the USA and Nirvana stays with her in Mumbai. And she, in her signature candour, reveals that it’s ‘less frustrating’ with her husband being away. “If somebody says that children aren’t work, they’re bloody lying. Bringing children up is a lot of work, with or without the father. But without the father, there’s less frustration because there’s less expectation and you just do what needs to be done without depending on someone else,” she states.
She continues, “Apple’s ready to go to her dad for a month-and-a-half during her summer holidays and I just can’t wait! It’s going to give me some time to chill and do things and not be stressed about waking up at her school time. It’s irritating (laughs)! But yes, I’m looking forward to catching a break.”
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