‘Had no clue’: Soni Razdan smoked ‘100 cigarettes a day’ on set while pregnant with Alia Bhatt
Source Entity
Devansh Sharma
Veteran actor Soni Razdan recently shared that she worked throughout her pregnancies in the late 80s and early 90s, mirroring her daughter Alia Bhatt's recent professional choices. Razdan reflected on the challenges of filming while pregnant, highlighting a stark contrast between industry norms then and now.
The Legacy of Working Mothers in Indian Cinema
Recent revelations from veteran actor Soni Razdan highlight a fascinating cross-generational parallel within the Bhatt family. Razdan recently shared that she maintained a rigorous filming schedule throughout her pregnancies in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a professional commitment that mirrors her daughter Alia Bhatt’s recent experience. This narrative offers a unique lens through which to view the evolution of the Indian film industry, specifically regarding the treatment and expectations of working mothers.
Historical Context: The Buniyaad Era
Soni Razdan’s career milestone, the iconic 1986 television show Buniyaad, served as the backdrop for her first pregnancy. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and Jyoti Swarup, the show was a landmark in Indian television. Razdan’s recollection of working during this period underscores a time when infrastructure for expectant mothers in the entertainment industry was significantly less formalized than it is today. Despite the logistical challenges of living in the then-developing area of Lokhandwala, Razdan’s continued participation illustrates a long-standing personal work ethic that has clearly been passed down.
Modern Professionalism and Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt’s 2022 was characterized by a high-octane professional output that challenged traditional industry norms. While expecting her daughter Raha, Bhatt successfully navigated the physical demands of her Hollywood debut in Tom Harper’s Heart of Stone, which involved complex action sequences. Furthermore, she expanded her professional portfolio by stepping into the role of producer for the dark comedy Darlings, released just months before her delivery. This demonstrates a significant shift in how modern female stars balance personal milestones with career-defining projects.
Changing Industry Dynamics
Comparing the experiences of Razdan and Bhatt reveals the shifting landscape of Bollywood. In the late 80s, an actor working through pregnancy was a rarity that often required exceptional accommodations from producers like the Sippys. Today, while the industry is more equipped to handle such requests, the physical toll remains a significant factor. The fact that both women chose to prioritize their professional commitments shows that the drive to remain active in the arts transcends generational boundaries.
Implications for Future Trends
This trend of normalizing pregnancy while working is likely to continue as more female actors take on roles as producers. By controlling their own narratives and project timelines, actors like Bhatt can create environments that support their personal lives without sacrificing their professional trajectory. The legacy of Soni Razdan’s early career serves as a foundational chapter in this ongoing evolution, proving that the integration of motherhood and a high-profile acting career is a viable, albeit challenging, path for women in Indian cinema.