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 Vidya
Balakrishnan is the proprietor of VIBA, one of
Chennai's leading fashion boutiques and an event management
company.
Given below are excerpts from our interview with her:
Tell us something about yourself?
My career actually started when I became a mother. I became
more involved with my career after I became a mother.
How did you manage the first few years
of motherhood? Was it more taxing, since you had a full-time
career?
I had full support from my parents, my husband and my in-laws.
They backed me in all my career ventures. So I did not have
any troubles when my daughter was an infant.
What was the most difficult phase in
bringing up your daughter?
Teenage. For a child, a grandparent or other relations can
substitute for the mother. But when a child enters the teens,
the mother is needed most. You need to understand their mindset
and adjust to their fluctuating moods. Most importantly, you
must be their friend first, and parent next.
How do you communicate to a person twenty
years younger to you?
My profession is mostly involved with youth. Sometimes you
have to go their way, and later bring them to your wavelength.
As a mother, what are your views on
dating?
Dating has not caught on in Chennai, yet. My daughter knows
my views and she can decide what is good for her.
Will you give complete freedom to your
daughter - in selecting anything, be it a dress or a career?
Clothes are her choice, because ultimately, she has to be
comfortable wearing them. When it comes to functions, I help
her out with the colours. Career decision will definitely
be in her hands.
How do you spend quality time with your
daughter?
I am more like a friend to her than a mother. And I feel
that is the way it should be. I call her regularly and keep
in touch.
What are your joint activities as a
family?
Evenings and weekends, we spend at home. If I go out, I take
my daughter with me. I try to spend as much spare time I have
with my family.
Who has been your pillar of support
in bringing up your daughter?
My husband supported me all the way. He sometimes took on
the role of a mother. My in-laws were also very supportive.
In your view, how can a young mother
manage both career and motherhood?
She must have an understanding husband, who can at times,
take on the role of a mother. She can do justice to both her
roles if she has an understanding spouse.
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