Shreya Narayan

Bihari  belle Shreya Narayan is  the great grand-niece of the country’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Her father  is a lawyer and principal of a Law college, and her   mother was a History teacher, her  sister  has a Masters from London School of Economics. From Muzzafarnagar to Mumbai has been an arduous journey but in many ways an eye-opener for Shreya who made her mark as Mahuaa in Sahib. Biwi Aur Gangster, Tanu Weds Manu,Rockstar and most recently Super Nani…The outspoken and candid Shreya in a tete-a-tete…..

Considering your family is academically inclined, you must have faced hurdles …did acting happen by chance?

Acting happened as a quest to explore what I really wanted to do. I too was academically inclined, and indeed had only studied since childhood, and did not know if I was good at anything else. But I felt dissatisfied and inhibited. Theatre came as an outlet to get in touch with my feelings and also gave me a freedom to be any person I wanted to be with eclectic characters to play and explore. Suddenly a new world had opened to me, and I wanted to be a part of it!

The first few years are always a period of struggle for many aspirants—what kept you going?

Hope and belief and a whole lot of signs kept me going. I worked hard….and people, circumstances and life helped me. Whenever I felt I was done with things, something came along to tell me that I had to continue. Innumerable times, I felt disillusioned, defeated, foolish and useless….but those who believed in me kept my spirits up. I do not know if I should have kept on pursuing this very difficult path…but I did…and all I can say is that there were so many signs that I should.

Do you really think being a doctor/engineer…for that matter even an actress  is a life of roses?

Life can never be a bed of roses. Because we are not just our profession…we are a whole lot more. We are relationships, we are individuals, we are business partners, we are dreams…and last but not the least, we are mere humans, puppets in the hands of a higher force with no control over how life will pan out. When we say that a doctor or an engineer has a surer job than an actor, we as humans are just trying to exert a little bit control over our lives. But frankly, it comes to naught. Life is led as a human soul, and how easy our journeys would be depends solely on God’s plans.

But roses stand for life, beauty and thorns. So even on the worst days…. life with all its beauty and thorns is worth living!

You were well accepted in the South and got many offers. Many from Bollywood have actually made it big in South films, the money is good and the scene is more professional--Why did you not consider doing more films there?

I was new. I did not understand the language and did not know anyone in the South. I had merely taken auditions and gone to work. I was not happy working with the people I did. I understand that one has to find people with similar vision in order to enjoy the process of film-making…… I am open to working in the South, there are so many film-makers I admire. Alas, as a new-comer I did not know them so thought that better to be safe than sorry!

Sahib, Biwi  Aur Gangster ---was that a turning point for your career?

Yes, a girl like me who got work taking auditions….and we all know that lead roles do not come through auditions….well for me to get one of the leading roles in a Tigmanshu Dhulia film was a great achievement. That the film fared well only added to things.

Late Shammi Kapoor, Ranbir Japoor , Imtiaz Ali …Rockstar  won many awards, what were your experiences during the making of the film?

Well, working with Imtiaz gave me a peek into how he thinks. He is very democratic while directing a scene----he likes to know how each actor sees his character in a scene, or what does the actor intend to do, and then manoeuvers them towards his vision by smart and enlightening inputs. This is how we work in theatre and working with him was like going back to the roots. His special touch is the ability to bring humour or yet another layer in a very subtle manner to the original scene on paper.  Ranbir is an accommodating and generous co-actor. Unfortunately, I did not have any scenes with Shammi Kapoor.  

Tell us about Super Nani….your role, your interaction with Rekha  and any interesting anecdote.

Super Nani  is Rekhaji’s film. She plays the elder matriarch of the family whose husband and children do not give her the respect and attention she deserves. She then proves herself professionally at her age, thereby telling her family not to take her love and attention for granted. I played her loud-mouthed bahu who is useless around the house. She wants to become an actor and all her concentration is on that only…but the problem is that she cannot act…and thus hilarious situations arise out of her inability to act. I am the comedy queen in the film!

Super Nani was shot when I was not working on any other project. My mother was suffering from cancer, and we were mostly in hospitals. Rekhaji, as an elder, having lived and experienced a vast life, gave me perspective on what I was going through and how to understand life. She asked me to pray and have faith. These helped me.

Do you feel that having a *Godfather* / filmi  lineage helps making it in Bollywood?

Absolutely! Bollywood works on connections.

What are your forthcoming projects?

I am returning to work after a gap after my mother’s illness and subsequent passing away. I will start with Tigmanshu Dhulia’s film Yaraa.

Apart from films what are your interests?

I like to read. I like to think. I like to pray. And as life is showing me much…I like to write too.

You have mentioned  that “ men like you and want you, but at the end of the day, they don’t want to share you even with acting”…. You  seem to be fiercely independent…what kind of a man would you like in your life?

I feel men like to own things…cars, bikes, companies and wives. I want a partner who realizes that I am a human being first, and a gender much later. I have my own dreams and my own individual voice even as I have a lot of love to give and a life to share. To box another individual and set limits to their lives just because they are girls is to see them as commodities. I would not like that. I want a man who will know that if he partners a life with me it will be filled with love and loyalty. But he has to be my partner. I do not need to be stamped as someone’s wife and told how to be. My impeccable education and pedigree has taught me the best. He just needs to flow with me in love.

Jayaprada---From Rajahmundry to the Rajdhani

Jayaprada---From Rajahmundry to the Rajdhani

Born  Lalita Rani in a middle class household to Krishna and Neelavani in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh  this small town girl dreamt of becoming a doctor. Her mother enrolled her in dance and music classes when she was seven years old, in addition to going to a regular school. Her mother enrolled her in dance and music classes when she was 7 years old, in addition to going to a regular school. Even though, her father and uncle were film financiers, her initial break into films did not  come through them. She was discovered dancing on stage at a school function when she was just 14. Character actor Prabhakar Reddy gave her the name Jayaprada and introduced her in a three minute song in the Telugu film, "Bhoomi Kosam" (1976). 

In an exclusive tete-a-tete, the beautiful actress-politician, talks about her journey……

Four decades in cinema- from Bhoomi Kosam to Rajjo—it has been a long journey. Did you always want to be in films or would you have liked to be anything else?

In many ways I feel that my life is like my first film, Anthuleni Katha (1976). The character in the film is naive and trusting and has to go through a series of experiences to discover herself. My life has been like that too. Starting out as a small-town girl who wanted to be a doctor, I have come a full circle, doing things I never thought I could.

When  I was 14  and performing at school's annual function a  film director in the audience offered me  a three-minute dance number in the Telugu film Bhoomi Kosam. I  was hesitant, but my family encouraged  me to accept it. I  was paid only  Rs.10 for my work,but the rushes of those three minutes of film were shown to the major figures of the Telugu film industry and offers started coming. (Jaya Prada was highest paid Hindi actress from 1985-89 with Sridevi and 3rd highest paid Hindi actress with Rekha from 1990-92). 

In my  first Telugu film, Anthuleni Katha (1976)the famed director K. Balachander slapped co-star Kamal Haasan right in front of me  for muffing up a scene. I was scared and ran away from the set crying.  I gained a lot of knowledge in acting from K. Balachander and K. Vishwanath.

Over the years you have worked with some of the best directors in  the Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam film industry—was the transition to Hindi difficult? How did you overcome the language barrier?

Initially there were some difficulties but I learned the language and got a lot of help from my co-stars like Jeetendra and Amitabhji. I kept a tutor who rehearsed my lines. I was keen to do my own dubbing. I would get up at 5 am, take my Hindi class and then leave for my shoot. I would again work on my diction at night.

Your very first Hindi film- Sargam(1976)- was opposite Rishi Kapoor who has maximum films with newcomers—what do you recall most about the film and your co-star?

I was already an established star in the South having done films with NT Rama Rao, Shobhan Babu, Mamooty,Kamal Hassan and Rajnikanth. Also Sargam ( in which I portrayed the role of a mute dancer was a remake of my Telugu film Siri Siri Muvva (1978). I observed mute students closely in preparation for the role. The film opposite Rishi Kapoor was a resounding success and he was great to work with.

Your most successful Hindi films have been with Jeetendra and Amitabh Bachchan—what kind of a rapport do you share with them ?

I share a great personal and professional rapport with both Jeetendra and Amitabhji. I was paired romantically with Jeetendra Jeetendra  in 25 films and 19 of them were box office hits. Whenever I needed advice  I could always bank on Jeetuji for support and guidance. From Amitabhji, I learned the qualities of humility and punctuality.

If the  shoot was at 10 a.m he would report on the dot .I used to often jokingly tell him to come a little late as  women need more time to do their make-up and get ready . He is a wonderful actor and  human being.

Sridevi also entered Hindi films in the mid-seventies and both of you starred in over a dozen hits—what was it like working with her?

Contrary to what people think, there was no rivalry between me and Sridevi. Our films together clicked at the box-office and we were very professional.

Why did you decide to enter politics?

I joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1994 at the invitation of  N. T. Rama Rao, on the eve of the assembly elections, and rose quickly through the ranks. At that time there was speculation that I would run for election, but  I preferred not to make  my electoral debut, although  I  was offered a seat by Rao.

On her pairing up with Super-star Rajesh Khanna in Dil-E-Nadaan (1982).. It was my first film opposite the Superstar. I was very nervous on the sets,but he made me feel comfortable and corrected my lines. We shared a comfortable rapport which was apparent on the screen. Rajeshji was a unique and sensitive artiste. I learn a lot by carefully observing his skills.I did 5 successful movies with Rajesh Khanna sahab.

What would you say are your major achievements in the political arena over 20 years? What are the changes you would like to see in the role of women in politics?

I have been working over the years to provide women with education and  also giving vocational training so that they can be financially independent. I have founded theJaya Prada Charitable Trust, Jaya Prada Education Society and Nishtha Foundation, which has been actively involved in the field of providing professional education like nursing and school training courses. 

The Jaya Prada Charitable Trust also runs the Neelaveni Krishna ( named after my parents) School of Nursing in Rampur. 

I also feel very strongly about the issue of womns’ safety not only in the large cities but also in rural areas.

Recently honoured with a doctorate by the Desh Bhagat University ( Punjab), do you feel that rural women are becoming more aware of the importance of  formal education?

I feel very honoured and it’s a great feeling to be recognised for your contribution.

Tell us about your comeback film in Malayalam and other projects you are working on.

Yes I am doing a film Nimisham with Mamooty. I am also doing a film with Sanjay Sharma--a paranormal thriller in which I  play a modern-day queen.
My character Rani Sahiba is glamorous with grey shades. People's expectations have changed and youngsters today are looking for different stories. I have never played such a character, hence doing this film is a really brave decision. And I trust my director Sanjay Sharma.
The yet untitled film will be shot in Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Nepal. 

Satyajit Ray once said ‘you were the most beautiful  face on the Indian screen —did you ever meet him  and do you regret  not having the opportunity to work with him?

I cherish the compliment  and met him once at the inauguration of a film festival.There was  some  talk about doing a film but because of his failing health that dream was never fulfilled. I  attended his tribute for the release of the book, "The Vision of Ray: Cine Posters & Beyond" (2005) with Sharmila Tagore and Jaya Bhaduri, the two stars that Ray discovered.

You are an excepionally beautiful dancer--- do you find the time to practice and what are your other interests?

I do  give performances but not as often as I would like to. I did  Amrapali creating the time and story of the fiery Amrapali through a ballet choreographed by Bhushan Lakandri with music and lyrics by Ravindra Jain. I am also very fond of music and would like to learn semi-classical..I dabbled in playback a bit and even recorded an album with music composer Bappi Lahiri

The South has given the Hindi industry top talents—from Padmini, Waheeda Rehman,Vyjaintimala,Rekha,Sridevi to yourself--- what is the one defining factor and edge  you all had over your northern rivals?

Undoubtedly…all very beautiful, exceptional dancers and versatile actors !

Woman Bikers in India

Forget the rippling muscles and tattoos, women are whizzing with passion

It’s a man’s world - the term attached when it comes to riding bikes is fading with an increase of women bike riders in the country.Initially there was a phase where ​motorcycles were typically associated with machismo: rippling muscles, coloured tattoos, rough rides and new conquests

​.However it is not only ​restricted to and women are not afraid to whiz into this space. 

In many shows, we normally see boys and girls who ride bikes — there have only been a handful of women who actually rode them, instead of riding pillion. However times are changing.

The trend of women being part of various bike festivals is also increasing. Out of many, India Bike Week, one such festival for bikers, attracts bikers from across the world and has a good participation from the women folk.

 The Bikerni – An all-female riders club and regular at IBW are one such riders group that spearheads women empowerment through the medium of motorcycles. The Bikerni was kickstarted by Urvashi Patole in January 2011. Her aim was to create a platform for women who ride motorcycles and for those who aspire to ride motorcycles as well.

With the help of a few dedicated women, the foundation of The Bikerni was laid in cities all over India.

Sonia Jain, a biker, traveler and marketing professional has been riding since 2009 and now owns Yamaha MT 01, Royal Enfield classic 500 and Yamaha FZ 150. 

Sarika Mehta just concluded riding her Ducati in Europe and Labhdi Shah owns a Harley and Kawasaki 800 and rides a lot.

Sheetal Bidaye, 36, became the first female solo biker to reach the world's highest motorable pass, Marsimik La, and won a place in India's Limca Book Of Records for her feat. 

For them it is an inspiration, overpowering experience, bending the rules and most importantly following their passion – to ride. 

Soaking in the 10 acre festival village in Vagator, Goa India Bike Week, the largest biking festival in India saw more than 12,000 riders and bike enthusiasts ride cross-country to Goato celebrate the spirit and lifestyle of the Indian Biking community.

India is a country where two-wheelers are the vehicle of choice for millions. Motorbikes have always been popular in India and seeing a woman on a motorbike is not uncommon, but they are usually the ones taking a backseat. When you see a woman pull up to work on her Karizma, she is certain to get some strange looks and some men with a narrow mindset are of the opinion that ‘girls should only be riding scooters. However, over the last 3-4 years this philosophy is seeing a gigantic change--more and more women are riding  these machines, and a number of female-only clubs have helped kick-start this trend, and reverse the widely held typecasts.

One of the frequent hurdles faced by female bikers is undue male attention. Watching women displaying riding skills that were once entirely in the male domain are kind of intimidating to the men folk. Female riders tend to get followed and bullied by the men riders and that is quite a turn off.

On the positive side,women today have equal opportunities and freedom to an extent to be able to choose the kind of lifestyle they desire. Motor biking for females is no longer  a  taboo, at least not since it has been declared that female riders are way less often involved in rash driving than men.

One such woman biker Sonia Jain is an avid traveller and marketing professional. “I have always wished to own a bike, even as a child. However ‘buy gold, buy diamonds, buy a car but never a bike’ was the daunting message I got from home, every time I tried to persuade them to buy me a bike”, says Sonia  adding “but that has changed now. I have been riding since 2009, I own so many bikes! A Yamaha MT 01, Royal Enfield classic 500 and Yamaha FZ 150. I like to change my motorcycles from time to time to get acquainted with the other beastly machines out there, so I do not  name them, It becomes difficult to replace your machines once you get too attached to them”.

She further admitted “On the positive side, today  men have started  taking  female riders seriously and share their expertise and technical guidance with them in order to help them better their riding skills. Male and female enthusiasts come together to celebrate this mutual love for biking at major biking events, and one such biking festival is India Bike Week which I have attended since 2013.”

An increase in female biking trend is automatically seeing a number of female-only bike clubs come into existence in India. The Bikerni from Pune – an all-female riders club and regular at India Bike Week is one such riders group that spearheads female empowerment through the medium of motorcycles. They organize events and rides encouraging women who enjoy motorcycling to go on adventures they never thought to go on before. So now it is not just men, but even women who would like to be associated with the mayhem, thrill, freedom and the passion of motorcycling.

In Bangalore, Hop on Gurls is a group for Bullet riders. Women on motorcycles are a small minority in India, even smaller is the number of women who ride motorcycles built by the iconic lifestyle motorcycle brand, Royal Enfield. One motorcycle club based out of Bangalore aims to change all of that HopOnGurls. This motorcycle club however is one with a twist.  doesn’t just encourage women to take to riding motorcycles, but while doing so actively encourages them to try riding the motorcycles made by Royal Enfield. Royal Enfield motorcycles weigh a portly 180 Kilograms and this weight is something that scares most men away from this motorcycle, leave alone women riding them.

While it is another story that the Bullet is remarkably easy to ride with its inherent stability that 19 inch wheels bring to the table, most folks hesitate to ride this motorcycle due to the sheer weight involved. HopOnGurls offer to teach women how to ride a motorcycle, to be specific a Royal Enfield motorcycle.

Aparna Bandodkar admits she gets some strange looks as she pulls up to work.

Travelling to the office on a Royal Enfield Standard 350 motorbike isn't, after all, the regular mode of transport for a dentist.She founded the Regals , a club for female Royal Enfield riders in Mumbai

For some women, biking is more than just a leisure activity, for instance Sheetal Bidaye, 36, became the first female solo biker to reach the world's highest motorable pass, Marsimik La, and won a place in India's Limca Book Of Records for her feat.  Some are taking to biking professionally too. The passion to own a set of heavyweight wheels, and a racer father were inspiration enough for Chennai-based Alisha Abdullah. As India's only female superbike racer, she now owns a Honda CBR600 and Honda Repsol. Girls do not ride bikes anymore to only commute; there are more of them doing off-roading & stunts too.

Although there is no official data to substantiate the growing number of female taking to the road on motorcycles, industry experts estimate the number of bikes bought by females in India is increasing at a rate of 40-50 per cent  every year. Bike-makers like Hero, DSK, Ducati, Yamaha are witnessing an uptick in sales , with the under- 35 age group driving the trend.

 Marketers and industry experts say the Indian retail landscape is  undergoing  radical transformation, as more females take up jobs and see a surge in the average household income.  Another factor driving the change is the increased availability of different types  and   sizes of motorbikes.  Motorbikes of different weight, height and size can make them harder to ride for the fairer sex, but manufacturers are introducing lighter bikes with lower height in the Indian market to tap into a growing interest from  women.  For example the Italian firm Ducati recently launched the Monster 795 bike in India, which weighs far less and is lower to the ground.

India is likely to see a  big surge of women bikers in a country, which is the largest maker of motorcycles in the world and one of the largest manufacturers of two wheelers.  But this change and the existence of vast numbers of female bikers on the road will require a lot of support from manufacturers and a change in attitude of the society alike. More manufacturers need to  to set up maintenance workshop facilities were these bikers can learn the mechanics of motorcycles. And as Sonia mentioned while sharing her experience, biking festivals like India Bike Week - the largest festival for bikes and bikers - is a large boulevard were these female riders participate, exchange stories and share their incredible experiences that celebrate the spirit and lifestyle of female bikers in India

The festival this year saw the event graced by ace cricketer and bike enthusiast Yuvraj Singh, known for his enthusiasm for automobiles and is associated with Autologue Design - a car and motorcycle customization Company launching its new custom bike designs at IBW.Yuvraj as a first time biker rode all the way from Delhi to Chandigarh on his friends borrowed bike and now with his passion growing further he has expressed his interest to be a part of India Bike Week in 2016 maybe on his own ride.

Auto consultant Megha Choksey  shared aa few safety tips for female bikers:

•           Be Alert and attentive to both the road and its other users.    

•           Follow Road Rules.

•           Always have your safety gear like helmet, knee guard on while riding.

•           Always be seen and heard.  Share your detailed itinerary with your family and friends, ca

            Carry  extra cell phone and use GPS while riding.

•           Always carry the must have weapons all times – Pepper spray and safety knife and lastly

•           Be Confident.

Mother-Daughter-A link that can never be undone

Mother-Daughter-A link that can never be undone 

The mother-daughter relationship is one of the most strongest and complex bond in the world. It is considered one of the most powerful connections in nature that only mothers and daughters understand and share among themselves.  The most difficult part in a mother-daughter relationship is when they see their child make wrong choices in life. As a daughter you can love your mother or hate her but at the end of the day, she will always be there to comfort you and be your strength in facing all the problems that come your way.

The mother-daughter relationship is  so powerful it can affect everything from health and self-esteem to all other relationships, say experts. They can go from fighting to laughing in a second, but one thing remains constant—their unconditional love for one another.

But imagine taking this, sometimes, tumultuous relationship into the business world. Here is Jacqueline Kapur and Ayesha Kapur the mother-daughter duo who are not only strengthening their relationship each day, but also making waves as entrepreneurs and running the show with great aplomb.

ayesha (the brand) deals with a range of artificial jewellery, fun bags, hair accessories and everything else a young woman needs to feel good and is being run by the successful mother-daughter duo of Jacqueline Kapur (co-founder, president) and Ayesha Kapur, (designer, co-founder, face of the brand ayesha).

"The idea came up when Ayesha and I were travelling around merchandising things for my shop, Casablanca”,says Jacqueline .” We came across a multitude of beautiful accessories in the production lines, none of which could be found in the organized retail market. It started off only 5 years ago with a corner in my multi-brand store in Pondicherry. After the almost immediate overwhelming response, we decided to take this little venture onto a larger scale.”

The multi-talented and multi-faceted Jacqueline Kapur dons many hats with practiced ease. The Mother of two, wife, homemaker, equestrian sportsperson, businesswoman  and star-mom! ( Remember Ayesha played the role  of the young deaf and  blind girl opposite Amitabh Bachchan in Black) Jacqueline was born in Germany and moved to Pondicherry in 1989. She studied Japanese at the University of Bochum and the Japanese Language Institute in Tokyo, Japan.  She started Hidesign’s garment division in 1989. She oversaw and designed the jackets for Hidesign till 2005-06 and  runs Casablanca one of India’s first multi brand department stores which opened in 1999. With Titanic she opened up her personal shopping paradise to the people of Pondicherry in 2000.

Talking about getting into business at the age of just 15, Ayesha says, "It definitely wasn't planned. Even when I was only five years old, I would accompany my mother on buying trips and always told her if I liked something or not. Being the 'face' and designer of Ayesha, also means that I am strongly involved in creating design concepts, marketing operations of the brand and the occasional fun photo shoots."

Ayesha is not just the face and the ambassador of the brand, but is involved in concept, design and research. Ayesha accessory has picked up quickly and has opened 29 exclusive stores across India already. The accessory brand has recorded fantastic sales with high footfalls. It is increasingly being viewed as a fun brand for young women with a great fashion sense. Ayesha Kapur has recently launched UNKNOWN, a new line of accessories exclusively for young men under the label ayesha accessories.

For Jacqueline, the experience of working with her daughter has been great. She  is not only the mother of a young daughter, the one who has to set limits and guidelines, but also her partner in a joint venture. Ayesha does not see her only as a restricting force in her party life, but as an equal-level partner in a project she enjoys. More than building up a business together, it's an incredibly valuable and fun experience to work together. Ayesha says, 'Not just professionally, she has played a great role in my personal life by teaching me how to focus, be independent, strong and speak my mind'. Like her mother, Ayesha is an accomplished equestrian  and has competed and been placed among the best 3 in many regional competitions in

Dressage and Show jumping from 1999 to 2010.

Defying all odds….

And then there is SadhikaQazi Patel, 30, is beaming with pride at her motherhood this Mother’s Day. A thalassemic patient, she says she wants to give a message to those who are suffering the wrath of a disease and yet dream of becoming mothers. “With grit and right medical support you can become one,” said Sadhika.

"Motherhood is the finest gift to women by god and we should all celebrate it. We all deserve it, even those who may be challenged with worst forms of ailments. Today I want to tell all those who suffer from thalassemia and other diseases that if you have the valour you too can attain the bliss of motherhood," Sadhika says. 

Defying common myths and riding high on her resolve, Sadhika became a mother 3 years ago giving birth to not one but two daughters at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital. 

According to estimates, in India Thalassemia major affects over 1,00,000 people and over 8,000 reported thalassemia births take place every year. There are, however, many more unreported cases as well. 

Sadhika was detected for  thalassemia at the age of 5 and since then has been under Dr Rashid H Merchant, Consultant Pediatrician, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital

“Other than going through the trauma of wanting to become a mother myself for long, I know of other women who suffer the double whammy of a serious disease as well as the scare of losing. I want to do my bit to give them confidence through all possible means,” says Sadhika, even as she spells out her vision for the two daughters. 

Sadhika plans to soon launch a Facebook page and create a support group for the same as well as use expertise of the likes of Dr Merchant and others. She also recommends that thalassemia test should be made mandatory for all pregnant women. 

Dr Merchant is a happy doctor today. Sharing his experience at a Thalassemia conference he said, “Sadhika’s is a remarkable case study in medical excellence and human will. After giving birth to healthy twins, she underwent severe complications including pneumonia, cardiac complications, pulmonary hypertension and liver infection due to hepatitis C. Sadhika had to be put in ICU for 17 days, away from her new born babies, to ensure she bounced back.” 

The disorder, he says, triggers when haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the red blood cells stops producing either of the two proteins, an alpha or a beta. The red blood cells do not form properly and cannot carry sufficient oxygen resulting in anaemia that begins in early childhood and lasts rest of the life. The most common treatment for all major forms of thalassaemia is red blood cell transfusions. These transfusions are necessary to provide the patient with a temporary supply of healthy red blood cells with normal haemoglobin capable of carrying the oxygen that the patient's body needs. Today, most patients with a major form of thalassaemia receive red blood cell transfusions every two to three weeks. Thalassemia can cause complications, including iron overload, bone deformities, and cardiovascular illness

(According to estimates, in India thalassemia major affects over 1,00,000 people and over 8,000 reported thalassemia births take place every year. There are, however, many more unreported cases as well. )