It’s difficult to define mother’s love: Juhi Chawla

“Mother’s love is God’s love. I don’t even think that we should even try putting words to it,” says Juhi Chawla. On the occasion of Mother’s Day, HT spoke to the actor about the special day, her fond memories and more.

What does Mother’s Day mean to you?

One part of me believes it is a marketing gimmick; one more reason for companies to sell more cards and flowers. On the other hand, I feel it is not really a bad thing. It’s a good thing to remember your mum, make that special effort to say thank you and express your love for her, which you may forget to do on other days and take her for granted. I call up my mother-in law (Sunayana Mehta) and speak to her. If she’s in town, I give her flowers and a card or even take her out for dinner. That’s how it goes.

How do you celebrate the day otherwise, and how do your kids make it special for you?

Last year, my husband (Jai Mehta), kids and I went out for dinner, which is rare. We put our phones and gadgets aside, and the two hours that we spent together were memorable.

How was your equation with your mother (Mona Chawla)?

I wouldn’t even try defining a mother’s love. You don’t know it until you become one; you don’t know it until you lose your mother. When I was a little girl, I loved my mother for even the way she looked. I loved the way she hugged me, the fact that she worked, she was respected, she was elegant and just everything that she did. I was a fan. I remember when I was small. I used to have nightmares. Sometime they were about exams and schools, and other times they were about my mum going away from me for some reason and I would sob in my sleep. I remember once in a while, she would get an asthma attack, and it used to scare the life out of me. I would hug her tight [during the time].

I never knew that one person I loved the most would be snatched away from me. I was shooting for Duplicate (1998) in Prague and she went for her morning walk and never came back. It shook my whole world. After that, I always say to people — not to take their mothers for granted. If I could have my mother back for a day, I’d hug her so tight, put my head in her lap and just cry… and tell her that I love her so much.

What’s that one advice you would like to give all mothers out there?

To all mothers, I would like to say — not to worry too much, our kids will turn out just fine, leave the kids alone sometimes to just play and be. Let them discover their capabilities and passions.

The actor, who was last seen in Chalk N Duster, will next be seen in Pushpaka Vimana and The Test Case.