Vijayendra Kumeria made his mark in television as Suraj Rajvanshi in Udaan and Dev Parikh in Naagin (4): Bhagya Ka Zehreela Khel.
At home though, he is just a proud father. And he shares his parenting experience with Rediff.com Senior Contributor Rajul Hegde.
He also has some advice for Virat Kohli who became a daddy,/strong> on Monday, January 11.
What were those last few days like, before Kimaya was born?
Kimaya is five now.
Those few days, as we waited for her birth, were crazy.
I was busy shooting and was calling my wife every hour to check if she was okay.
The nights were usually sleepless too, as the last few days are not comfortable for the mom-to-be. The dad-to-be has to try his best to support her.
What were the special things you did for your wife?
I used to cook for her. And take her for drives late in the late night as she had cravings for specific food items.
How did you get ready for the newest member of your family?
I was very excited and quite prepared, so I didn't need to do a lot to prepare myself mentally.
What are the stories about your daughter that you would like to share?
She's too young right now to understand, but I have a lot of stories to share with her once she grows up.
I enjoy story-telling sessions with Kimaya as she likes stories.
Pre-COVID, we used to go for a drive with our daughter. After the lockdown ended, we have started going out again, but she mostly stays inside the car.
Did you go on paternity leave?
That's a very touchy subject.
I had asked for a week's leave in advance, as per the date given by our doctor.
But at the last minute, I had to go to work as there were telecast issues with Udaan.
I got only one day off on the day of the delivery.
After that, at the end of each day's shoot, I would go to the hospital. It was crazy and my wife Preeti was upset with me for two days.
But, then, that's how our work is.
What were your most difficult and most memorable moments?
The most memorable moment undoubtedly is the first time I held my daughter; it's something I will always remember.
The difficult times were the first three months after Kimaya was born. We had to adjust to her sleeping patterns and we were learning a new way of life while my schedule remained hectic.
Coping with the hectic days and sleepless nights was, I would say, the difficult part.
What are the sacrifices you have made?
I would not say that we have sacrificed anything.
As a parent, it is your duty to ensure your child is your priority and plan your life accordingly.
What is the one fatherhood lesson you have learnt that you would like to share?
As a father, if you want to be close to your child, you have to give her or him the same amount of time and love a mother does. Only then will she or he be close to you in his or her growing years.
And, of course, fatherhood has made me a very patient person.
Any fatherhood tips you'd like to share with Virat Kohli?
Just play along and enjoy the new innings. It will be fun.
Dads, tell us what those few days before your child was born was like?
What were the special things you did for your wife?
How did you get ready for the newest member of your family?
Do share your stories about the birth of your children.
Did you go on paternity leave?
What were your most memorable moments? And your most difficult?
What are the sacrifices you have made?
What is the one fatherhood lesson you have learnt that you would like to share?
Do you have tips for newly-minted dad Virat Kohli?
Share your experience and thoughts with us. Write in to getahead@rediff.co.in (Subject: Dad tips). Do mention your name, age, the place where you live and the year your child was born.
Please do share pictures of you with your baby.
And, till we beat the Coronavirus, stay safe. Wash your hands. Wear your mask. Maintain social distancing.
© 2024 Rediff.com -