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Javeria Abbasi
Relishing Motherhood
 With glamourous looks, pretty smile and a clear-cut personality she entered into showbiz and mesmerised the audience with her charismatic acting. People have seen her grow from a performer to a sensible mother. She is none other than Juvaria Abbasi. Besides being extremely talented, she is also very disciplined and dedicated. She has carved a niche for herself in Pakistani television industry with sheer dedication and hard work. An ordinary girl turned into a gorgeous diva after making many sacrifices in life, Juvaria has won many hearts with her modesty and humble personality. Excerpts:
What is family for you?
My family is my life and they are everything for me. I have an adorable daughter, caring parents and lovely siblings and that completes my family.
How did you feel when you first found out that you are on the road to parenthood?
Since I was very young I didn't know how to react and I was extremely scared. I thought I couldn't deliver my child and I'd die before my baby's birth. I was extremely excited but equally tensed. I still remember that it was the month of Ramadan and I spent the whole month praying for a safe delivery. It was a tough experience but once I delivered the child it became the most memorable moment of my life. I couldn't wait to hold my baby in my arms and when the nurse handed her over to me, tears of joy welled up in my eyes.
Is there any interesting story behind the selection of your daughter's name?
I made a long list with hundreds of names written in it. I searched on internet; skimmed through several books to select a name for my baby but eventually it was my father-in-law who gave a name to my daughter – Anzela.
What resemblance do you see in your childhood and that of your daughter's?
There is a lot of resemblance between the two of us. I was the only daughter of my family for a quite a long time, until my sister was born, and same is the case with my daughter, she is my only child. Whenever I see her playing with toys and sitting quietly in a corner, I see my reflection in her. She is exactly like me, quite reserved and involved in her own world.
 Was motherhood unexpected for you?
To become a mother is quite an expected phenomenon for all Asian girls. We love girly things and like to behave like a bride even in our games. We are actually quite prepared for this since our childhood; same was the case with me. But these days, I find it a little weird since my daughter is entering into teenage; it is difficult to understand the change in her thought process and to cope with the transition into adolescence. I sometimes wonder how my mother would have reacted in this particular situation.
Please tell us about your own relationship with your mother before your marriage?
Before my marriage, I was more close to my grandma than my mother. My mother was a herbalist and most of the time she remained busy in her studies and work. I have acquired qualities and habits of my grandma and I relate myself more to her than my mother. But even with her busy lifestyle, my mother used to give quality time to me.
Has your relationship with your mother changed after you became a mother?
Yes, it has changed; I am closer to her than ever before. I have learnt everything from my mother, from changing Anzela's nappy to bathing her. Whenever my daughter started crying, instead of calming her I also joined her. It was my mother who sensibly reacted in such situations.Her advice and support has helped me a lot.
What do you want your daughter to imbibe from you about motherhood?
Well, my daughter is very young and it's a little too early to say anything about it (smiles). But my daughter is more sensible than children of her age. She is already interested in cooking and other household chores and I don't think I have to tell her anything. Even I believe that when that time will come she'll be the one to teach me how to raise her child.
 What does motherhood mean to you?
To become a mother is a very special feeling. I think it is the best thing in the world. A woman is incomplete if she is not a mother.
What has it been like for you to be a stay-at-home mom and then a working mom?
It's a little tough to keep a balance but I try to juggle both responsibilities with perfection. There is a huge difference between these two roles. When I am at home I give more time to my child, I cook for her, pick her up from school and try to take good care of her needs. And when I am working I try to stay in touch with her always.
Is the life of a showbiz mother different from that of simple house wife mom?
Yes, it is different as we have dual responsibilities i.e. as a mother and as an actor. Our working hours aren't defined, we can have shoots anytime. So to manage it properly I usually take a day off after two continuous days of work.
What do you remember from your first Mother's Day as a mom?
On my first Mother's Day I was extremely excited. I was crying and smiling while seeing my child. I was excited to quickly dress her up in beautiful clothes. I don't have words to describe that feeling.
What was your favourite Mother's Day gift?
My daughter is the biggest gift of my life, I don't need anything else. However, we two celebrate this day in a very special way. She gives me handmade cute cards and I always keep it safely with me.
Is it tough to raise a child as a single parent?
It is indeed difficult but it is not that tough that one cannot do it. Most of us have seen several examples in our lives where a child has been raised by a single mother independently and all of them have done a superb job. If a person is focused and determined then nothing remains difficult and impossible.
Does your daughter watch your drama serials?
Yes, she has seen almost all of my drama serials. In fact she is my biggest critic. After watching my performances she always gives her comments on my acting and styling.
What do you call her affectionately?
I call her 'Anju' and sometimes when I am in an extremely good mood I call her 'Godzilla', derived from her real name Anzela.
As a mother what would you never tolerate?
I wouldn't tolerate if she ever lies to me. A person lies when they have done something wrong. I know it's natural to make mistakes but I don't want my child to hide her mistakes from me. I would appreciate if she admits her mistakes and talks about it openly with me.
 Do you wish to see your daughter grow up to be like you – a famous celebrity?
Why not! If she wants to have a career in showbiz I'll definitely support her. But I want my daughter to first complete her education and then take any decision regarding her career in showbiz. She has an inclination towards art so I think she'll probably do something related to fine arts and painting.
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