Delhi-based town planner Anisa Draboo has been a full-time mum to her two kids Shaza, four, and Zaid, 12 months, and so far she loves what she’s doing. But the 33-year-old also misses her full-time job, which has been an important part of her life. She talks to M&B about designing a blueprint that will help her balance life, work and kids...

Before and after
Anisa Draboo hails from Kashmir but has made Delhi her home. “Personally, I would have preferred raising my kids in Kashmir but that’s not possible for practical reasons.However, it’s nice to bring up the kids in a city like Delhi as it has some very nice schools and there are a lot of places to explore.

It may sound like a cliché, but mums, no matter what background they come from, always share similar goals. M&B brings you the story of Nadia Chauhan, joint managing director and chief marketing officer of Parle Agro, a fastidious business woman, who is also a fascinating mum to her daughter Nia, 23 months.... Now, that’s what we call refreshing!

Taking the lead
Over the years, we have brought you inspiring stories of mums, who with their unconditional love for their families and unrelenting pursuit of success in every field – be it homemakers or career women – have touched our lives and inspired us. Today, we add one more to that list. Twenty-five year old Nadia Chauhan has big responsibilities on her petite shoulders. When it comes to work, she uses a single-minded approach to get Parle Agro’s business strategies implemented and widen her company’s portfolio of food products.

From compering at the US Open to painting in the patio of her beautiful Delhi home, and writing her second book, 33-year-old Tina Sharma Tiwari has her hands full! But with their naughty antics, her super active boys – Jaivijay, 4.5 years, and Dev Aditya, three – make sure she lives well over 24 hours a day! Here’s her story... as she narrates it!

I am a sports journalist and author (and also a closet artist!) After several years in the wilderness during my late teens and early 20s, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, I came to the realisation that to be happy, I had to do what I love for a living. And I had always loved sports. So I changed careers and cities to start afresh and what happened next confirmed my strong belief in destiny and serendipity.

Delhi girl Harshita Gautam, 29, is a single mother. But if you are expecting a sob story out of this one, stop right there, for her’s, in her own words, is truly a very happy story... of life with four-year-old daughter Meera and everything in between. M&B caught up with the petite and ever optimistic Harshita, a leading lady in the true sense!

When one first learns that Harshita has separated from husband Maurya and lives alone with Meera in a rented apartment in Delhi, one half expects a story full of trials and tribulation; a shaky, quivering voice full of insecurity and fears or one full of arrogance, diffidence and vindictive hatred. What one hears instead is a soft, gentle and positive voice of confidence.

Tele actor Gurdip Punjj, better known by screen name Dr Juhi, has put everything on hold for her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter Meher. This festive season, she dolls up for M&B and chats about Diwali, life, shows and... yes, Meher!

Arjun and Gurdip Punjj come as close as possible to the myth of the perfect urban couple. No shams. No mush. No arguments. Just a pure, unadulterated get-down-and-do-what-needs-to-be-done kind of practicality mixed with sincere concern for each other’s time and space. Their sweet Meher is truly a blessing, true to her name. She binds them together and she is the focus of all their attention. Gurdip, an extremely hands-on mother, is tuned in to every little whine and whimper of her baby.

At 14 months, Vivaan is clearly the most adorable kid on the block! The incessant barking of Messy, the Labrador – his maternal grand pa's pet. A steady flow of strangers – shoot coordinators, make-up artists, photographer and his assistants. Mum terribly caught up with changes between shots. The unfamiliar territory of his grand mum's new house. Nothing, just about nothing, unnerves this li'l rock star!

Niharika Bhasin, 27, sees new meaning in her life with the birth of Vivaan. His selfless love and generous kisses make him a hot favourite with the family... adding a stronger dimension to her personal bonds too!