London, Oct 12 (Inditop) British actress of Indian origin Meera Syal returns to the small screen with the show “Beautiful People” after two and half years that she took time-off for her second delivery.
She says she took up boxing to lose her baby weight and is happy to be back.
According to mirror.co.uk, after giving birth to her second child – 15 years after her first child – Meera devoted herself to bringing up her baby. But now, two-and-a-half years later, she’s swapped nappy changes for a new TV series and is looking better than ever after taking up boxing to lose her baby weight.
She says: “I took the first year off. I felt tired and not ready to go back. I was enjoying it at home. Then I did a little, but I was gagging to come back to work by the end. As much as you love your children it is good being a grown-up again.”
Asked her what was it like becoming a mum again at 45, she said: “Exhausting and exhilarating, And there is no doubt that as an older parent the lack of sleep is something that affects you more.”
The inevitable post-baby weight posed a challenge to a Meera who admits to never being a fitness freak.
“I went to a personal trainer. I am not obsessive. I eat healthily and try to have most of my food before 6 p.m. I’m not one of those people who say I have got to be a size 10, two months after the birth. I get very annoyed when I see that in magazines and you are sitting at home with leaky breasts and cellulite. You don’t want to see Angelina Jolie in size 10 jeans, you really don’t.”
Her new exercise regime has ignited a surprising passion – boxing.
“My trainer is an ex-boxer and he suggested it one day and I absolutely love it. It’s frightening how much aggression you have and I love hitting things,” she laughs. I could never be in a fight and I hate the thought of hitting someone or being hit. But it is a beautiful sport. I have been learning the different punches.
But what about her husband Sanjeev Bhaskar, who starred with her in the hit comedy series, “The Kumars At Number 42”. Does he live in fear of his newly superfit wife?
“He holds his hands up so I can punch them and acts tough,” she laughed. “But I’m sure he goes round the corner after and goes ‘ouch’. He won’t show me out of pride.”
rounak