The all too familiar "Any good news?" question follows every newly married woman. And even celebrity wives are not spared. In fact, they are even more under the spotlight for not becoming a mother immediately.
At birthday parties and other functions, Priya Kunchacko would wear her shades when someone would come to her with uncomfortable questions. Wife of Malayalam actor Kunchacko Boban, her face was just as familiar, and people, knowing their story, would ask questions about the couple not having a baby yet (this was before they became parents in April this year). She’d wear her sunglasses so people wouldn’t see her cry, Priya said in an interview to Vanitha magazine.
The couple just had their baby – a boy -- 14 years after marriage, and in the interview, Priya said she used to avoid functions where older people would be present. “They don’t think how much their questions and opinions hurt us. Some Malayalis have that nature,” Priya said.
Priya’s reaction would hit home close to women going through similar situations. The "blame" of a married couple not having a child is, quite a lot of the time, put on the woman. Even now. Whether or not the couple wants to have a baby is a whole other story, and very few will understand and respect the decision. In Priya’s case, however, it is the story of a couple waiting and dreaming of a child, and without showing the least bit of concern, people would come with their sharp tongues and unsolicited opinions, pointing their fingers at the wife.
There have been questions like ‘You don’t have kids? Since you have become this old, it must be difficult to have kids, right?’ In times like that, all the positive thoughts that Chackochan (Kunchacko) gave her would dry up, Priya said. “Such doubting people should kindly remember one thing. Do not disturb those who are painfully waiting for the dream of having a child with such questions and advice.”
The baby was christened Izza at a function held in Kochi on Saturday. “Thank you everyone for all the Love, prayers, wishes n blessings showered on our family on Izza baby’s baptism day. Humbled by the affection and care ! (sic)” Kunchacko posted on Facebook.
Izza was born on April 17 this year and Kunchacko had posted the news on his Facebook page.