"I Don't Wait For Validation": Genelia Deshmukh On Owning Her Narrative

In a recent episode of The Rule Breaker Show with Shaili Chopra, founder of SheThePeople, Genelia Deshmukh opened up about her life beyond the screen, the choices she made for her family, and the journey of rediscovering herself as a person, mother, and artiste. The interview provided a rare glimpse into the inner world of someone who had once stepped away from the limelight at the peak of her career and is now returning to it with a new sense of purpose.

Motherhood, Identity, and the Pause That Transformed Her

Genelia began by sharing how her life changed after becoming a mother. She spoke about the decision to take a break from acting and devote herself entirely to her children during their early years. She emphasised that it was a personal choice, one she made without regret. Her intention was always to be fully present for her children, and she expressed that she wanted to give them the kind of upbringing where she was physically and emotionally available, especially in their formative years.

She reflected on how motherhood changed her. "Motherhood brings with it a mix of joy, doubt, love, and self-questioning," she said, describing how she became more intuitive, learned to manage time better, and gained a new perspective on priorities. For her, being a mother didn’t mean losing her individuality, but rather adding a deeper layer to her identity. She mentioned how the journey of parenting often leads women to question whether they are doing enough, either for their families or for themselves.

When asked about returning to acting after a long break, Genelia said it was not something that came with a dramatic decision. Instead, it was a natural progression. As her children began growing older, she started finding small moments for herself. Over time, she felt ready to return to work. She admitted that coming back to an industry that had evolved over the years was not easy, but she believed in taking one step at a time. She acknowledged that there were doubts and fears about how she would be received again, but she also said that the fear of not trying was greater than the fear of failing.

She also spoke about the idea of balance, noting that while the word “balance” is often thrown around casually, it is actually a constant effort. For Genelia, the goal was not to achieve perfect balance every day, but to remain aware and intentional about where she placed her time and energy. She explained how there were days when family needed more of her, and other days when work took priority. Instead of feeling guilty, she allowed herself to be flexible and honest about what each day demanded.

During the conversation, she touched upon how women are often asked whether they feel fulfilled as mothers, professionals, or partners, but rarely asked what they want for themselves. She found this deeply telling and shared how she has started consciously asking herself, “What do I want?” more often. She said that this self-dialogue helped her move beyond roles and expectations and reconnect with her inner voice.

Finding Purpose Beyond Roles

Genelia also talked about the shift in how she now chooses projects. Earlier in her career, she was younger, more impressionable, and often said yes to things out of obligation or pressure. Now, she said, she’s more selective and focused on stories that resonate with her. She is no longer trying to chase every opportunity, but rather seeking meaningful work that aligns with where she is in life.

Throughout the interview, Genelia came across as grounded and introspective. She didn’t romanticise her choices or portray her journey as flawless. Instead, she emphasised the importance of listening to oneself, embracing transitions, and accepting that growth often comes in phases. Whether it was stepping back from films to raise her children or stepping back into the industry with a new mindset, she made it clear that each choice was made with care and honesty.

She ended the conversation by acknowledging that every woman’s journey is different, and there’s no one right way to live life. What worked for her might not work for someone else, and that’s perfectly okay. Her story, as she told it, wasn’t about perfection, but about staying true to her values, adapting to life’s changes, and reclaiming her space—both at home and on screen.

Watch Genelia Deshmukh on The Rulebreaker Show:

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