Why We Felt the Need to Speak Up
Honestly, when we first saw our own picture being used on a story about IVF, our first reaction was a mix of surprise and a little irritation. It wasn’t that we were angry at the idea of talking about assisted reproduction – in fact, we fully support couples who need that help. But seeing our happy, sunny snapshot placed next to a discussion about the IVF market in India felt a bit like being put in the wrong costume for a play.
We were both scrolling through our phones, as we often do after a long day of shoots or rehearsals, and there it was – a glossy, well‑edited photograph of us smiling, our hands resting on the baby bump, right beside a headline about women turning to IVF in their 40s. Our first thought was, "Are they saying we used IVF?" Because the article never asked us, never checked with us. That’s why we decided to set the record straight, not just for us but for anyone who might read the piece and assume something that isn’t true.
We understand that media outlets often need a visual hook, especially when covering health topics that affect a lot of people. But using someone’s personal picture without confirming the story behind it can be misleading, and that’s why we felt a responsibility, as public figures, to clear the air.
Our Instagram Story – A Direct Response
On my Instagram story, I posted a short video clip of the photo in question, with a text overlay saying, "Misleading Image usage". I added a few more lines explaining that while we respect the advances in medical science, our own "positive results" came from natural conception. The tone was simple – I wanted people to know the truth without sounding defensive.
Vivek also shared the same video, adding his own caption: "We value responsible journalism and are surprised to see our picture placed next to an IVF story when our journey was natural. Accuracy matters, and this wasn’t verified with us." It felt genuine, like the kind of conversation we might have over a cup of chai at home, but we wanted it out there for anyone who might have read the article.
Honestly, the whole thing reminded me of those moments when a neighbour spreads a rumor about a family member – you feel compelled to correct it, even if it’s a small misunderstanding. In our case, it was a very public misunderstanding, and that’s why we used our own platforms to speak directly.
What It Means to Conceive Naturally at 40
We talked about this in my vlog a few weeks back. I said it felt like the right time for us to embrace motherhood, even though we’re both in our early 40s. In India, there’s often this unspoken pressure that if you’re over 35, you must start thinking about assisted methods. But our story was a bit different. We stayed positive, kept trust in each other, and believed that the right moment would come – and it did.
When I stopped taking up new projects for a while, many thought I was just taking a break. In reality, I was listening to my body, listening to that inner voice that told me to be patient. I felt a strong instinct, almost like a nudge from God, that something was going to happen soon. That’s why I focused on self‑care, on preparing mentally and emotionally for motherhood rather than chasing every new role that came my way.
Vivek chimed in during an interview: "And by the way, for everyone who is curious to know, this is a natural pregnancy." He smiled, and I could see the relief in his eyes. It wasn’t just about setting the record straight for the media, but also about letting our friends and fans know that natural conception at our age is possible, even if it takes a little longer.
Understanding IVF in the Indian Context
IVF has become a major topic in Indian households lately. With rising awareness, more couples are opting for assisted reproductive technology, especially when they face age‑related challenges. The IVF market in India has grown significantly, and many clinics now offer packages that make it more affordable than before.
That said, the conversation around IVF can sometimes turn into a buzzword that gets attached to any story about late motherhood, even when it isn’t relevant. It’s similar to when we hear the word "COVID" and suddenly every health article seems to mention it, even if the connection is tenuous. So, while we celebrate the science that helps many couples, we also hope that journalists will be more careful about linking images to topics that don’t actually apply.
For many families, IVF is indeed a lifeline, and we respect that. But for us, the path was different – we waited, we trusted the natural process, and we finally got the wonderful news. It’s a reminder that every couple’s journey is unique, and the media should reflect that nuance.
Our Journey Together – From “Yeh Hai Mohabbatein” to Parenthood
We first met on the sets of the TV series “Yeh Hai Mohabbatein” back in 2016. It was love at first sight, or at least love at first script read‑through. Our chemistry on screen turned into a real‑life partnership, and we got married the same year. Over the past eight years, we’ve shared a lot – from long shooting schedules to personal milestones.
When we decided to start a family, we did it together, slow and steady. We didn’t rush. We kept discussions open, visited doctors for regular check‑ups, and listened to our bodies. After a few months of hopeful anticipation, we finally received the news we’d been waiting for – a positive pregnancy test, confirming a natural conception.
Now, as we wait for our little one to arrive, we’re also sharing little bits of our preparation – from picking out baby clothes in local markets to listening to lullabies on the radio. It feels very Indian, very home‑grown, and we’re excited to bring our child into the world with all those cultural colours.
Why Accurate Media Matters – A Personal Take
From my perspective, as someone who works in the entertainment industry, I’ve seen how stories can sometimes get twisted for the sake of a catchy headline. When a piece of news is about something as sensitive as pregnancy and fertility, the stakes are even higher. Misreporting can cause unnecessary panic or spread misinformation.
We chose to respond publicly because we wanted to set an example. If a big outlet can get a fact wrong, imagine how many smaller publications or social media pages might do the same. By speaking up, we hope other couples feel empowered to correct any wrong information they come across.
In the end, it’s not about pointing fingers but about encouraging a culture of verification. Just like we double‑check a recipe before cooking, journalists should double‑check facts before publishing a story. That simple habit can maintain trust between the media and the public.
What We Want Readers to Take Away
First, if you’re reading about IVF or late motherhood, remember that each couple’s story is different. Some need medical assistance, and that’s perfectly okay. Others, like us, might be blessed with a natural conception even at an age where many consider IVF.
Second, we hope this little episode reminds you to ask questions. If you see an image or a claim that feels off, don’t hesitate to verify it. A quick comment or a direct message can often clear up confusion.
Lastly, we want you to celebrate the joy of parenthood, however it comes about. In our house, we’re already setting up a small corner for the baby, playing with traditional toys, and even debating whether to give the child a name from mythology or a modern twist. It’s these simple, everyday moments that truly matter.
Looking Ahead – Our Plans and Hopes
As the months go by, we are getting ready for the new chapter. We’ve started a “baby shower” with our close family, something very Indian with lots of sweets, blessings, and a few jokes about how we’ll have to give up late‑night chai sessions (though that might be a stretch!).
We also hope that more people understand that natural conception at 40 is possible, and that it doesn't diminish the value of IVF for those who need it. Both paths are valid, and both deserve respect.
We look forward to sharing more updates with you all – from baby kicks to the first lullaby we’ll sing. Until then, we appreciate the love and the support we receive from our fans, and we’ll keep reminding everyone that honesty and clarity go a long way, especially when it comes to stories about life and family.
