Yummy mummy is the latest buzzword on television. Producers of reality shows are queuing up at the doorstep of all gorgeous mammas to sign them for the numerous reality shows that are mushrooming all over the various channels. And neither the mammas nor the viewers are complaining. For the mammas its good money and ofcourse time for a comeback. And viewers are happy to see their favourite heroines make a return looking as glamorous as ever. After Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor, Sonali Bendre, the new hot mom to come on board reality shows is Mahima Chaudhary.

Mahima is back in action and is all geared to judge 9X’s Jalwa Four 2 Ka 1 along with director Satish Kaushik. Post motherhood Mahima is taking work slowly and gradually. Still scanning movie offers, it is the format of the show that made her give the nod.

Mahima Chaudhary shares her life post motherhood, the reason behind taking up Jalwa Four 2 Ka 1 and her fitness secret.

Excerpts from an interview

You are looking like a million bucks. Tell us your beauty secret.

When you have a baby you will not ask me this question. Believe me it’s a 24 hour job, your sleep is not guaranteed, your meal time is not guaranteed and your whole focus gets shifted to your baby. Earlier the focus was on my meal time but now you eat her leftovers. You are eating baby food so you start looking like one. All said and done, I must credit my trainer Satish Naidu for all the appreciation I am receiving. I call him the miracle because I began just to get back my strength post delivery and he got me back into shape.

Do you hit the gym or practice yoga?

I do anything and everything. Sometimes he makes me do simple breathing exercises, other times I do core trainings and some times kick boxing. I usually work out for 45 minutes a day.

Do you believe in dieting?

I eat everything but in moderation. My trainer has told me not to give up on anything and that’s the best way to lose weight. But just keep fried food at bay. If you want to have a samosa have it but then don’t touch it for the next four days.

Would you also disclose some of your gymming tips?

I would advise everyone to exercise for atleast 30 minutes every day even if it is just walking up and down. I bet it makes a huge difference. The most important tip would be to never keep yourself hungry.

Define fitness?

Fitness means when you don’t have any difficulty doing daily chores. A lot of people have difficulty tying their shoe laces which means he is not fit. Nor would I say that size zero is fit.

How has motherhood changed you?

The focus now has gone off from me. Motherhood is a very elevating experience and it just takes you to another level. I do not want to be harsh to anyone or say rude things to them thinking that he too must be somebody’s child. Now I have started getting the feel of motherly love inside me.

Don’t you think this would benefit the contestants too?

Oh I am sure. But I have realised after watching other reality shows that these are the people who have achieved something and are experts in their genres and hence they are participating in the show. If it were just a talent hunt then it would be difficult for me.

What took you so long to come on TV?

Obviously one waits for the right opportunity but here it is the format of the show that excites me. It’s not just a dance based show but participants can showcase other talents like singing, comedy and acting. The flavour is different with variety of things happening. Time is also a major factor especially with me as I have a child to look after. The shoot takes place just once a week on Tuesday. The third factor is the producer Bonnie Jain as I know him very well.

What do you think of TV today?

I think it’s become huge. TV has become more popular than it has ever been and it has got great reach and lots of people are watching it. Popularity is essentially what is drawing everybody here. Everybody wants to come here and reach out to the masses. Everybody wants to be there where popularity is. Also it’s basically on public demand that I am here on TV.

Do you think that reality shows are an alternative to Bollywood actors?

There are lot more avenues like endorsements and other events. TV too is one of those avenues. I also think now great minds are coming at work with different scripts.

Would we see you singing or doing comedy on the show?

I can sing only select English songs which I have rehearsed over the years in school. I don’t know if I can do comedy on camera but everyone thinks that I am pretty funny at home. I am quite a mimic at home. But I am depending on Satishji for comedy, you look at him and you want to laugh.

What about the tensions between the judges and contestants over the judgments?

I am prepared for it as I know that it really depends from person to person. You have the audience to overrule my judgment. I have been asked to sit there and speak what I feel and it seems that all the contestants are fine with me coming on the show.

One also sees the tension between the judges. Would you indulge in some such gimmicks?

Even if Satishji and I fight it will be very comic in nature.

It’s easier for Bollywood actors to get work on TV but TV actors have to struggle a lot to make a mark in Bollywood?

It’s not just for TV actors but its struggle for anybody stepping in from anywhere. People come from abroad and make it here. It’s to do with destiny and also being at the right time at the right place. One has to be prepared to grab the opportunity.

Do you watch reality shows on TV?

Yes, I do watch Indian Idol and Bigg Boss and the person I am rooting for is Zulfi. I think he is dignified and he doesn’t resort to bad language. He is courteous to the ladies and doesn’t put on an act. I have been to Zulfi’s nightclub.

Would you like to go inside Bigg Boss house?

No, I just like to watch it.