Shaista Lodhi, in her recent interview with FUCHSIA Magazine, talked about how strong women struggle in our society, shared thoughts on her second marriage and her challenges as a single mother. Read on to find out more.
Shaista Lodhi is a renowned host, actress, aesthetic medicine specialist, and cosmetologist. When it comes to hosting shows, She is not new to the game. In her long-standing career, she has hosted shows on numerous platforms for 11 years. Now, almost after a 4-year hiatus, Shaista is set to host PTV’s morning show, ‘Morning At Home.’
In conversation with FUCHSIA Magazine, Shaista shed light on our society’s treatment of strong independent women and explained how she has struck a successful work-life balance whilst pursuing her career. This is what she had to say:
Does Our Society Accept Strong And Successful Women?
“Absolutely not.”
-ShaIsta Lodhi
Shaista says she thinks our society’s mentality is not like this for women but for every human being who is growing and evolving. It’s our nature to pull each other down. Moreover, she explains that negativity precedes positivity in our society. ‘If you look at the social media trends, there will only be one positive comment before a line of negative ones’.
Later on, she concluded, ‘our society is hard on women, especially those who are strong, diligent, prosperous, and honest. We are easily offended by someone’s honesty as it has become so rare.
However, she’s confident and hopeful that this mindset will change as she meets people from the younger generation. She says they are ‘better human beings compared to us. They work hard and succeed without feeling the need to rely on lies. Our future is very bright.’
Do You Think Society Reacts To Men Differently?
According to Shaista, punishment for men is also very different in our society. She thinks people don’t dictate men and their actions as much as women, they just simply ignore it. If a female host does something wrong, she has to face more criticism as compared to men.
What Were The Challenges You Had To Face When You Remarried?
“The first two years were quite difficult.”
-Shaista Lodhi
Shaista says before marriage she spent a period of time alone and when you get used to being alone in your room and in numerous stages of life, you have to make your own decisions. Moreover, she says that every relationship is different. Now she enjoys it. As it feels good to not be in the driving seat for once.
Furthermore, she says that her second marriage is much more complicated than the first one, especially because she has her kids with her. However, she says she feels grateful now because after some time she has gotten used to it. Then she says as time goes by you understand what’s important or what’s not, “As we both have gone through such stages we value that time, trust and relationship.”
“Therefore life becomes so easy and beautiful.”
-Shaista Lodhi?
What’s Your Advice For Women Struggling To Re-Marry?
“Don’t Rush.”
-Shaista Lodhi
Shaista says it is difficult to make a decision after you have already had a bad experience the first time. Moreover, she says that every woman’s journey is different so don’t rush or take emotional decisions hastily. Sit back and reflect on things mindfully. Listen to your mind as it gives better suggestions than the heart.
Were There Any Challenges You Faced As A Single Mother?
“Frankly, I never discuss what they (her children) went through but I’m sure they had it harder than I did.”
-Shaista lodhi
Shaista says making children understand the dynamics of a family is difficult. It was difficult for her to face society but more difficult for her children. She says she isn’t aware of what her children go through even to this date as they have only shared bits of it with her because they don’t want their mother to get hurt.
How Was Life After Divorce?
Shaista says that this is one of those things on which she has never had a conversation with her kids.
“I tried to keep things normal for them.”
-Shaista Lodhi
However, things change after becoming a mother, your priorities change. Your own self takes a back seat and you feel guilty when you do something for yourself.
What’s Your Advice For Women Who Want To Step Out Of Their Marriage?
Shaista claims that she cannot advise anyone to make this decision, especially women because every relationship is different. Before taking a decision of this sort, think twice.
She believes if a woman decides to remarry, there will be a lot of things she will need to adjust to, so it’s better if she tries to do that adjustment in her first marriage to save herself from future trouble.
She also believes women should focus their energy on their careers rather than overthinking about a problem (that exacerbates if one has nothing else to do). Hence, women should prioritise their careers as they often don’t get everything in life.
“Nothing is perfect.”
-Shaista lodhi
