Renowned Bollywood choreographer and director Farah Khan has opened up about her challenging journey to motherhood through IVF, revealing she underwent two failed attempts before successfully conceiving triplets on her third try. The 42-year-old filmmaker was simultaneously working on her blockbuster movie Om Shanti Om during this emotionally and physically draining period.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of IVF Treatments
Farah Khan married filmmaker Shirish Kunder when she was 39 years old and he was 31. After several years of marriage, the couple decided to start a family, confronting the challenges that often come with age and societal expectations. Farah chose the IVF route at a time when the topic was rarely discussed openly in public forums, particularly among celebrities.
Speaking candidly on Sania Mirza's podcast Serving It Up with Sania, Farah explained how she became one of the first prominent figures to break the silence around IVF in India. "It was quite common even then, but no one spoke about it," she revealed. "Everyone pretended like a stork had dropped the baby into their stomach. I don't know why it was taboo."
The emotional toll of the process was substantial. Farah described how she had to take daily injections on her thigh or stomach, and when the first two attempts failed, she spent two days lying in bed crying. "I didn't even realise how badly I wanted to be a mother until it failed," she confessed.
Physical Challenges and Unlikely Support System
When Farah finally became pregnant with triplets on her third IVF attempt, the physical demands were immense. "Because I was carrying triplets, everything was three times more intense," she shared. "I would throw up constantly, and my body broke out in rashes. I had rashes all over my stomach."
Sleep became a luxury as "at any time, one of the babies was pressing on my bladder." The filmmaker humorously noted that she "practically lived in the loo" during her pregnancy.
Interestingly, Shah Rukh Khan played an unexpected role in her successful IVF attempt. Farah revealed that Shah Rukh's annual two-month family vacation created the perfect window for her third IVF procedure. "I knew that third time would be it. I had only four eggs left," she stated, highlighting the pressure she felt during what would become her final attempt.
Unwavering Support from Husband Shirish Kunder
Throughout this challenging journey, Farah credited her husband Shirish Kunder as her rock-solid support system. "I had to visit the doctor every alternative day. Not once did he miss a doctor's visit," she shared emotionally.
Shirish's dedication extended far beyond medical appointments. "He looked after me through everything—even bathed and cleaned me when I couldn't move," Farah revealed. "He saw everything that maybe a husband shouldn't."
When IVF failed initially, Shirish comforted her with reassuring words: "It's fine, even if we don't have kids. We are happy now, and we will continue to be happy." Farah acknowledged that despite his comforting words, she knew he wanted children badly, especially being eight years younger than her.
Farah also commented on the ongoing stigma around assisted reproduction methods, noting that while celebrities like Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have been open about surrogacy, others still hide the truth about their children being conceived through IVF.
Farah Khan and Shirish Kunder welcomed their triplets—Czar, Diva, and Anya—in 2008, and the children are set to turn 18 next year. Her journey stands as a testament to perseverance, the importance of support systems, and breaking societal taboos around fertility treatments in India.
