Farah Khan Opens Up About Her IVF Struggle and Husband Shirish Kunder's Unwavering Support

Farah Khan Opens Up About Her IVF Struggle and Husband Shirish Kunder's Unwavering Support

Bollywood filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan has shared an emotional and inspiring account of her journey to motherhood through IVF. In a heartfelt conversation on the podcast "Serving It Up With Sania" hosted by Sania Mirza, Farah spoke openly about the struggles and triumphs she faced during this challenging time, shining a light on a topic that was once considered taboo in Indian society.

Breaking the Silence on IVF

Farah Khan revealed that she was one of the first celebrities to openly discuss IVF, at a time when the procedure was rarely talked about publicly due to social stigma. She emphasized how common IVF had become but acknowledged that people remained hesitant to discuss it. Farah’s transparency has helped many women feel seen and encouraged as she candidly shared every detail of her experience.

The Journey Was Not Easy

Farah's IVF journey was particularly tough as she was carrying triplets. She recounted the severe morning sickness she endured, describing it as "three times worse" than usual, with constant vomiting, stomach rashes, and frequent bathroom visits caused by the babies pressing on her bladder. The discomfort was intense enough that sleeping flat was impossible; she had to recline in a chair to rest.

Adding to the physical and emotional challenges were the daily hormone injections required for IVF, which she recalled having to administer on her thighs or other parts of her body. She also shared the heartbreak of failed attempts, describing how the first two unsuccessful rounds of IVF left her crying in bed for two days.

Balancing Work and Treatment

Remarkably, Farah was undergoing this entire process while shooting the hit film "Om Shanti Om." She recalled a fortunate one-and-a-half-month break in filming during which Shah Rukh Khan went to London with his children. This break proved to be a blessing, allowing Farah much-needed rest and focus on her IVF treatment. At 42 years old with only four eggs left, she felt hopeful and determined to succeed.

The Crucial Role of Shirish Kunder

Farah was deeply supported by her husband, film editor Shirish Kunder, throughout her IVF journey and pregnancy. She fondly remembered how he accompanied her to hospital visits every alternate day, enduring long drives and spending hours by her side. Shirish went beyond emotional support, tending to Farah’s physical needs by bathing and caring for her, acts she described as those "a husband shouldn't have to see," highlighting his extraordinary devotion.

Even when IVF initially failed, Shirish remained calm and reassuring, telling her, "What will happen if we don't have kids? It's fine." However, Farah knew how much he longed for children, and their eventual success brought them immense joy.

Motherhood with Triplets

Farah and Shirish married in 2004 after developing a bond during the making of the film "Main Hoon Na." In 2008, they welcomed triplets—Diva, Anya, and Czar—who have since become central to their lives. Despite her fame, Farah keeps her personal life private, rarely sharing photos or details about her family publicly.

Empowering Others

Having gone through the grueling IVF process, Farah now encourages others to consider egg freezing and IVF when appropriate. Her openness continues to inspire many women and couples who face similar fertility challenges, normalizing the conversation and breaking down the taboos surrounding assisted reproductive technologies.

In summary, Farah Khan’s journey through IVF is a poignant story of resilience, love, and hope. Supported unwaveringly by her husband Shirish Kunder, she overcame significant struggles to become a mother to triplets, all while advocating for openness and understanding about fertility treatments. Her story sheds light on the emotional and physical realities of IVF, inspiring others with her courage and honesty.