OMG ! U gottaaa readd diss !!

THE BABY WHISPERER

Sangeeta Bhargava's book, which she penned using her own experience as a mother-to-be, is an hit with women

ANJALI SINGH

SHE has struck a chord with all mothers and mothers-tobe. And why not, considering that Sangeeta Bhargava's inspiration for her first book has its source in her own pregnancy, as she tells Lucknow Times.
A Lucknowite to the core, this UK-based author, who is on a short trip to her home town, talks of why she thinks people identified with a book on pregnancy and baby care, across all cultures.
"In London with my husband when I was carrying my first baby, I was living away from home and in-laws, and had to manage on my own. Many questions kept popping into my mind as I went through the emotional and physical changes during those nine months. Doubts like – whether this is normal? Was this supposed to happen? – were there. And with no one to explain things to me, I realised that a lot of women, especially those of Indian origin who are living in a foreign land must be going through the same thing. So I decided to pen down my experiences and about being a first-time mom," she says.
The idea found an instant connect with readers, mostly women. "I was not surprised, as when I was deciding on the format of the book, I knew that a personal touch was required. It had to be different from a medical journal or a s e l f - h e l p book. A mother writing letters to her unborn child seemed the most workable option and I went ahead with it," explains Sangeeta.
What makes Sangeeta's book unique is that it is first novel which explores both pre- and post-natal care with a completely desi perspective.
"Books by foreign authors hardly deal with the myths and superstitions that are a part of Indian culture. Even now a set of ageold dos and don'ts are offered as well meaning advice to moms-to-be. I have explored everything and tried to give a logical reason behind their relevance and irrelevance," she avers.
A prolific writer since her college days, Sangeeta has
managed to keep her love for writing alive, despite being a full-time homemaker. She regularly contributes to magazines in the UK and even writes her own blog, sharing tips and information on the Saas-Bahu sagas.
"Indian serials are a big hit abroad, and most women follow them in various countries. I got the first hint when friends in different parts of the globe got in touch, asking me to give them an update on what's going to happen in the subsequent episodes. Owing to a difference in time zones, I got to see the serials first. Those updates on my blog became very popular. That's when I decided to write more on desi stuff," she adds. Going by feedback and rave reviews she has been getting, Sangeeta certainly has her fingers on the pulse of the reader. What with another book, a romantic novel in the backdrop of Avadh of 1857 as her next project, she's all set to train the spotlight on Lucknow once again! Way to go gal!

BOOKED! Sangeeta Bhargava