Filmmaker Nidhi Dutta on miscarriage, IVF, and filming Border 2 during pregnancy

India Today

5 days ago

Filmmaker Nidhi Dutta recently shared her IVF journey on social media. In a society where conversations around infertility and assisted conception are still considered taboo, Dutta hopes to help change perceptions. Speaking exclusively to India Today, Dutta shared that her decision to speak about her pregnancy was aimed at normalising the process and offering hope to women facing similar challenges.Interestingly, her pregnancy journey started as they geared up for Border 2, and it culminated as filming wrapped. 'The timeline is surprising. I think the baby will have no choice but to be absolutely filmy,' she laughed.advertisementOpening up about her decision to talk about IVF through social media, Nidhi Dutta said that it has been a long four-year journey for her. 'When the term TTC came, I was clueless, as were many other women. It means 'trying to conceive', and every parent battling infertility, waiting for adoption or surrogacy to come through, comes under the umbrella. I never planned or jumped into sharing my experience; it all came naturally to me. It was just a way of conversation where I would mention my procedure in passing. However, when I started talking about it, I realised there are so many women around me who have been through the same. And I was shocked — why didn't you ever mention it, even as a friend? I understand it's a personal preference, but just normalising it will bring so much hope to others,' she said.
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Dutta acknowledged that while she had an amazing partner and family to support her throughout, a woman has to go through tough times alone. "Your hormones are all over the place, you have to take the injections; what you are feeling cannot be put into words. There are so many women, especially in smaller towns, going through it. I know of women who weren't allowed to talk about it as their in-laws felt it would bring shame to the family. Mentally, we need that support, and I realised that with the number of messages that I got after my post. Seeing even one person in the same boat gives you so much hope. I see so many celebrities talk about IVF after their delivery, giving a laydown of the technicalities. But the doctor can tell you that — what women need is to know how to find the strength, and that needs to be shared,' she added.
Dutta also spoke about working on set while pregnant and surprising the cast and crew when she finally shared the news. She recalled actor Varun Dhawan being present that day, along with the film's director. She said he and the director were not ready to believe that she was expecting, given how active she had been.advertisement'We were shooting in an army base, and I was in full action mode, while my husband's heart was in his mouth. I think as women, we understand our bodies. You do have to be cautious with your diet, but every pregnancy is different. I was constantly in touch with my doctors and flying to Mumbai for my regular scans. The crew also started getting me homemade food, I had a dedicated bathroom van. Through this journey, I also realised that women in India are giving birth in fields. They are such powerful forces. I think we know we have to work, and that gives us strength. I mean, I had to make a film that the whole world has been waiting for,' she smiled, as she spoke about the challenges of working while carrying her child.The filmmaker also touched on the sensitive topic of the desire to have a child, saying that this too should be part of open discussions. 'I got married in March 2021 and conceived naturally in May. I soon miscarried, and more than physically, it left a very bad mental trauma. The 6–7 weeks were so exciting for us as a couple that it made us realise that we wanted to have a baby. Then the journey began — naturally, IUI and IVF. But I know the feeling, the yearning, and the pain I went through in the last four years. Just seeing someone announce their pregnancy on social media would leave me distressed. I think for every woman dealing with infertility, what sets them apart is their strength never to give up. Even in my lowest low, I stood up and went to work. And I want to pass that hope and will to others now,' Dutta said.advertisementOn a final note, we asked her about what kind of world she is hoping to give her baby. 'Honestly, I keep telling my mother that since it was so difficult to reach this point, my focus was on this, and I haven't thought beyond. I will take each step as it comes. But like every parent, you want to hope for the best. With no wars, Covid has also decided to come back, so not that too,' the producer said with a smile.Nidhi Dutta's Border 2 is slated for release on January 23, 2026. You May Also Like