Most would aspire to win an award like Padma Shri when they grow up. Madhuri Dixit Nene wanted none of it. She only wanted to have kids when she was older – and 12 of them! Says the actress who received the fourth highest civilian award in India, “I have never aspired for awards.

I have seen people rallying for awards but I have never been a part of this politics. But my husband is very proud of me. When I got the letter from India, he asked me what is Padma Shri. When I explained the honour, he was so awed!”

Madhuri goes on to reveal that as a kid, she had an absolutely different list of must-dos. “Even as a kid, I talked of growing up and having kids as I love children. I used to tell my mother that I want to have 12 kids. But after two, I just gave up the idea,” she laughs. Mother of five-year-old Arin and three-year-old Ryan, the actress says her kids make her feel beautiful. “When I was carrying Arin, I was nervous, apprehensive and very happy. But the first time I held him in my arms, it all felt so worth it.”