At the launch of the Philips Avent Handsfree Breast Pump, the face of the brand, Masaba Gupta, speaks to Neeta Nair about her most relatable brand association yet.
Q] Masaba, every time I’ve seen you play a role on screen, I’ve found it instantly relatable. As a new mom, how relatable do you find the wearable breast pump by Philips Avent?
Of most things I’ve done, even pre-pregnancy, this is the most relatable brand association I could have thought of. Not only is it the need of the hour and an essential, but it’s also so disruptive. The fact that something like this didn’t exist for so many years is just crazy to me. I don’t know how women managed in the past. It’s not only relatable, it’s something that will change the way women think about motherhood and breastfeeding as we move forward.
Q] Today, there’s such a range of products and offerings for young moms and children. But they say a mother knows best. What was the ‘Masaba test’ to figure out if this was really good and safe for you and your baby?
I’ll be honest—I tried multiple types of breast pumps during my feeding journey. It was trial and error. This one just instantly fit. It should feel comfortable, like an extension of your body. The pump is so easy to use—you choose your setting, your frequency. All these things matter because breastfeeding, and especially pumping, is exhausting. It’s like running a marathon—physically draining. I’d be sweating after every session. When you have something like this, it makes a big difference. I’ve seen videos of moms pumping while doing planks, but to me, it should be easy to use, easy to carry, and a staple in your bag. The Philips Avent breast pump ticks all those boxes.
Q] These days, ‘mom guilt’ seems almost built into society, especially for working mothers. Did you battle that when you gave birth?
I still battle it today, but only because I’m on social media. If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t feel even one percent of mom guilt. It’s largely driven by social media and multiple mommy groups. I’m not someone who thrives in many groups—I stick to one that truly resonates with me. I think mom guilt has been strangely glorified. I wonder if someone who doesn’t have it feels like something’s wrong with them. But every mom is different—different challenges, circumstances, and support systems. I know women who have no mom guilt at all, and that’s a superpower.
Q] To talk about mothers, we have to talk about yours. You share such a warm and open relationship with your mom, and she’s known for being a total badass. What’s the most badass advice she’s given you as a mother?
That you will do everything and more for your child, but you must never forget to do something for yourself. Even something like how you look—my mom once told me, ‘Put on a nice shirt, your day will go better.’ So, I started doing that. On off days, I’d put on a little makeup, feed my daughter, order the food I wanted, go for a walk—things you usually don’t prioritise in those early months. The first three months are exceptionally hard for any new mom. You need your mom around, it’s calming. Someone once told me, if you can raise your child for the first 40 days without getting on WhatsApp, it’s game-changing. I wish I’d followed that. Because at 2 or 3 am, when you’re on Google, you’ll inevitably find something contradictory to what you’re doing, and then you panic. My mom is very rooted in reality. She’ll say, ‘Why can’t your child play with utensils?’ Meanwhile, I’m ordering toys for every milestone—hand coordination, motor skills, tick, tick, tick. And my daughter just wants a spoon or a bowl. My mom says, ‘We didn’t know what sensory play or milestones were—we were just winging it.’
Q] Are you still going to Google for your first level of information?
I’ve stopped. My gynaecologist, Dr. Nozar, has a coffee mug that says, ‘Please don’t come to me with your Google questions. Don’t confuse Google with my degree.’ It’s true. Now, I reach out to my medical support team—they know, they’ve seen it.
Q] They’ll tell you if something is really wrong or if you’re just panicking.
Exactly. I’ve stopped going down the Google rabbit hole. Otherwise, ChatGPT will tell you one thing, something else will tell you another—there’s no end to it.
Q] You’ve worn multiple hats—designer, actor, and now a new mother. Which role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy being an entrepreneur the most. I love creating products. Being an actor can be a side gig for me—I have very low tolerance for nonsense and for not getting what I deserve. When I create products and run my brands, I take charge. That’s what I truly enjoy, alongside being a mom.
Q] Are we going to see you in more ads? I loved the Myntra ad with Neena Gupta ji.
Oh yes! I’m part of the Myntra family for their home section, so definitely more to come. I also enjoyed doing a campaign for Urban Company’s new service. I like these one-off shoots. And I’ve really enjoyed being here today.
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