Neelima Azeem on raising Shahid & Ishaan as a single mother

Actor Neelima Azeem has witnessed a professional and personal life with innumerable ups and downs. She did several roles in films and TV shows in the 90s but wasn't to be seen in other projects later.

She was married to Pankaj Kapur first, followed by Rajesh Khatter and it was from these marriages, she gave birth to Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter respectively.

Fascinatingly, Azeem raised Kapoor and Khatter as a single mother and is glad that she can now enjoy her life and watch her sons progress in cinema and spend quality time with her grand children (Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput's children) Misha and Zain.

Talking about it with ETimes, Azeem said, "I raised my kids as a single mother and it was very tough in those days. Now, after working very hard and struggling for so many years, it is a happy time to watch my sons do exceptionally good work in films and spend time with my grand kids. I don't have to now bother about anything and can easily relax while my sons look after me so well. Both Zain and Misha are great fun to be with and it is a delight watching them grow."

She mentioned how her daughter-in-law Mira Rajput had brought everyone together, "I can never tire talking about Mira. She has brought our entire family together. She keeps us all happy and I am glad that Shahid has found a great companion in her. More than anything, she is very warm, lovable and I feel I am totally blessed to have a happy family now." Sharing her views on the kind of films Shahid and Ishaan are part of, she said, "Shahid has done some many interesting films and carved a niche for himself and similarly, Ishaan also started very young and early in his career. He has attempted to act in very different films. I am glad that I am mother of sons who have worked their way to success in Bollywood."

Azeem, who is a Kathak dancer also plans to start her own academy. She says, "This year, we lost our guru Birju Maharajji. I have trained under him and want to get back to dancing full time soon. I also plan to start an academy soon."