In the name of family

Not many would have survived the rollercoaster ride they’ve been on since they tied the knot. In conversation with Priya Dutt and Owen Roncon 

When he married her four years ago, little did he know his life would change so drastically. In quick succession, she got pregnant, lost her father (late actor/MP Sunil Dutt), was compelled to enter politics for his constituents’ sake, all the while playing the dutiful sister to troubled superstar Sanjay Dutt.

Today, Owen Roncon and Priya Dutt are on their way to becoming parents for the second time and from the look of things, the ride has been well worth it!

“True, we’ve never really got time to enjoy our marriage and it almost looks like we were brought together to be each other’s support system. But as long as you are enjoying what you are doing and who you are with, other things don’t really matter,” says Owen.

Child’s play
The camaraderie between Owen, Priya and their 19-month-old son Siddharth is evident as he bounces in and out of their  living room, trying to grab his parent’s attention. “He’s such a happy kid… like me,” says the proud papa, quickly adding, “and he really enjoys food…like  Priya!”

The couple, who lead hectic lives (she as MP and him as proprietor of Oranjuice Entertainment), have made a conscious effort to ensure at least one parent is around to look after their son. And while there’s no mistaking Siddharth is a Dutt, the strong bond he shares with his dad is more than apparent. “Owen is a damn good father,” Priya reasserts.

Parent trap
Like everything else in their lives, Priya’s second pregnancy too wasn’t planned. “Owen was a little shaken when we found out as he’s still getting used to being dad to Siddharth,” laughs Priya who is due in four months. “Yeah man, I was looking forward to two-three years of marital bliss,” chides Owen.

But jokes aside, Priya says having siblings herself, she was very keen to have a second child. “I had such a fabulous childhood, which is why I was keen Siddharth experience the same. And Owen adds, “Hopefully, it will be a girl.”

Sanjay, the mamu
Sanju loves Siddhrath, say the couple. “He’s always teaching him rubbish. In fact, the two of them are always up to some mischief or the other,” reveals Owen. And by the way the toddler was warming up to the camera, it’s quite possible he’ll follow in mamu’s footsteps.

On Trishala
Contrary to perception, the whole Dutt family is extremely close to Sanjay’s daughter Trishala, who lives with her maternal grandparents in the US. “She is a very special and affectionate child; she loves coming down to India and being with us all, especially her cousins (sister Namrata and Kumar Gaurav’s daughters),” reveals Priya, adding that the family speaks to her every second day.

Politically correct
Finally, for all the hangers on who think they can influence Priya through Owen, here’s some important information, “That’s the worst way to get your work done!” warns Priya, as Owen jokes, “Even I have to take an appointment with her office to talk about political issues!”

g_sheree@dnaindia.net