Natasa Stankovic Reflects On Career, Comeback, And Motherhood

Natasa Stankovic, model-actor and ex wife of Indian Cricketer Hardik Pandya recently made a return to the runway at the Bombay Times Fashion Week, marking her first ramp walk in several years. What made the moment special was the presence of her son, Agastya, who cheered her on from the sidelines.

“Stepping onto the ramp, I felt such a rush of emotions. I was a bit nervous, excited, and nostalgic at the same time. It was beautiful — like reclaiming a part of myself I hadn’t visited in a while” she shared in a conversation with Times of India.

She added that it was Agastya’s wish to attend the show. “It was Agastya’s wish to come and watch the show, and he really enjoyed it. Later, he said, ‘Mama, you were looking so pretty.’ He keeps me grounded and reminds me to live in every moment. Yes, I want to get back to work now.” Natasa said, expressing her desire to re-engage with her career.

She further added that returning to the runway stirred memories of her early modeling days. “It took me back to the early days, when everything was new and exciting. But this time, I felt more present, confident, and powerful,” she said.

When asked if this signals more ramp appearances in the future, Natasa responded, “When you love something, it stays with you. Stepping back into it reminded me just how much I love the art of it. That part of me is still very much alive.So yes, if the right opportunity comes along, I’d definitely consider it.”

Natasa, who has earlier appeared in reality shows like Nach Baliye and Bigg Boss 8, also reflected on her Bigg Boss experience, “When I was in Bigg Boss (2014), I came across as a very shy person who spoke less. Actually, it was more of a language barrier; I was not able to speak much Hindi then. Also, I felt one had to act in a certain way in the house. I just didn’t know what to do. I didn’t quite understand the whole concept of the show at that time. Of course, I don’t regret anything that I have done. Everything has its own timing, and I’m sure I have learnt something from every experience.”

Natasa and Hardik tied knots during the 2020 lockdown in an intimate ceremony and welcomed their son in July 2020. They also celebrated a lavish vow ceremony in Udaipur in 2023 but announced their separation in July 2024. In their statement, they described it as a “tough decision” but affirmed their commitment to co-parenting their son Agastya.