Christina Devraj on being a new mom and at the centre of controversy

Christina Devraj has been at the forefront of all things spicy on the show and has been the centre of controversial conversations on The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, but apart from the drama, the 26-year-old new mother says being on the reality show has been an eye-opening experience. 

How has watching yourself on TV been?

It has been incredible. I enjoyed filming the show and seeing it come to life has been brilliant.

How would you describe your relationship with the women?

My relationship with my fellow cast members flows organically. I ruffle feathers and bring out everyone's true character. I came to the show as the spice and it definitely brought out personalities.

As the youngest mommy on the show, do you feel that is a positive or a negative thing?

There are challenges that come with it, but I think it’s important to stay positive regardless of what's going on around you and have a good sense of humour about everything.

Is there anything you would like to clarify from the show?

When I met Lenore, I was happy to know there was a person of colour on the show who isn't Indian because every cast member is Indian. I was happy she would bring much more history and diversity to the show, which would be a reflection of KwaZulu-Natal. When she invited me to her event, I accepted and as she spoke about being in Miss India SA, I commended her and asked her if, at the time, she had to work harder than the other contestants to prove she deserved a seat at that table, as I was sure the Indian contestants would have had an advantage to win. Our disagreement came when she positioned us in a separate lounge in front of the cameras to have this sensitive conversation and went off topic to discuss her opinion of who I am. The question I asked her was not to make her feel attacked in any way. I hoped she would educate those who want to enter Miss SA India or go for their dreams regardless of stereotypes or limitations like skin colour.

Is there anything you have learned about yourself while watching the show?

I've learnt it’s important to be strong and do what you set out to do. I've learned I am a lot more resilient than I thought I was. I wasn't well during the show but I showed up and made it happen.

Do you feel your fellow cast members gave you a fair shot?

I think whether or not the cast and I were best friends, we were all doing reality TV together and had to bring the spice. I had no choice but to be around them, even if we did not see eye to eye. I don't believe they should have been anything else than who they are. If it was all sugar, the show would not be interesting.⁠

Many people commend you for your outspokenness. Where does that come from?

I believe if you're not outspoken and don't have boundaries, people will walk all over you. My parents have been in the limelight and I look up to them. I learned early in life that being afraid harbours no room for growth and you will never accomplish your dreams by trying to fit into a box. I am definitely delusionally confident and believe in myself.

How is life as a new mommy?

Being mom to a daughter is empowering to me as a woman. My daughter is brave and strong and she is always doing things that surprise me. She's not scared of anything, even at her young age. There is nothing more beautiful than motherhood and nothing that makes you stronger than being a mom.