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Swara Bhasker Reflects on Postpartum Body Shaming, Drawing Comparisons to Aishwarya Rai

Last Updated: February 02, 2025, 17:18 IST

Actor Swara Bhasker recently spoke about the postpartum body shaming she has endured and drew parallels to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s experience after giving birth.

Swara Bhasker addresses postpartum body shaming, recalling how Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was unfairly criticized after giving birth.

For public figures, especially women, the spotlight often brings with it unwanted scrutiny, particularly regarding their physical appearance. Whether they experience swift weight loss or take a more gradual approach post-childbirth, they are frequently subjected to criticism. Notably, Bollywood actresses like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan faced backlash for her postpartum experience, while Alia Bhatt received negative attention for her rapid recovery. Regardless of their choices, the judgment can be relentless.

Swara Bhasker, who became a mother to her daughter Raabiyaa in September 2023, has recently spoken candidly about the body shaming she encountered in the postpartum period. In her reflections, she drew attention to the unrealistic expectations society often places on women, exemplified by Aishwarya Rai’s own experiences with public criticism after the birth of her daughter.

In a conversation with BBC News India, Swara expressed, “Women in the glamour industry are never truly left alone. There’s always some level of judgment—whether it’s about their life choices, career, or even how they navigate motherhood.” She recounted how Aishwarya faced challenges, describing how unflattering images of the actress circulated widely after the birth of her daughter Aaradhya. “I recall an interview where Aishwarya was asked about not immediately returning to her pre-pregnancy figure. She responded with such poise. Many would have felt angered, but she simply said, ‘I was just living my life with my baby… my real life.’ That statement resonated with me. If someone as universally admired as Aishwarya isn’t exempt from such treatment, then who am I?” Swara reflected.

Swara, who married politician Fahad Ahmad under the Special Marriage Act in February 2023, has consistently used her platform to advocate against societal pressures imposed on women, especially regarding motherhood. Despite facing significant online trolling, she maintains a firm stance: motherhood is a deeply personal path, and it’s not for others to dictate how a woman should experience it.

On the work front, Swara was last seen in the 2022 film Mimamsa, directed by Gagan Puri, and is now preparing for her upcoming project, Mrs. Falani.

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