Kiara Advani on post-pregnancy scrutiny: Society expects you to be back in shape

Kiara Advani said women are celebrated during pregnancy but judged after childbirth. She said the post-partum phase brings the greatest pressure as women are expected to be back in shape.

In Short

• Kiara Advani reflected on motherhood pressures
• She described society treating women like devi during pregnancy
• Kiara said post-pregnancy women face appearance-based scrutiny

Actor Kiara Advani has spoken about motherhood and the expectations women often face after having a baby, saying the conversation around women can quickly shift from celebrating pregnancy to scrutinising their appearance and asking when they will return to work. She reflected on how society’s attitude can change sharply after childbirth.

In an interview with Bombay Times, Kiara said that women are often praised during pregnancy, only to be judged once the baby is born. She said, "And what is interesting is that – when you’re pregnant, everyone goes like, ‘Oh my God, you’re glowing, this, that.’ And the minute you’ve had a baby, it changes to, ‘Abhi moti lag rahi hai, thodi yeh lag rahi hain, thodi woh lag rahi hain.’"

The Toxic actor said that while pregnancy is often celebrated, the period after childbirth is when women need the most support. She added, "When you are pregnant, you are this devi (Goddess) and the minute you deliver the baby, they expect you to be back in shape and back on track. But the hardest part for the woman is after. That is the part where she needs support."

Kiara also spoke about how motherhood has changed the way she looks at her work, adding, "I feel directors who will work with me now, will get the best version of me. This journey has opened a new side to me, to my life and to my understanding of the world."

Kiara will next be seen in Toxic - A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups opposite Yash. The upcoming period gangster film is directed by Geetu Mohandas. Yash had shared Kiara's first look from the film on X in December 2025. His post read, "Introducing Kiara Advani as NADIA in - A Toxic Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups...#Toxic...#ToxicTheMovie (sic)."

The film is produced by Venkat K Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations respectively.

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