Bollywood star Anushka Sharma, known for her grace both on and off the screen, once opened up about a deeply personal aspect of motherhood that resonated with many — her vulnerable thoughts around body image after giving birth. In a past interview that continues to strike a chord with women everywhere, the actress shared the emotional and psychological challenges she encountered after welcoming her daughter with cricketer-husband Virat Kohli.
Anushka admitted that, despite being in the spotlight and having access to fitness experts, nutritionists, and stylists, she wasn’t immune to the self-critical thoughts that often haunt new mothers. “There was a phase when I genuinely feared I would start hating my own body,” she revealed. “It’s not easy. As someone who has always been active and health-conscious, the changes that came with pregnancy and childbirth were overwhelming.”
The actress said she noticed herself looking differently at her reflection during that period. “I remember clicking a picture and staring at it for a while, not because I was admiring it, but because I was trying to come to terms with the new version of myself. It took me a few minutes to recognize that I had changed — physically, mentally, emotionally,” she shared.
Anushka was quick to emphasize that this feeling wasn’t about vanity or aesthetic obsession, but rather about identity. “For so long, especially as actors, our physical appearance is so tied to our professional life. When it changes drastically, even for the most beautiful reason — like motherhood — you still go through moments of confusion and insecurity.”
She also touched upon how social media can magnify these feelings. With countless images of new moms flaunting seemingly perfect post-baby bodies, the pressure to ‘bounce back’ quickly can be damaging. “There’s this invisible race everyone is running, and I had to consciously remind myself not to participate in it,” Anushka said. “I didn’t want to be unkind to myself. I had to remind myself that my body had done something miraculous — it had given life.”
Despite these honest confessions, Anushka shared that she gradually began embracing her postpartum journey with a sense of compassion and pride. “I focused on healing. I surrounded myself with positive energy and took things slowly. There were days I felt good, and days I didn’t — and I allowed myself to feel both without guilt.”
Today, Anushka uses her platform to advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness, especially for new mothers. Her candidness about her journey not only breaks stereotypes but also empowers women to embrace the full spectrum of experiences that come with motherhood.
As she continues to balance motherhood, work, and wellness, Anushka Sharma stands as a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness — it’s strength in its most honest form.
