Actor says she will pursue her fitness goals at her own pace and wants to embrace motherhood without rushing back to her previous body shape
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif has spoken out against the pressure on women to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies soon after childbirth. Questioning the popular idea of “bouncing back”, the actor said she wants to embrace motherhood and this new phase of her life at her own pace.
In an interview with Vogue, Katrina reflected on the scrutiny women face over their bodies after giving birth. She said people today have access to enough information to understand the physical changes that accompany motherhood. If some still choose to judge women harshly for those changes, she believes it is a personal choice rather than a lack of awareness.
“We live in a world that wants to blow us around in the ever-changing winds of opinions,” Katrina said, adding that she would rather focus on the present and what lies ahead.
‘Bounce Back? From Where?’
Katrina questioned why new mothers are expected to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies as quickly as possible.
“Bounce back? From where?” she asked.
“I have taken a step ahead to something that was a deep desire in my heart, so why would I want to go back?” she said, describing motherhood as a meaningful new chapter rather than a phase from which she needs to return to her previous life.
The actor’s comments challenge the expectation that women should quickly regain their former body shape after childbirth, regardless of the physical and emotional changes involved.
Katrina Opens Up About Becoming a Mother
Katrina also recalled the emotions she experienced after the birth of her son, Vihaan. She described seeing his face for the first time as an indescribable feeling.
“The first few days after I gave birth, it was an indescribable feeling to see Vihaan’s face and know that four years of a journey for me and Vicky had led to this,” she said, reflecting on the journey she shared with her husband, actor Vicky Kaushal.
While Katrina remains conscious of her fitness goals, she is in no hurry to achieve them. She said she understands her body and knows when she feels most energetic.
“I am very aware of my fitness journey and where my body feels at its most energetic. I will reach there at my own pace,” she said.
Her remarks underline her preference for allowing herself time to adjust to motherhood rather than giving in to external expectations about her appearance.
Katrina Kaif Wants to Play a Villain Next
Although Katrina has no immediate plans to return to films, she has an idea of the kind of character she would like to portray when she eventually returns to the screen.
“I think I’d make a great Maleficent,” she said, expressing interest in playing a villain inspired by the iconic Disney character.
Katrina was last seen in the 2024 neo-noir thriller Merry Christmas, co-starring Vijay Sethupathi. Fans are awaiting further updates on her next project.
