Entertainment / Mother’s Day Special: How Bollywood & Hollywood Super Moms Show Us Women Can Have It All!

Mother’s Day Special: How Bollywood & Hollywood Super Moms Show Us Women Can Have It All!

Entertainment May 10, 2024

by Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

Actresses in Hollywood or Bollywood devote themselves entirely to gaining success and acclaim. However, once they marry and become mothers, these glamorous figures focus primarily on their roles as dedicated parents. In the past, some actresses encountered criticism and fewer opportunities after getting pregnant. Attitude has evolved, and prominent women are now defying stereotypes and forging their careers while balancing motherhood. They maintain that neither demanding acting roles nor perfecting their appearance on the red carpet can detract them from their familial duties.

Mothers should not feel obligated to sacrifice their careers upon entering motherhood. While some may prioritize being with their children full-time, others find fulfilment in maintaining their professional pursuits. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to being a great mother; balancing work and motherhood can take various forms.

In this article, the South Asian actresses showcased have chosen to continue pursuing their careers after becoming mothers, rather than solely focusing on being stay-at-home moms. Their choices highlight the diverse array of options available to mothers in navigating their professional and personal lives.

Alia Bhatt, celebrated for her compelling performances and striking appearance, recently embraced motherhood with the arrival of her one-year daughter, Raha. Despite this new chapter, she seamlessly transitioned back to work, starring in the film Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. In a candid interview, Bhatt shared her perspective on the challenge many working mothers face, urging them not to let guilt impede their professional ambitions. She emphasized the importance of giving one’s best while juggling responsibilities. Additionally, she made headlines last year for her debut appearance at the Met Gala and her prestigious designation as the Indian global ambassador for Gucci.

Mother's Day Special: South Asian Female Actors Embrace the Best of Both Worlds! — **Mother’s Day Special: South Asian Female Actors Embrace the Best of Both Worlds!**

Multifaceted entertainer Mindy Kaling leads a busy life as a mother raising two children. Since revealing her first pregnancy as a surprise back in 2017, Kaling, who has chosen to keep the identity of her children’s father private, has been fully occupied with caring for her young ones. Despite the challenges, she receives assistance in nurturing her six-year-old daughter, Katherine Swati, and her three-year-old son, Spencer Avu. Renowned for creating the widely popular Netflix comedy Never Have I Ever, Kaling has been occupied with numerous projects. She announced a production and acting role in the adaptation of Jennifer Weiner’s novel Good in Bed and also wrote the script for Legally Blonde 3. She has also added a cooking show to her repertoire, having teamed up with HelloFresh for four web episodes documenting her culinary adventures as a self-proclaimed solid B-minus cook.

Despite the romanticized depictions of motherhood on social media and in advertisements, the reality can be far from the picture-perfect scenes of stylish maternity wear and tranquil nursery setups. Sonam Kapoor, the Neerja actress who welcomed her baby boy Vaayu, has opened up about the challenges she faced during pregnancy. Kapoor candidly revealed that her pregnancy was tough, attributed partly to her advanced maternal age and the multitude of health issues she encountered. Throughout her journey, she has shared honest updates on her Instagram, bravely portraying the unfiltered realities of motherhood in her unique, unapologetic style. The actress has worked in Blind in 2023 after delivering the baby boy, and has a much-awaited upcoming sequel to Veere Di Wedding.

In 2022, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, renowned for her diverse career, joyously welcomed her daughter, Malti Marie, heralding a fresh and exciting phase in her life’s journey. Their newborn spent her initial 100 days under the care of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), finally joining them at home just in time for Mother’s Day later that year. Following the success of Citadel and Love Again in the past year, Priyanka Chopra Jonas has immersed herself in filming Heads Of State alongside esteemed actors Idris Elba and John Cena. During the interview with PEOPLE, she shared insights into her experiences of motherhood, describing it as a dynamic journey brimming with a spectrum of emotions.

Freida Pinto is known for her breakout role in Slumdog Millionaire. Since then, she’s appeared in various films like Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Immortals. Pinto is also recognized for her advocacy work for women’s rights and education. Pinto, celebrated the arrival of her first child, a son named Rumi-Ray, with her photographer husband Cory Tran. During an interview, Pinto opened up about her challenges during the postpartum period. She firmly rejected the idea that women should quickly return to their pre-pregnancy state, highlighting how childbirth profoundly changes them. Pinto shared her perspective from Austin, Texas, where she now lives with her family, noting the contrast in ambience from bustling Los Angeles as a welcome change.

Sakina Jaffrey is recognized for her roles in movies such as Raising Helen, Definitely Maybe, and The Truth About Charlie, and the American television drama series Billions. Her father, the acclaimed actor Saeed Jaffrey, was known for his work in both Indian and British cinema. Since 1990, Sakina has been married to Francis Wilkinson, with whom she shares two children: Jamila Wilkinson and Cassius Kumar Wilkinson.

Madhuri Dixit Nene, known as the ‘Dhak-Dhak’ girl, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at a press event, stands out as one of the most dynamic women in Bollywood. She decided to move to the United States after marrying Sriram Nene. Over twenty years, they have become parents to Arin Nene and Ryan Nene, managing their respective careers as Madhuri returns to acting and Sriram continues his work in medicine. While the actress may not have replicated the same level of success she enjoyed in the 80s and 90s, the actor demonstrates adeptness in balancing personal and professional realms.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, affectionately known as Bebo, shines as a radiant beauty, before and after marriage, captivating audiences with her stellar performances. She tied the knot with Saif Ali Khan in 2012, and together, they welcomed two sons – Taimur Ali Khan in 2016 and Jehangir Ali Khan in 2021. Throughout her journey, she has delivered numerous successful films, continuing to enchant her fans with her talent and charm.

Raveena Tandon established herself as a prominent figure in the 90s, excelling in mainstream cinema and roles that showcased her talent. She continues to sway in the entertainment industry, expanding her presence into OTT platforms and films. The actress and film distributor Anil Thadani have been married for over twenty years and have a daughter named Rasha Thadani. The ‘Tip Tip Barsa Paani’ actress challenges the conventional image of a typical celebrity mother, despite her daughter nearing her much-anticipated debut on the silver screen at 18. With her timeless beauty and boundless vitality, she exudes the same freshness that captivated audiences 33 years ago when she first graced Hindi cinema in Patthar Ke Phool.

Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji, who married Aditya Chopra in 2014, is the proud mother of a daughter named Adira. Her return to the big screen was marked by the film Hichki, following her last appearance in the 2014 movie Mardaani. After the release of Mardaani, Rani Mukerji took a hiatus lasting four years before making her comeback. The actress openly discussed her struggles with anxiety regarding leaving her daughter at home, as it meant entering a new environment without her familiar presence. This dilemma is common among working mothers, grappling with the separation from their children. However, she believes that Adira will gradually adjust and comprehend that both her parents need to work. Ultimately, it will become a normal part of their routine, something that Adira will grow accustomed to and possibly even take pride in.

Numerous actresses opt to marry when their acting careers are flourishing, with Kajol Devgan being a prominent example that comes to mind. Kajol and Ajay Devgn, who tied the knot in 1999, are proud parents to two children, Nysa and Yug. Following the birth of their daughter in 2003, Kajol’s filmography has been limited to select projects such as Fanaa, U Me Aur Hum, My Name Is Khan, We Are Family, and Toonpur Ka Superrhero. The actress manages the delicate balance between her work and caring for her two older children through a constant juggling act, where each moment presents new challenges. In one of the interviews, Kajol emphasized the importance of accepting that some days she excels as a mother, others as a wife, and sometimes as an actor.

These actresses fearlessly share their journeys through motherhood, from openly discussing breastfeeding to confidently addressing its challenges. Whether they balance home life with careers or focus on raising their families, their unwavering confidence inspires people from all walks of life. Happy Mother’s Day to my mother in India and all the mothers who will surely smile while reading this article.

Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

Author

Mehak Kapoor (@makeba_93) is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience in anchoring and content creation for TV and digital platforms. Passionate about storytelling and factual reporting, she enjoys engaging with diverse audiences. Outside of work, she finds solace i...

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by Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

COMMENTS

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