Bounce back? From where? Katrina Kaif scoffs at postpartum body-shaming

Katrina Kaif has a pointed question for those who expect women to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies soon after childbirth: “Bounce back? From where?” The actor, who welcomed her son Vihaan with husband Vicky Kaushal, has spoken about postpartum body-shaming, motherhood and learning to balance her personal and professional life in a conversation with Vogue.Katrina faced online criticism after attending the Ambanis’ Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in September. Despite having given birth less than a year earlier, the actor was subjected to comments about her appearance. However, she says she would rather focus on this phase of her life than let public opinion affect her.“We live in a world that wants to blow us around in the ever-changing winds of opinions,” she said, adding that people are aware of the physical changes a woman’s body undergoes after childbirth. If they still choose to judge women harshly, she believes, it is a personal choice rather than a lack of information.Katrina Kaif on postpartum fitnessThe actor has no intention of rushing her fitness journey to meet other people’s expectations. For her, motherhood is a step forward, not a phase she needs to reverse. For Katrina, becoming a mother has been a deeply personal milestone. She recalled the emotions she experienced when she first saw her son and reflected on the journey she and Vicky had taken to start their family.“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. While the actor remains conscious of her fitness, she wants to approach it without unnecessary pressure. She knows how her body feels when she is at her healthiest and most energetic, but is not setting herself a deadline to get there.“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 comments challenge the pressure often placed on women, particularly celebrities, to regain their pre-pregnancy appearance soon after giving birth.Katrina Kaif praises Vicky Kaushal as a fatherKatrina also spoke warmly about her husband, describing him as an incredible partner who gives her space to be herself and listens to her.She praised Vicky’s family values and integrity, joking that he is wise in practice while she is wise in theory. She also spoke about his role as a father, saying he manages to be fully present with her and their son even after working long hours.The couple’s romantic dinners and movie nights have taken a backseat since becoming parents. However, Katrina said Vicky continues to reassure her that they will find time for those moments again.Katrina Kaif on her career and return to filmsApart from acting, Katrina remains closely involved with her beauty brand, Kay Beauty. The actor has no immediate plans to return to films. For now, she is enjoying spending more time with her family, staying away from social media and making sure she does not miss bedtime with Vihaan.When she eventually returns to acting, Katrina hopes to take on a role that allows her to explore a different side of her craft. She has a particular character in mind: a villain.- Ends