In a heartfelt revelation on the latest season of the chat show ‘What Women Want’, hosted by none other than her sister-in-law Kareena Kapoor, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt laid bare the emotional upheaval she experienced during a pivotal moment in her life—introducing her daughter Raha to the public. Alia, who welcomed Raha in 2022 with her husband, fellow actor Ranbir Kapoor, appeared on the show to discuss various aspects of her life, including her new film ‘Jigra’, her journey as a mother, and her mental health struggles.
Alia’s conversation with Kareena was both revealing and poignant, as she delved into the anxiety-fraught moments preceding the decision to unveil Raha’s face to the world. The couple had, until Christmas of the previous year, maintained a protective veil over their daughter’s identity, politely requesting paparazzi to abstain from capturing images of her. Alia explained that this choice was not made lightly and described feeling a significant surge of anxiety at the thought of their first family photograph session with the media.
With grace and openness, she shared, “I have been clinically diagnosed with anxiety, and this affected me deeply. Before stepping out that day, Ranbir and I had a heart-to-heart conversation, acknowledging my anxieties. He totally got it, he understood the stress it caused me and we spent the drive from Bandra to Juhu discussing my fears. Ultimately, I reminded myself that this is our life, and the intention was never for people to think we were hiding our daughter.”
This form of open communication between the couple reflects their understanding and compassion for one another, as well as their mutual support in dealing with public life. Alia recounted how she strived to sidestep turning the revelation into a spectacle, instead allowing the moment to happen organically. She fondly described the touching instance where their daughter reached out to hold both of their faces, a memory that remains dear to her.
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However, Alia admitted that her concerns have not fully abated. She continued to express her discomfort whenever Raha is caught in the flurry of camera flashes, often appealing to photographers to avoid using strong lights on her little girl’s face. This ongoing nervousness highlights the continuing challenge celebrities face in balancing their personal lives with the relentless scrutiny of public and media attention.
Further along in her discussion with Kareena, Alia turned to the dynamics of parenting shared with Ranbir. The couple, she revealed, has found a rhythm in distributing parental duties. Alia undertakes the task of organizing their daughter’s schedule—managing her sleep, meals, and playtime—while Ranbir, in a role fitting for his playful persona, assumes responsibility for the creative and recreational aspects of Raha’s upbringing. Alia humorously noted that despite her efforts to be part of the fun, Raha views her father and director Ayan Mukerji as the true entertainers, relegating her to being ‘a little fun’.
The episode not only highlighted Alia’s candidness about her life adjustments as a new mother but also her resilience in navigating the challenges posed by anxiety. By sharing her experience, she not only humanizes the perception of celebrity life but also contributes to the broader conversation about mental health—a testament to Alia’s evolving roles both on and off the screen.
Within the comfortable confines of the chat show, Alia Bhatt’s interview with Kareena Kapoor shed light on real and intimate aspects of her life, allowing audiences a peek into her world as a mother, artist, and woman finding strength in vulnerability. Her story is reflective of many modern parents striving to shield their children from the public eye, underscoring the balancing act required in maintaining privacy amidst public curiosity. As Alia navigates this path, her candid sharing serves as a beacon of inspiration and understanding for many who resonate with her journey.
