Mama-to-be Deepika Padukone broke the joyous news of her pregnancy with a charming Instagram post alongside husband Ranveer Singh on February 29. The duo shared that their little bundle of joy is expected to arrive in September.
But, as always, the internet had to make a spectacle out of it. While some well-wishers showered the couple with love and blessings for this new chapter in their lives, others have taken it upon themselves to play the world’s worst guessing game about her pregnancy.
Amidst the sweet comments, a noisy faction of netizens has been busy criticizing her for not looking “pregnant enough.” Yes, you read that right. Comments like “She must be opting for surrogacy; she wouldn’t want to spoil her figure,” and “How can she be three months pregnant and not show a belly at all?” have been flying around. One particularly ludicrous remark stated, “Women in their second trimester don’t look like this.”
These objectifying comments peaked when Deepika, accompanied by Ranveer, stepped out to cast her vote in Mumbai.
But here’s the deal, folks: It’s her body, her choice. Deepika was simply fulfilling her civic duty, and the unsolicited remarks about her appearance were entirely unnecessary.
It’s not just Deepika facing this scrutiny—women in the film industry are often subjected to judgment. Whether it’s about gaining weight post-pregnancy, not losing it fast enough, being labeled “fake” for shedding pounds quickly, or being criticized for opting for surrogacy or IVF, the judgment never ends. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was harshly called “fat” for gaining weight after pregnancy. Priyanka Chopra and Gauri Khan received backlash for choosing surrogacy.
We do not support putting women down because of how they look. It’s high time we stop commenting on their bodies as if it’s everybody’s business. Let’s celebrate and support women for their choices and their journeys rather than tearing them down. Bottom line of everything, “Live and Let’s live”.