Bipasha Basu opens up about body-shaming and trolling after childbirth

Bollywood actor Bipasha Basu has opened up about the intense trolling and body-shaming she faced after giving birth to her daughter, Devi, in 2022. In a new cover interview with Elle India, Basu spoke about the unrealistic expectations placed on women's bodies, particularly after childbirth. Known for promoting fitness and healthy living, the actor said women are often expected to return to their younger bodies immediately after giving birth, regardless of their age or individual circumstances. 'The conversation around women's bodies is quite bizarre even now. Magically, when you give birth, you are supposed to get back into the shape of your twenties even when you are in your forties.' Basu added that women face harsh criticism when they do not quickly regain their pre-pregnancy appearance. 'What's expected of a 20-year-old is expected of a 40-year-old. And if you're not bouncing back, they're going to troll you. They're going to be massively brutal.' Bipasha recalls severe online trolling The actor, who welcomed her first child with husband Karan Singh Grover on November 12, 2022, recalled facing intense online criticism after becoming a mother. Basu also criticised the way paparazzi images can contribute to public scrutiny of women's bodies. 'I went through major, major trolling. A few insensitive paps took really bizarre pictures of me,' she said. According to Basu, much of the criticism ignores the physical and emotional demands placed on women after childbirth. 'They don't see how much effort the woman must be putting in, how much they have to do with a baby, with their life, with their lifestyle and also their personal pressures.' She added that women are often judged without consideration for everything they are managing in their personal lives. 'Nobody really cares. Everybody expects you to bounce back.' 'Outside noise does not really matter' Despite the criticism, Basu said she remains confident about her journey and does not allow online trolling to dictate her choices. 'I'm an extremely confident person, so no kind of trolling can break me.' The actor said she understands what she needs to do and will follow her own timeline rather than respond to external pressure.