Pregnancy is a life-changing phase, but several Bollywood actresses have shown that motherhood does not necessarily mean putting their careers on hold. Over the years, many leading women have continued shooting, promoting films or completing important professional commitments while expecting.
From Deepika Padukone’s work on Kalki 2898 AD to Yami Gautam’s commitment to Article 370, these actresses have challenged the idea that women have to choose between their personal and professional lives.
1. Deepika Padukone – Kalki 2898 AD
Deepika Padukone continued working during her pregnancy while completing her commitments to Kalki 2898 AD. Her appearance in the sci-fi film became particularly memorable, with the actor portraying a pregnant character in the story.
Her professional commitment during this phase received attention from fans, especially as she continued to balance her work with an important personal milestone.
2. Alia Bhatt – Heart of Stone
Alia Bhatt was pregnant with her daughter Raha while working on her Hollywood debut Heart of Stone. The actor had already completed portions of the project before pregnancy, but her professional commitments continued during the period.
Making her Hollywood debut while navigating such a major personal change became another significant chapter in Alia’s career.
3. Kareena Kapoor Khan – Laal Singh Chaddha
Kareena Kapoor Khan continued working on Laal Singh Chaddha while pregnant with her second child, Jehangir Ali Khan.
The actor had to complete portions of the film during her pregnancy, and her dedication became widely discussed. Kareena has often spoken about maintaining her professional identity while embracing motherhood, and her work on the Aamir Khan-starrer reflected that approach.
4. Kajol – We Are Family
Kajol continued her professional commitments around the time she was expecting her second child. Her film We Are Family, which also starred Kareena Kapoor Khan and Arjun Rampal, remains one of the projects associated with this phase of her career.
Kajol has always been vocal about finding her own balance between acting and family, choosing projects while also prioritising her personal life.
5. Jaya Bachchan – Sholay
Jaya Bachchan’s work during pregnancy remains one of the memorable examples from Bollywood’s earlier era. While filming the iconic Sholay, Jaya was pregnant with her and Amitabh Bachchan’s first child, Shweta Bachchan.
Her portrayal of Radha in the classic film went on to become one of the most remembered performances of her career. Despite the demanding circumstances surrounding the production, Jaya remained committed to the film.
6. Yami Gautam – Article 370
Yami Gautam also continued working while pregnant with her first child. The actor was associated with Article 370, in which she played an intelligence officer.
The film was a physically and emotionally demanding project, making her commitment during this period particularly noteworthy. Yami later embraced motherhood while continuing to remain connected with her acting career.
Women balancing motherhood and cinema
These actresses come from different generations and have worked in very different circumstances, but their stories share one common thread: motherhood did not mark the end of their professional journeys.
Whether it was completing a major film, making a Hollywood debut or taking on a physically demanding role, these actors demonstrated that women can continue pursuing their ambitions while entering a new phase of life.
Their journeys have also contributed to a larger change in Bollywood, where conversations around pregnancy, motherhood and women’s careers are becoming more open and less restrictive.
For many fans, their stories are not simply about working during pregnancy. They are about having the freedom to decide what works best for them—both as professionals and as mothers.
