Bollywood Actresses Who Were Pregnant During Shooting
Pregnancy is a life-changing journey, and for Bollywood actresses, balancing it with a demanding shooting schedule can be especially challenging. Over the years, several actresses have continued working even while expecting, showing true dedication to their craft. Let’s look at some famous Bollywood actresses who shot for films while they were pregnant—and how they handled the experience with grace and professionalism.
1. Kareena Kapoor Khan :
Kareena is one of the most celebrated examples of a Bollywood star embracing pregnancy while working. During her first pregnancy with Taimur (2016), she shot for several projects and walked the ramp for Sabyasachi in her third trimester. She even did brand endorsements and magazine covers showing her baby bump, breaking taboos about pregnancy in the public eye.
For her second pregnancy with Jeh (2021), Kareena filmed portions of Laal Singh Chaddha with Aamir Khan. She’s often spoken about normalizing working during pregnancy, inspiring countless women.
2. Anushka Sharma :
Anushka Sharma was pregnant while shooting ads and participating in work commitments in 2020. Though she had paused film shoots after Zero (2018), she continued with brand endorsements. Even in late pregnancy, she was seen shooting commercials in Mumbai. She shared candid photos from sets with her baby bump, promoting a healthy, body-positive approach.
3. Vidya Balan (Rumored) :
Vidya Balan has not publicly confirmed shooting full films during pregnancy but has spoken about how planning a family influenced her film scheduling choices. While there’s no confirmed movie where she was pregnant on set, she has talked about balancing personal and professional life in interviews.
(Optional to include : This is an example of how sometimes rumors swirl even when actresses try to keep their personal life private.)
Neha Dhupia :
Neha Dhupia was visibly pregnant while shooting for MTV Roadies. During her first pregnancy in 2018, she worked through much of the season, showing up on sets with her baby bump. She also walked the ramp for designers while heavily pregnant.
For her second child, Neha remained active in projects, making a point about normalizing motherhood in showbiz.
5. Kalki Koechlin :
Kalki announced her pregnancy in 2019 and continued stage performances and promotional appearances. While she didn’t shoot a full Bollywood film during her pregnancy, she was working on theater projects, brand work, and writing. Her open discussions about unwed motherhood and positive pregnancy experience were widely appreciated.
6. Celina Jaitly :
Celina Jaitly has shared that during her twin pregnancy, she did brand shoots and appearances. While she wasn’t filming mainstream movies at that time, she was involved in several commitments in Dubai and India, juggling pregnancy with work.
Changing Norms in Bollywood :
For years, actresses hid pregnancies or paused work completely due to social stigma or practical constraints. Today, there’s a growing shift. From Kareena’s high-profile ramp walk to Neha’s TV shows and Anushka’s ad shoots, Bollywood’s leading ladies are sending a clear message: pregnancy is normal, beautiful, and not a reason to hide or stop working.
Producers and directors have also become more flexible. Adjusted shooting schedules, maternity support on set, and embracing visible pregnancies for endorsements all signal a more progressive industry.
Final Thoughts :
Pregnancy doesn’t pause life it’s a part of it. These actresses have shown that you can carry your baby bump with pride, continue your career, and even redefine beauty standards along the way. Their stories inspire not just other actors but women everywhere to own their choices and celebrate their journeys.
