MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has faced body-shaming on social media after making a public appearance months after giving birth, prompting fellow actress Shivaleeka Oberoi to speak out against criticism of postpartum body changes.
Katrina, who married actor Vicky Kaushal in December 2021, welcomed their son Vihaan on November 7, 2025. She had largely remained away from public appearances following the birth before attending filmmaker Kuku Kohli’s funeral with her husband on August 26.
Katrina Kaif’s Appearance Draws Social Media Reactions
Photos and videos from the appearance circulated widely online. While many users congratulated Katrina on motherhood and shared supportive messages, others commented critically on changes in her appearance and weight.
Katrina and Vicky did not publicly respond to the remarks, but Shivaleeka Oberoi defended the actress and criticized the scrutiny directed at women’s bodies after childbirth.
Sharing Katrina’s photograph, Shivaleeka said physical changes after pregnancy and childbirth were natural and should not become a reason to shame women.
She noted that postpartum recovery differs from person to person and can involve fatigue, bloating and other physical changes.
Shivaleeka Calls for Realistic View of Postpartum Recovery
Shivaleeka also argued against unrealistic expectations that women should quickly return to their pre-pregnancy appearance after childbirth.
She stressed that postpartum recovery does not follow a single timeline and said women should not be embarrassed or criticized for natural changes to their bodies.
Shivaleeka, who also became a mother recently, spoke from her own perspective while expressing support for women experiencing postpartum changes.
Katrina has kept her professional engagements limited since becoming a mother. Her most recent film was “Merry Christmas,” co-starring Vijay Sethupathi, which was released in 2024.