Renuka Shahane slams trolls for body-shaming Aishwarya Rai

Actor Renuka Shahane has spoken out in defense of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, condemning the unfair criticism and trolling the global icon has faced over her physical appearance after becoming a mother. Her remarks shed light on the persistent issue of body-shaming and the double standards women in the film industry continue to face, especially post-pregnancy.

Renuka Shahane Speaks Out Against Body-Shaming

In a recent interview, Renuka Shahane addressed how Aishwarya Rai, despite her longstanding success and global recognition, continues to face scrutiny over her red carpet appearances—particularly at the Cannes Film Festival. The actor pointed out the hypocrisy in public discourse, where instead of celebrating Aishwarya’s achievements and her continued representation of India on international platforms, people often choose to criticize her physical transformation after childbirth.

Renuka said that conversations around Aishwarya’s body and wardrobe choices are misplaced and deeply insensitive. She emphasized that people should celebrate her consistent professional accomplishments rather than engage in judgmental commentary about her looks. “Should we not celebrate her achievements over the years? She has been representing India on a global stage for so long, and yet all people focus on is what she wears or how she looks. Please don’t do that. If you don’t have anything kind to say, just keep quiet,” she said firmly.

Aishwarya Rai’s Journey After Motherhood

Aishwarya Rai, one of India’s most celebrated actors and former Miss World 1994, married actor Abhishek Bachchan in 2007. The couple welcomed their daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, on November 16, 2011. Following her pregnancy, Aishwarya took a short break from acting to focus on motherhood.

However, soon after her daughter’s birth, Aishwarya began facing harsh criticism from sections of the media and social media users for not conforming to conventional expectations about how a woman “should look” after childbirth. Her red carpet appearances, especially at the Cannes Film Festival, were often dissected and ridiculed by trolls who commented on her weight and outfits.

Despite the negativity, Aishwarya maintained her grace and composure, continuing to represent India as a global ambassador for several international brands and at major film events. Her confidence and commitment to her work made her an inspiration for many women worldwide.

Abhishek Bachchan’s Response to the Criticism

At the time, Abhishek Bachchan also came forward in support of his wife. The actor strongly condemned the insensitive remarks directed toward Aishwarya, calling them “ungraceful and unnecessary.” In an earlier interview, he said, “It’s extremely insensitive, and no one has the liberty to speak about her like that. She’s a public figure, yes, but also a woman and a mother. There’s a line that should not be crossed.” His statement reflected the frustration many families of female celebrities face when personal aspects of their lives are unfairly targeted.

Renuka Shahane on Social Media Pressure

Renuka Shahane further highlighted how the rise of social media has created an environment of constant judgment for celebrities, especially women. “With social media, it’s a different world now. There’s so much pressure to look perfect all the time. Living under constant scrutiny is very tough, especially for female actors,” she said.

The actor noted that the expectations placed on women to “bounce back” to their pre-pregnancy bodies are unrealistic and damaging. “After becoming a mother, there’s an expectation that you should look the same as before. It’s unfair and harmful,” she added.

Renuka’s comments reflect a growing conversation within the entertainment industry about mental health, body positivity, and the need to treat artists with empathy and respect.

A Broader Issue in the Entertainment Industry

The incident once again highlights the broader issue of body image standards and gender bias in the film industry. Female actors often face disproportionate scrutiny over their appearance compared to their male counterparts. While men are praised for their performances and longevity in the industry, women are often judged for aging, weight gain, or style choices.

Aishwarya’s experience is a reflection of how public opinion can impact even the most accomplished personalities. Despite being a global icon, with a career spanning over two decades and numerous accolades to her name, she continues to face unnecessary commentary that undermines her contributions to cinema and culture.

Aishwarya Rai’s Continuing Success

On the professional front, Aishwarya Rai was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s historical epic Ponniyin Selvan II (2023). The film, based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s classic Tamil novel, featured an ensemble cast including Vikram, Karthi, Trisha, and Jayam Ravi. It emerged as a major box office success, grossing over ₹340 crore worldwide. Aishwarya’s portrayal of Nandini, the ambitious and vengeful queen, received widespread critical acclaim.

Although Aishwarya has not officially announced her next project, her fans eagerly await her return to the big screen. Beyond films, she remains one of India’s most admired public figures, representing elegance, professionalism, and resilience.

Renuka Shahane’s Recent Work

Renuka Shahane, known for her iconic roles in films and television shows, was recently seen in the Marathi film Devmanus. She continues to balance her acting and directing career while using her platform to speak on social issues, including gender equality and mental health awareness.

Renuka Shahane’s defense of Aishwarya Rai serves as a timely reminder of the importance of empathy, respect, and fairness in how society treats women—especially those in the public eye. Her statement urges audiences to shift focus from superficial judgments to celebrating achievements and talent.

Aishwarya Rai’s journey as an actor, mother, and global representative of Indian cinema stands as an inspiring example of dignity in the face of criticism. Renuka’s words echo a much-needed message: it’s time to value women for their accomplishments, not their appearances.