Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh has taken a strong stance against the persistent stereotypes that women in the film industry face regarding motherhood immediately after marriage. In a recent candid interview, the newlywed star questioned who actually enforces these outdated norms and highlighted how contemporary actresses are successfully breaking these barriers.
Challenging Outdated Expectations
When asked about facing pressure to embrace motherhood soon after her wedding, Rakul responded with a powerful counter-question. "Who actually stereotypes? Neither in my house has anyone ever done it, and I think no one in Jackie's house has done it either," she stated emphatically during her conversation with Bollywood Bubbles.
The actress, who married actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani on February 21, 2024, expressed her frustration with societal expectations that women must prioritize motherhood over their careers post-marriage. She firmly believes that today's women are confidently rewriting these old-fashioned rules to define success and fulfillment on their own terms.
Celebrating Trailblazing Actresses
Rakul pointed to several leading Bollywood figures who have successfully balanced their professional and personal lives without succumbing to societal pressures. She specifically praised Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kiara Advani, and veteran actress Kajol as inspiring examples of women who continue to thrive in their careers while managing motherhood.
"So many people have defied it today," Rakul noted. "Alia Bhatt, the biggest star, is a mother, and so many others - whether it's Deepika, Alia, Kiara, Kajol ma'am - they're all still working. I think women have crossed that boundary."
Intimate and Eco-Friendly Wedding
Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani's union was celebrated in a beautiful beach wedding at a Goa resort. The couple honored both their cultural backgrounds with two distinct ceremonies: the Anand Karaj following Rakul's Sikh traditions and a Sindhi-style ceremony reflecting Jackky's heritage.
The wedding festivities began with vibrant mehendi and sangeet functions attended by close family, friends, and Bollywood celebrities including Shilpa Shetty, Varun Dhawan, and Tiger Shroff. The couple implemented an eco-friendly approach with a no-phone and no-cracker policy, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability during their special celebrations.
Rakul's comments come at a time when more Bollywood actresses are openly discussing and challenging traditional expectations, creating new pathways for women in the entertainment industry to balance career ambitions with personal choices without compromising either.