Alia Bhatt opens up on lessons she has learned from parenting her daughter: With Raha
Alia Bhatt, one of Bollywood’s brightest stars, has always managed to balance her thriving career with personal life. Yet, the most transformative role she has taken on recently is that of a mother. In November 2022, Alia welcomed her first child, a daughter named Raha Kapoor, with her husband, actor Ranbir Kapoor. Since then, Alia has opened up about her experience of motherhood, sharing the invaluable lessons she has learned in the process. Through her reflections, we gain insight into how parenting has reshaped her life, revealing her growth as a person both emotionally and mentally.
In a candid conversation with Harper’s Bazaar India, Alia spoke about the profound impact that becoming a mother has had on her. One of the first and most significant lessons that motherhood has taught her is patience. Alia herself admitted that patience was never one of her strongest qualities before Raha’s birth. However, her journey into motherhood has been a transformative one, helping her cultivate an entirely new sense of patience that she had never imagined. As many parents know, newborns and young children demand constant attention and care. The patience required to navigate the sleepless nights, the emotional demands, and the continuous care of a newborn is an immense task that transforms the parent’s character.
Alia noted that her perspective on many aspects of life changed once she became a mother. The transformation was not just about her patience, but also about how she learned to handle situations with a sense of calm. There was no longer room for irritation or stress when facing the challenges of motherhood. Instead, she embraced these moments with a newfound understanding. As a working mother, Alia learned to manage her time more efficiently and juggle multiple responsibilities with ease, allowing her to give equal attention to her career, her family, and her daughter.
Moreover, Alia shared how motherhood has deepened her understanding of love—particularly unconditional love. Raha, her daughter, has introduced her to a different kind of love—pure and selfless. Alia emphasized that this love transcends everything else. Unlike many other relationships that can be fraught with complexities and expectations, the bond between a mother and child is simple, direct, and honest. Alia said that her love for Raha is not dependent on anything; it is simply there, constant and ever-present. This unconditional love has taught Alia the true meaning of selflessness and the ability to give without expecting anything in return.
Through her experience with Raha, Alia also reflected on the ways in which children see the world. Unlike adults, who often get caught up in overthinking, children live in the present moment. Alia pointed out that, for Raha, there is no worry about the past or future. She lives entirely in the here and now, a state of mind that many adults struggle to attain. This realization was an important one for Alia, who admitted that she has often been someone who overthinks things. Yet, watching her daughter navigate life with simplicity and joy has been a great lesson. Alia has learned the importance of being present, of letting go of anxieties, and of focusing on the moment.
This concept of being present is something that Alia now strives to incorporate into her own life. As a high-profile actress with a busy career, Alia has frequently been caught up in the hustle and bustle of work and public attention. However, since becoming a mother, she has been more intentional about giving time to her family and her daughter. In Alia’s words, sometimes, simply being there for your child—without trying to do anything or achieve anything—is enough. There is no need for grand gestures or constant action. The value lies in being present with your child, offering them your attention, and allowing them to know that they are safe and loved.
Alia’s journey into motherhood has also brought about a sense of mindfulness. She has learned that while she cannot always control every aspect of her life, she can control how she reacts to it. Motherhood has encouraged her to become more mindful of her emotions, thoughts, and actions. Being mindful of how she reacts to challenges has allowed her to maintain a sense of balance, not just in her personal life, but also in her professional life.
The actress also shared that one of the greatest joys of motherhood is the ability to watch her daughter grow and learn new things. Every milestone, no matter how small, has been a source of wonder for Alia. Whether it is Raha’s first smile or the moment she starts speaking her first words, Alia treasures every little step. The joy that comes from seeing your child develop into an individual with their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas is something that Alia describes as a “miracle.”
The lessons Alia has learned from Raha are not just emotional; they are also physical. The toll that pregnancy and childbirth take on the body is something that many women experience, but Alia has approached this phase of her life with grace and acceptance. She spoke about how her body has changed and how she has learned to appreciate and love herself even more through the changes that come with motherhood. Pregnancy and childbirth can change a woman’s body in profound ways, but Alia has come to view these changes not as challenges but as natural and beautiful aspects of being a mother.
Alia’s experience with Raha has also deepened her sense of empathy. As she watches her daughter learn and experience the world, Alia has become more attuned to the needs of others. She is more conscious of the importance of creating a safe and loving environment, not just for her child, but for everyone around her. Being a mother has made Alia more empathetic, understanding, and patient, not just with her family, but with herself as well.
