Swara Bhasker on why she didn’t try to lose weight after childbirth: ‘I’m a housewife now’

Actress Swara Bhasker candidly discussed how motherhood transformed her sense of identity in a recent interview. After delivering her daughter in September 2023, she described the experience as a "storm" and likened it to feeling "shipwrecked," both physically and mentally. Swara, who was previously a career-driven, ambitious woman, said she experienced a significant identity crisis following her daughter's birth. She admitted feeling like an entirely different person and stating, "I don't know myself."

Priorities shifted dramatically for the Veere Di Wedding star. Swara explained that she became so consumed by her child that she didn't even want to leave the house for two years after her daughter's birth. She also acknowledged feeling guilt for not leaving the home to exercise, questioning, "Who would leave the child and go to the gym for two hours?" This guilt was intertwined with a "reverse feminism" guilt, as she felt conflicted about embracing the role of a homemaker while still identifying as a feminist.

Swara revealed that she sought professional support, including therapy and consultation with an endocrinologist, to help her navigate these changes. Clinical psychologist Dr. Rimpa Sarkar explained that motherhood can indeed trigger an identity crisis, particularly for women who have previously identified strongly with their careers and independence.

She noted that the transition can lead to feelings of grief, loss, and an overwhelming sense of love for the child, coexisting with confusion and distress. Dr. Sarkar recommended distinguishing between identity conflict and potential mental health conditions, suggesting that emotional acceptance and identity integration are healthier approaches to dealing with conflicting emotions during motherhood.