Sameera Reddy, known for being open about her struggle with postpartum depression, said in a recent interview that people around her were “unforgiving” about her weight gain after she had her son, Hans, in 2015. Speaking to us, the actor-turned-social media influencer says it’s unfortunate that she gets to hear such remarks from strangers even today.

“Forget about my postpartum weight... that was long back. Recently, I was at the airport where the security guard, upon checking my Aadhaar card, commented, ‘Madam, aap bahut badal chuke ho’. So, it (being body shamed) is not just about postpartum, it is everywhere,” says Reddy, who welcomed her daughter, Nyra, in 2019.

While the Race (2008) actor says she’s “stopped feeling bad” about these comments, she admits “things were hard” after she had her son. “It was the first time I experienced the harsh reality of our society. Everyone wanted to have an opinion and wanted to voice it loud. People think it’s their birthright [to comment on others]. It’s unfortunate and it impacts everyone. Being in the limelight is harder, but I am sure everyone goes through it,” shares Reddy, who stepped away from showbiz after her wedding to entrepreneur Akshai Varde in 2014.

Crediting her husband for being a pillar of support in her path to self-acceptance, the 44-year-old says, “My husband would tell me, ‘You had created an image people’s mind [through films] and that’s what they look up to. It’s their innocence that’s making them say this. You have to forgive and let it go.’ It was kind of him to put it like that.”