Alia Bhatt: Motherhood Changed My Identity

Actress Alia Bhatt recently spoke about the transformative experience of motherhood, noting a profound shift in her personal identity since the birth of her daughter, Raha. Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, Bhatt expressed that her sense of self has fundamentally changed, stating she no longer feels like the same person she was before becoming a mother.

Bhatt described her emotional state as one where her heart feels at home with her daughter, even when she is physically elsewhere. She acknowledged that her focus has moved from an inward perspective to an outward one, centered entirely on Raha. This profound change leads her to introspect about her new identity.

This maternal transformation is common, according to clinical psychologist Dr. Anitha B. She explains that hormonal shifts and the immediate assumption of new roles and responsibilities overnight can cause mothers to feel their previous selves have faded. Dr. Anitha advises acknowledging that identity evolves rather than reverts, emphasizing the importance of naming feelings and seeking support.

Dr. Anitha further detailed that heightened emotional responsiveness in new mothers is biologically driven by neurochemical changes like oxytocin, which enhance attunement and vigilance. Psychologically, the immense responsibility fosters a heightened sensitivity. To manage this, she recommends grounding techniques, limiting distressing content, and establishing personal downtime and supportive conversations.