Richa Chadha recently found herself at the center of a social media debate after celebrating her daughter Zuneyra's first birthday. In an Instagram post, the actress shared a heartfelt video montage of precious moments with her daughter and husband, Ali Fazal. She mentioned giving birth to her daughter naturally, which triggered some social media users, leading to a sharp and unapologetic response from the actress.
In the Instagram post, Chadha expressed her gratitude for her daughter, writing, "For bringing so much colour into all our lives! A year ago I gave birth to a healthy baby girl at Breach Candy Hospital. Labour lasted a few hours, delivery only about 20 minutes, natural birth! Life hasn't been the same since, particularly me". She continued, "I feel rearranged from the insides out… my brain, my heart, my body, my soul… Zuneyra was born a year ago and so was I. Reborn as a mom. An entirely new being, than what existed before. A life and child with the man of your dreams… if this isn't a blessing I don't know what is".
While many fans and celebrities showered Chadha's post with love and warm wishes, some took issue with her use of the term "natural birth". Some argued that with the advancements of modern medicine, every birth is natural, even those that are medically assisted. One user commented, "Every birth is natural, thanks to science nowadays they're being assisted to help the Mom and the kid".
Chadha didn't shy away from the criticism. She responded, "If I said normal delivery, you'd have said the same thing". When another user suggested she use the term "vaginal delivery," Chadha hit back with a bold and unapologetic statement: "But what if I don't wanna say vaginally delivery, it is my page and also my vagina and my baby. And feminism taught me to use words of my choosing. So". Though the comment thread was later removed, her words reflected her refusal to be shamed for expressing her personal experience the way she chose to.
Chadha's response quickly gained traction, with many applauding her for standing her ground and defending her right to express her motherhood journey in her own terms. This isn't the first time a celebrity has faced backlash for using the term "natural birth." Suniel Shetty also received criticism for praising his daughter Athiya's "natural delivery" and later issued a public apology.
Richa Chadha is known for her bold and fearless approach to both her professional and personal life. From her unconventional movie roles to her outspoken views on social issues, she has consistently challenged societal norms and expectations. Chadha has consistently pushed boundaries with her bold and intimate roles. Her filmography includes roles such as the sharp-tongued Nagma Khatoon in "Gangs of Wasseypur" and the unapologetic Bholi Punjaban in "Fukrey". She has also delivered powerful performances in critically acclaimed films like "Masaan" and "Heeramandi".
Chadha's willingness to speak her mind and challenge societal norms has made her a role model for many. She embraces her individuality and encourages others to do the same. Whether it's taking on daring roles or defending her personal choices, Richa Chadha continues to inspire and empower women to live life on their own terms.