Sobhita Dhulipala has spoken about the public scrutiny faced by women in the film industry, amid social-media criticism of Katrina Kaif’s appearance following the birth of her son.
Katrina Kaif has recently faced comments on social media about her appearance and postpartum weight following the birth of her first child with Vicky Kaushal. The online discussion has also prompted several Bollywood personalities to speak about the pressure women face over their bodies after pregnancy.
Sobhita Dhulipala is the latest actor to address the wider issue of public criticism directed at women. During a recent NDTV event, she was asked about the expectations placed on women in the entertainment industry, including the discussion surrounding Katrina’s postpartum appearance.
Sobhita Dhulipala on criticism faced by women
Speaking about the different expectations placed on women, Sobhita said that women are often expected to display several qualities at the same time.
“Women are expected to be strong, women are expected to be sensitive, women are expected to be many things. And different women handle things differently, so there is no generic rule,” she said.
Addressing the impact of public criticism, Sobhita added, “When you say that public criticism is disappointing, I am sure it can be for many people; we are all human. We just deal with it in a way that makes sense for us.”
Her comments come amid the broader conversation about how actresses are scrutinised for changes in their appearance, particularly after major life events such as pregnancy and childbirth.
Parineeti Chopra also speaks out for Katrina Kaif
Sobhita is not the only Bollywood actor to address the criticism surrounding Katrina.
Parineeti Chopra, who recently became a mother herself, criticised the way women are judged for physical changes after childbirth. She described negative comments about women’s bodies following pregnancy as “uneducated” and questioned why certain physical changes are treated differently depending on their cause.
Parineeti pointed out that changes associated with a haircut, a holiday or a workout can often be viewed positively, while changes resulting from pregnancy and childbirth may attract unwanted criticism.
She also spoke positively about stretch marks, describing them as a reminder of carrying and giving birth to a child rather than something women should feel pressured to hide.
Salman Khan defends Katrina amid online comments
Salman Khan has also spoken against the scrutiny surrounding Katrina’s postpartum appearance.
Addressing comments about her weight, Salman questioned why people were focusing on Katrina’s body when she had recently become a mother. He noted that weight gain can happen during pregnancy and said Katrina could work on her fitness when she returned to films.
Salman also emphasised that Katrina should have time to spend with her family.
The comments from Sobhita, Parineeti and Salman have added to the ongoing discussion about postpartum body image and the expectations placed on women in the entertainment industry.
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal welcomed their son
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal welcomed their son, Vihaan, in November 2025.
Katrina was recently seen attending an Ambani family Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Photos and videos from the event subsequently circulated on social media, leading to discussion about her appearance after childbirth.
Katrina and Vicky have not publicly responded to the online comments about her weight or postpartum appearance.
The conversation has nevertheless highlighted the continued scrutiny female celebrities can face over their bodies, even during significant personal milestones.
Sobhita Dhulipala’s upcoming film Vettuvam
On the work front, Sobhita Dhulipala is set to appear in filmmaker Pa Ranjith’s upcoming sci-fi drama Vettuvam.
The film reportedly spans three different time periods and centres on a struggle for power and authority. GV Prakash Kumar has composed the music, while Roopesh Shaji is the cinematographer.
The action sequences have been choreographed by Dhilip Subbarayan, with editing by Selva R K.
The cast also includes Alaiyarasan, Mime Gopi, Guru Somasundaram, Shabeer Kallarakkal, John Vijay, Sai Dheena, Anand Saami, Harish Uthaman and Lizzy.
Vettuvam is scheduled for release in December 2026.
