Kiara Advani reveals Alia Bhatt helped her navigate return to work after motherhood

'Toxic' actor Kiara Advani has spoken about the emotional and professional adjustments that came with becoming a mother. During her appearance on the ninth season of 'Koffee With Karan', the actress revealed that she contacted Alia Bhatt for advice on returning to work after childbirth. Kiara also discussed the importance of having women around who understand the physical and emotional changes associated with motherhood.The actress appeared on the show with her husband, Sidharth Malhotra. Their conversation touched upon pregnancy, parenting and the difficulties of managing family responsibilities alongside demanding careers. The episode also featured Kiara's baby bump, following the couple's announcement that they were expecting their second child.

Kiara Advani opens up about her first pregnancy

Kiara and Sidharth welcomed their daughter, Saraayah Malhotra, in 2025.

Reflecting on her first pregnancy, the actress recalled how challenging the initial months had been. She explained that nausea and hormonal changes made the experience particularly difficult. At the time, she felt the need to speak with women who could understand what she was going through.Kiara told on 'Koffee With Karan' season 9, “Sometimes all you want is an outlet. It is such a whole shift for any new mom that women really understand women.

When we found out that we were pregnant for the first time, the first three months were really hard. You go through nausea and hormone changes. At that time, we thought we wouldn’t tell anyone. I said I needed to talk to my mother and mother-in-law. I need women who understand me.

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Why Kiara Advani reached out to Alia Bhatt

During the conversation, host Karan Johar brought up Kiara's interactions with Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif and Patralekhaa during her postpartum phase.

The actress confirmed that they had been checking on one another during that period.“We were checking up on each other,” Kiara said.She also highlighted how their shared experiences in the film industry helped them relate to each other's situations. “All of us are in the same field,” she added.

Returning to work after childbirth

Karan Johar also recalled Alia Bhatt mentioning her conversation with Kiara. Explaining the reason behind the call, Kiara revealed that she wanted guidance on resuming professional commitments after welcoming her daughter.

“I remember calling her (Alia) up and asking about getting back to shoot, and understanding how do we make this work. Your priority is your family as well, and at work you are professional. How do you blend these two worlds in a way that doesn’t make you feel guilty at times? Mom guilt is just there.

”Kiara and Sidharth announced their second pregnancy through an Instagram post on October 7. Sharing the news, the couple wrote, “Blessed once again with the greatest gift of all. Our hearts are so full of love and gratitude (sic).” The announcement followed the arrival of their first child in 2025.On the work front, Kiara was last seen in Yash's 'Toxic'.