In a candid new interview, actor Kiara Advani has shared heartfelt details about her journey into motherhood, her husband Sidharth Malhotra's role as a devoted father, and her strong stance on the ongoing debate about work hours in the Indian film industry. Advani and Malhotra welcomed their first child, a daughter named Saraayah, in July 2025.
Kiara Advani Champions Work-Life Balance & Backs Deepika Padukone
Speaking to Vogue India in December 2025, Kiara Advani addressed the crucial conversation around regulated work hours, a topic ignited after fellow actor and new mother Deepika Padukone reportedly exited two major projects, including Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Spirit', due to unmet demands for an 8-hour workday. Advani firmly stated that "burnout helps no one in any industry."
She emphasized a three-word mantra she lives by both at work and at home: "Dignity. Balance. Respect." Advani implied agreement with Padukone's earlier comments about potential sexism in the industry, where male actors have enjoyed such schedules without public scrutiny. For Kiara, the ultimate cure for mental exhaustion is now the simple, joyful "sound of Saraayah giggling in her sleep."
Sidharth Malhotra: The "Incredibly Hands-On" Father
Kiara Advani did not hold back in praising her husband, actor Sidharth Malhotra, for his active participation in parenting. She described him as "an incredibly hands-on father" since Saraayah's birth, forming a key part of her support system alongside her mother and her team.
This sentiment was echoed by Sidharth himself during an appearance on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show' shortly after becoming a dad. He humorously detailed the complete overhaul of his schedule, mentioning late-night feeding sessions at 3-4 AM and adjusting to the baby's sleeping patterns. He modestly referred to his current role as that of a "supporting actor" who is learning by watching.
Motherhood, Work, and Precious Micro-Moments
Kiara Advani revealed that she worked for a significant seven months during her pregnancy, while filming for Geetu Mohandas' 'Toxic' opposite Yash. During this period, only her director and producer were aware of her pregnancy. She shared a touching ritual: before filming intense emotional scenes, she would reassure her unborn baby, saying, "Mama is only acting, okay? This isn't real."
Now, as a mother, she cherishes the "micro-moments" with Saraayah, from bathing her and noticing her tiny features to hearing her giggles. The family has already begun traveling, taking Saraayah to Maasai Mara, as Kiara wishes for her daughter to "see the world" and be a wanderer at heart.
Advani has also mastered the art of time management, utilizing every moment when her daughter naps, even listening to film narrations during that time. "I've become very focused about how I use the gaps. Earlier, time could just leak away. Now, I feel responsible for it," she explained, highlighting her commitment to balancing a thriving career with her new role as a parent.
