Bollywood actor Richa Chadha has candidly discussed the reasons behind her extended absence from work following the birth of her daughter, revealing that the journey back was far more complex than just physical healing. After nearly two years away from the spotlight, Chadha returned to a film set, prompting her to share a deeply personal reflection on Instagram about the challenges she faced.
The Emotional and Professional Battles Behind the Break
Chadha, who welcomed her daughter Zuni with husband and fellow actor Ali Fazal, stated that her hiatus was shaped by a combination of factors. "The mental recovery took longer than I hoped," she wrote, highlighting a reality many new mothers face but seldom discuss publicly. She emphasized that beyond the tangible issues of pregnancy and postpartum physical recovery, she had to contend with significant emotional hurdles.
Among these were "deep professional betrayals from close quarters." Reflecting on her experiences in the film industry, Chadha expressed disillusionment, noting that only a rare few operate with ethics and courage. "Most people operate from such deep-seated inferiority complexes and scarcity mentality that they never mean what they say," she observed, comparing some individuals to joy-sucking 'dementors'.
A Message to Those Who Betrayed Her
In a pointed section of her note, Chadha addressed those who mistreated her during this vulnerable phase. "Those that have displayed cruelty towards me during my most vulnerable phase perhaps never received adequate love in their own lives," she wrote. While stating she forgives, she firmly added, "but I NEVER forget. Please bear this in mind should you cross my path."
She also spoke about the crucial support system needed for new mothers, coining a relatable sentiment: "If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes amazing support to help the mom — because Mommy doesn’t remember who she was before the baby was born."
The Psychology of Postpartum Recovery and Betrayal
Dr. Sakshi Mandhyan, a psychologist and founder of Mandhyan Care, explained the psychological process, known as matrescence, that women undergo. "From a psychological perspective, motherhood involves what we call identity reorganisation. A woman is not returning to who she was before," she stated. This integration of a new self, compounded by hormonal shifts and sleep disruption, requires time.
Dr. Mandhyan also shed light on the impact of workplace betrayal during such a sensitive period. "This kind of experience can activate relational trauma," she noted. It can lead to hypervigilance, withdrawal, and erode a person's confidence and sense of safety. Healing, she emphasized, is a gradual process of restoring faith in one's own judgment.
Chadha concluded her message on a lighter, defiant note. She quipped, "I am already RICHa. Hehe," before ending with a powerful statement that encapsulates her stance: "Jo dikhta hai woh bikta hai, par main bikau nahi hoon (What sells is what’s seen, but I am not for sale)." Her revelations have sparked important conversations about the unseen struggles of postpartum life and professional integrity.
