When Amitabh Bachchan announced that Aishwarya Rai opted for a normal delivery for Aaradhya: “She was in acute labour for a long time”

Amitabh Bachchan on Aishwarya Rai's normal delivery

After veteran actor Suniel Shetty recently revealed that his daughter Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul had given birth to a girl via normal delivery, there was a flurry of conversation. Suniel Shetty broke the good news in an interview with News18 Showsha, expressing his immense pride and gratitude for Athiya's decision to have a natural birth.

“She had a normal delivery,” he revealed, emphasising how Athiya had made a conscious choice against a caesarean birth.

“In a world where everybody wants the comfort of having a caesarean baby, she chose not to do that and had a natural delivery. I remember how every nurse and paediatrician in the hospital said that it’s unbelievable how she went through the whole process,” Suniel added, clearly in awe of his daughter's strength and resolve.

Amidst this ongoing discussion, a previous interview featuring megastar Amitabh Bachchan has reappeared on social media, garnering attention for comparable reasons. When his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gave birth to Aaradhya Bachchan in 2011, the renowned actor spoke passionately about her delivery experience.

Recalling that time, Amitabh said, “She had to struggle but I commend her that she was in acute labour for a long time, almost 2–3 hours. But she persisted and said she wanted a normal delivery. She did not use any epidural or painkiller.”

His words, spoken at a press meet held at their ABC Corp office in Juhu shortly after Aaradhya’s birth, revealed the immense respect he held for Aishwarya’s choice and endurance.

The parallel between the two high-profile births — a decade apart — has sparked admiration for both women’s strength, while also reigniting debate over the societal pressures women face regarding childbirth. While natural deliveries are often seen as a mark of strength, medical experts and mothers alike continue to stress that every birth is different, and what matters most is the safety and health of both mother and baby.

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Born in November 2011, Aaradhya Bachchan is still one of India's most photographed and followed celebrity children. Back then, the birth of the youngest member of the Bachchan family caused a media frenzy. However, the family remained private and dignified, and Amitabh's press appearance was a respectful reaction to the public's mounting interest.

Meanwhile, Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul, who tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in January 2023, welcomed their daughter on March 24, 2025. The couple took to social media to share their happiness with fans, revealing that they have named their daughter Evaarah — a name that translates to “gift of God.”