Pakistani actor Zara Noor Abbas has spoken candidly about postpartum physical changes, body shaming and the societal pressure faced by working women after becoming a mother.
In a recent interview, she discussed her personal journey following motherhood, saying that society often places unrealistic expectations on women to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy appearance. She described such pressure as unnatural and mentally distressing.
The actress said that motherhood brings a complete transformation in a woman’s life, adding that it made her more emotionally sensitive, calm and empathetic towards others, especially fellow mothers.
Zara Noor Abbas also rejected the notion that women cannot balance careers with household responsibilities, calling it an outdated mindset. She said women are fully capable of managing both roles effectively if they receive adequate support.
She highlighted her experiences with body shaming in the entertainment industry and on social media, saying she has repeatedly faced criticism over her weight and physical appearance during her career.
According to her, some brands even refused to work with her due to her body shape, which she said significantly affected her confidence at the time.
The actress added that such criticism often impacted her emotionally, leaving her in tears on several occasions, but she eventually decided not to let others define her self-worth.
Zara Noor Abbas stressed that society should stop commenting on women’s bodies, particularly those who have recently gone through the physical and emotional challenges of motherhood.