Actor Deepika Padukone has opened up on mom guilt and how she feels about returning to work after the birth of her daughter Dua. During the Forbes 30/50 Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, Deepika spoke about motherhood journey and how that has changed her approach towards her work.
“Yes, I think motherhood in itself has been so incredible that I’m sure somewhere, if not consciously, subconsciously it will influence the kind of movies and the roles that I choose to do moving forward. Having said that, I do believe that I’ve been pretty aware and conscious even before motherhood,” she said.
“I think where I’m at in my life right now is how do I manage my time as a mother, as a new mother, with getting back to–and I’m sure there’s some incredible women here who can give me some wise, some wisdom, whatever– but to be able manage my daughter and her life and getting back to work without feeling guilt. I think that is something I’m figuring out. I won’t say I am struggling with, but I’m still figuring it out,” she added.
On the work front, Deepika was last seen in movies like Fighter, Kalki 2898 AD and Singham Again.

Mom guilt is real; but this needs to be changed

Social media is filled with images of seemingly perfect moms baking homemade snacks, engaging in elaborate crafts, and keeping spotless homes—all while juggling a career. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling short.
Mom guilt is something almost every mother experiences at some point. No matter how much love and effort you pour into parenting, there’s always a little voice telling you that you should be doing more. Here are five of the most common guilts that moms struggle with:
Not spending enough time with kids – Whether you’re a working mom or just busy with daily responsibilities, it’s easy to feel like you’re not giving your child enough attention.
Wanting ‘me time’ – Moms often feel guilty for craving alone time, but self-care is essential. A happy and well-rested mom is better for everyone.
Losing patience – Yelling or feeling frustrated can make moms feel terrible, but parenting is tough, and no one is perfect all the time.
Not providing the ‘perfect’ childhood – Social media pressures moms to create picture-perfect moments, making them feel like they’re not doing enough.
Balancing career and family – Working moms feel guilty for not being home enough, while stay-at-home moms may feel guilty for not contributing financially.
Moms should know that feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It simply means you care. Instead of seeing guilt as a sign that you’re failing, see it as a reminder of your love and dedication. Often, we are much harder on ourselves than we are on others. Give yourself permission to be human. It’s not about how many hours you spend with your child but the connection you build in those moments. Even if you have a busy schedule, simple acts—reading a bedtime story, sharing a meal, or giving a hug—create lasting bonds.
Every mom has her own journey. What works for one family may not work for another. Instead of comparing, focus on what’s best for your child and your circumstances.