Katrina Kaif embraces Motherhood at 42: Bollywood Stars Redefining Age Barriers in Parenthood

The Announcement That Melted Hearts

The couple's pregnancy announcement on September 23, 2025, featured an intimate moment where Vicky is seen lovingly cradling Katrina's baby bump while she gazes down with a gentle smile. The tender image, shared across their social media platforms, instantly went viral and received overwhelming support from fans and Bollywood celebrities alike.

According to industry sources, Katrina is currently in her third trimester and is expected to deliver between October 15-30, 2025. The actress is reportedly planning to take an extended maternity break as she wishes to be a hands-on mother.

Bollywood's Late Motherhood Trend

Katrina's pregnancy at 42 places her among several Bollywood actresses who have embraced motherhood in their forties, challenging traditional societal expectations about the "ideal" age for having children.

Kareena Kapoor Khan became a mother for the second time at 40, welcoming son Jeh in February 2021. The actress worked throughout her pregnancy, demonstrating how career and motherhood can beautifully coexist.

Shilpa Shetty welcomed her daughter Samisha through surrogacy at 45, already being a mother to son Viaan whom she had at 37. Her journey showcased the possibilities offered by modern reproductive technologies.

Bipasha Basu embraced first-time motherhood at 43, welcoming daughter Devi with husband Karan Singh Grover in November 2022. She openly discussed the emotional and physical changes accompanying pregnancy later in life, resonating with many women.

Preity Zinta became a mother to twins Jai and Gia via surrogacy at 46 in November 2021. Her transparent sharing of the journey helped normalize conversations around surrogacy in India.

Neha Dhupia gave birth to her second child, Guriq, at 40, already being a mother to daughter Mehr. The actress balanced her television career while expanding her family.

Medical Perspectives on Late Motherhood

While fertility rates naturally decline with age, medical experts emphasize that motherhood in the forties isn't uncommon in today's world. Dr. Aswati Nair from Nova IVF Fertility explains that while women are born with finite eggs, conception possibilities don't completely cease in the 40s age group.

Modern reproductive technologies, including IVF and surrogacy, have provided additional pathways for women seeking motherhood later in life, as demonstrated by actresses like Farah Khan, who welcomed triplets at 43 through IVF.

Breaking Societal Barriers

These Bollywood mothers have collectively challenged the traditional mindset of "25 tak shaadi, 30 tak bacche" (marriage by 25, children by 30). Their choices reflect changing social dynamics where women prioritize career establishment, personal readiness, and finding the right partner before embracing parenthood.

Mandira Bedi chose adoption at 48, welcoming four-year-old Tara in 2020, highlighting that love, not biology, defines motherhood. Dia Mirza welcomed son Avyaan just before turning 40, living life on her own terms.

The trend extends beyond natural pregnancies to include surrogacy and adoption, showcasing various paths to motherhood. These choices inspire countless women to embrace parenthood when the timing feels right for them, regardless of age.

Industry Support and Future Plans

The entertainment industry has rallied around Katrina's announcement, with celebrities like Kareena Kapoor calling it "the best news for the best people". Akshay Kumar humorously commented about teaching the baby both English and Punjabi equally, referencing the couple's diverse backgrounds.

Katrina, last seen in "Merry Christmas" with Vijay Sethupathi, is expected to focus entirely on motherhood post-delivery. Vicky continues his successful career trajectory with recent projects like "Chhaava" and upcoming collaborations with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

These inspiring stories demonstrate that motherhood has no expiration date, encouraging women everywhere to make reproductive choices based on personal readiness rather than societal pressure. From natural pregnancies to surrogacy and adoption, these Bollywood stars have shown that determination, love, and modern medical support can make parenthood possible at any age.