Focus on Aishwarya Rai's weight is criticized by many

New Delhi: Do celebrities have the right to lead normal lives? Aishwarya Rai's post-pregnancy shape continues to be hotly discussed and debated five months after she gave birth. Ash and Abhi's daughter was born on November 16, 2011. Much criticism has been directed at her for failing to shed the "oodles of weight" she gained during her pregnancy.

But some celebrities who have been associated with the 38-year-old Bollywood star, including designer Sabyasachi have rushed to her defence, saying that like any other woman the new mother will take some time to drop the extra kilos.

The comments came after pictures of the former Miss World emerging from a party hosted by eminent industrialist Mukesh Ambani in Mumbai recently.

The pictures set off an internet and social media storm with articles, videos, blogs and tweets highlighting her "oodles of weight", "double chin" and branding the photos "shocking".


Ash at the Ambani Party

Some social media writeups sought to suggest that the star is not taking her weight gain seriously. However, otherblogs and tweets have come out in Aishwarya's defence calling the focus on her post-pregnancy weight gain pathetic.

A video compilation of her recent photos attracted comments like: "She is a Bollywood actress and being a part ofshowbiz it is her duty to look good and fit. Till now she has been praised for her beauty, so it is only fair that sheshould also be criticized if she is not able to live up to it. She needs to learn from people like Victoria Beckham who are back to size zero weeks after their delivery! She needs to lose that weight... its been close to 5 months already!"

On the other hand, there are many who believe that five months is not enough to shed weight and that the comments on her figure are "harsh".

Designer Sabyasachi, who made Aishwarya's costumes for Raavan, said, "Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has just delivered a baby and like any other woman she would definitely take time to put off that weight. She's a super celebrity and I think she is doing a commendable job by showing her real side to the media. Earlier, she was criticised for being unreal and plastic."


Aishwarya at the reception of Riteish Deshnmukh and Genelia D'Souza

Aishwarya looked a lot slimmer at the press conference conducted by the Bachchans at their residence, Jalsa, immediately after the baby's arrival. But in recent photographs, Bollywood watchers say she seems to be heavier by five to six kilos.

Designer Rina Dhaka says that a new mother gains weight especially when she is taking care of her baby.

"It is very difficult for a woman to shed that weight. I think the media is being very harsh on her. They are deliberately printing those photos which are taken at an angle which makes her look fat or highlights her double chin," Rina said.


Ash with husband Abhishek at Dhiraj Deshmukh's reception

Designer Rocky S lashed out at the critics. "Why people are obsessed with Aishwarya's weight. This maternity weight takes time to lose. Being an internatianol celebrity she is not hiding her face, rather she is enjoying her motherhood. She should not be pressurised and she doesn't have to look perfect at this moment."

Ordinary folks have also hit out at the criticism.

"Focus on Aishwarya's post preg weight gain pathetic. Glad she's not a celeb bimbo who's wheeled in 2 plastic surgery straight frm labour room," said one Twitter user, while another wrote, "Reports in some parts of the media about Aishwarya's weight gain are vile and irresponsible. Let the woman be."

"Utterly gross & sexist commentary in sections of the media on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Makes me sick with anger at how we deconstruct women," said another tweet.