Mother's Day 2025: From Bhagyashree to Anushka Sharma, actors who priortised motherhood over movies

from left Madhuri Dixit, Aishwara Rai and Anushka Sharma pics/IG

Prioritizing family over fame is a bold decision that many Bollywood actresses have made over the years. For these stars, stepping away from the arc lights to embrace motherhood didn't mean saying goodbye to their careers - just the beginning of a new chapter. It may seem like the "easier choice," but it is not. Leaving the silver screen, especially at the peak of one's career, takes immense strength, clarity, and conviction. These mothers have shown through their actions that motherhood isn't a detour but a vital milestone that reflects growth beyond the spotlight. They understand the importance of spending time with their little ones during their early, crucial years.

Mid-day celebrates these heroic mothers on the forthcoming special occasion of Mother's Day, honouring their journey, the choices they made, and the legacy they continue to build - gracefully and with intent:

Bhagyashree Dassani

Bhagyashree Dassani, known for her role in Maine Pyar Kiya opposite Salman Khan, took a long sabbatical from the movie industry. At the height of her fame, the actress chose to marry Himalaya Dassani in 1990. The couple was later blessed with two children - Abhimanyu and Avantika. In an interview, Bhagyashree shared that a child needs their mother more than anyone else during their early years. She acknowledged her young age and made the decision to prioritize her responsibilities. However, as her children grew into independent adults, Bhagyashree made a comeback in films like Radhe Shyam (2023) and later in Chhatrapati (2024).

Meenakshi Seshadri

The 1980s actress starred opposite Amitabh Bachchan, Sunny Deol, and the late Rishi Kapoor in Shahenshah, Ghayal, and Damini, respectively. After leaving a lasting impact with her performances, Meenakshi took a 28-year hiatus from the industry following Ghatak/Lethal (1996). A year earlier, she had married Harish Mysore, a non-industry professional, and the couple relocated to the U.S. Her on-screen return in Ghayal Once Again (2016) was one of the film's most awaited moments. Her journey highlights her choice of personal and mental well-being over a thriving career, underlining the diverse roles women embrace throughout life.

Ayesha Takia

A 2000s sensation, Ayesha Takia placed family and motherhood above her passion for acting. Known for her roles in Dor (2006) and Wanted (2009), she married Farhan Azmi and soon stepped away from the limelight. In 2013, she gave birth to their son, Mikail. Since then, Ayesha has not returned to films full-time. In an interview, she mentioned never regretting her decision to take a break from Bollywood, expressing her joy in being a mother and prioritizing family.

Asin Thottumkal

Asin delivered major hits such as Ghajini (2008), Ready (2011), Housefull 2 (2012), Bol Bachchan (2012), and Khiladi 786 (2012). Fluent in multiple languages, she was acclaimed in both Bollywood and regional cinema. Following her marriage to Rahul Sharma in 2016, Asin retired from acting and embraced a quiet, private life. In 2017, she became a mother to a daughter, Arin.

Madhuri Dixit

The iconic Bollywood queen Madhuri Dixit made a pivotal decision at the peak of her career - she married Dr. Shriram Nene and moved to the U.S. Having delivered countless blockbusters, she later became a mother to two sons, Arin and Ryan. Madhuri openly stated, "I chose to go away. I chose to get married. I chose to have kids. I did what I wanted to do. We all have our own dreams, and having a family was a big part of mine." After a decade-long break, she returned to India and resumed her career, making a grand comeback with Aaja Nachle (2007).

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of Bollywood's most celebrated actresses, took a five-year hiatus following the birth of her daughter, Aaradhya, in 2011. During her break, Aishwarya remained a devoted mother, often seen at events with Aaradhya by her side. Their strong mother-daughter bond continues to this day, with the two frequently appearing together in public. Aishwarya returned to the big screen in Jazbaa (2015), portraying a lawyer forced to defend a criminal to save her kidnapped daughter - an emotionally resonant role. She became selective of the films she signed and opted be part of meaningful films as she significantly reduced number of films she did.

Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma, known for her powerful performances in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), Pari (2018), and more, chose to step back from acting and her production company Clean Slate Filmz in 2022 to focus on her personal life. She was last seen in the film Zero in 2018. In an interview, she confessed she was no longer driven to make films for fame, but rather to spend meaningful time with her family - husband Virat Kohli and their two children, Vamika and Akaay.