28 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Actor Parineeti Chopra has opened up about the intense emotions she experienced when she first had to leave her baby son to return to work. Recalling the journey, she said she was “only sobbing for three hours” and described the experience as “crippling physical pain.”
‘I Was Only Sobbing for Three Hours’
In an interview with India Today, Parineeti recalled leaving her son for the first time after spending months with him around the clock following childbirth.
She said she barely remembers the journey, from reaching the airport and boarding the flight to arriving in Mumbai. The overwhelming emotions, she said, left her crying throughout the trip.
More Than Just Mom Guilt
Parineeti said what she experienced went beyond what she would ordinarily describe as guilt.
She described it as “crippling physical pain” and said she briefly felt as though she might never be able to return to work or resume her normal life.
At the same time, she acknowledged that her baby was safe at home with family and that there was no immediate reason for concern.
Pressure on Working Mothers
The actor also spoke about the social expectations placed on mothers who return to their careers.
She recalled being asked where her baby was whenever she went out for work and questioned why motherhood should automatically mean putting professional or personal life on hold.
Parineeti said the pressure comes from both biological instincts and societal expectations.
Parineeti and Raghav’s Approach to Parenthood
Parineeti and her husband, Raghav Chadha, welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in October 2025.
The actor said the couple is consciously trying to challenge traditional expectations around parenthood and hopes their experience can offer another perspective to other parents balancing family and work.
Motherhood Changed How She Sees Her Show
Parineeti also connected her experience of motherhood with her latest acting project, Shaque: Trust No One.
She revealed that she discovered she was pregnant while filming the Netflix series. Looking back at scenes involving motherhood after becoming a parent herself, she said they now affect her differently.
Mom Guilt May Never Completely Disappear
Parineeti reflected that feelings of maternal concern may continue even as a child grows older.
She compared the experience with her own relationship with her mother, suggesting that the instinct to worry about and care for one’s child can remain throughout life.
About Shaque: Trust No One
Shaque: Trust No One marks Parineeti Chopra’s web-series debut. The seven-episode series also features Jennifer Winget, Soni Razdan, Anup Soni, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Sumeet Vyas and Harleen Sethi and is streaming on Netflix.