Suniel Shetty recently found himself in the midst of online controversy after publicly praising his daughter Athiya Shetty for choosing a natural childbirth instead of undergoing a C-section. His remarks, which quickly gained traction across various social media platforms, were seen by many as tone-deaf and dismissive of different childbirth experiences.
The veteran actor, during an interview with News18, spoke candidly about Athiya’s transition into motherhood. He expressed deep admiration for her decision to go through a vaginal delivery, calling it courageous and commendable.
“In an age where many opt for the convenience of caesarean births, she went through the full natural process,” Suniel commented. “The hospital staff — nurses and pediatricians alike — were amazed at how she handled it all. It was truly remarkable.”
However, the praise was not received in the way Suniel might have expected. His comments were swiftly met with backlash from netizens who felt he was reinforcing harmful narratives around childbirth. Critics argued that his words implied one method of delivery was superior to the other, ignoring the complexities and medical needs that often dictate such choices.
Online Backlash
Several users on Instagram and other platforms did not hold back in voicing their disagreement.
“Calling C-sections comfortable? That’s a wild take,” one user wrote with sarcasm. Another user posted, “Why is this something to be proud of? As long as the baby and mother are healthy, the method shouldn't matter. This isn’t a competition.”
A particularly sharp comment read, “Only a man could assume surgery is the easy way out.” Others emphasized the inappropriateness of men weighing in on women’s medical decisions. “It’s hilarious how men feel so comfortable commenting on procedures they’ll never experience,” one post read. Another simply stated, “No uterus, no opinion.”
Despite the outrage, some tried to look beyond the viral soundbite. In the same interview, Suniel had shared an emotional account of his daughter’s resilience, saying he was moved to see her strength during childbirth. “It struck me deeply as a father — seeing her go through that with such bravery,” he said.
He also credited Athiya’s calm approach to parenting to her mother, Mana Shetty, describing both women as naturally composed and resilient. “Athiya has taken to motherhood effortlessly,” he shared. “She hasn’t once shown signs of stress or fatigue.”
Though the online criticism continues, the Shetty family remains focused on their new journey. Athiya and her husband, KL Rahul, welcomed their daughter, Evaarah, on March 24. On Mother’s Day, Suniel posted a nostalgic photo holding baby Athiya, to which she lovingly replied, “I’ll always be your baby.”
Shetty will next be seen in the historical drama 'Kesari Veer' and the comic caper 'Welcome To The Jungle'.
The veteran actor, during an interview with News18, spoke candidly about Athiya’s transition into motherhood. He expressed deep admiration for her decision to go through a vaginal delivery, calling it courageous and commendable.
“In an age where many opt for the convenience of caesarean births, she went through the full natural process,” Suniel commented. “The hospital staff — nurses and pediatricians alike — were amazed at how she handled it all. It was truly remarkable.”
However, the praise was not received in the way Suniel might have expected. His comments were swiftly met with backlash from netizens who felt he was reinforcing harmful narratives around childbirth. Critics argued that his words implied one method of delivery was superior to the other, ignoring the complexities and medical needs that often dictate such choices.
Online Backlash
Several users on Instagram and other platforms did not hold back in voicing their disagreement.
“Calling C-sections comfortable? That’s a wild take,” one user wrote with sarcasm. Another user posted, “Why is this something to be proud of? As long as the baby and mother are healthy, the method shouldn't matter. This isn’t a competition.”
A particularly sharp comment read, “Only a man could assume surgery is the easy way out.” Others emphasized the inappropriateness of men weighing in on women’s medical decisions. “It’s hilarious how men feel so comfortable commenting on procedures they’ll never experience,” one post read. Another simply stated, “No uterus, no opinion.”
Despite the outrage, some tried to look beyond the viral soundbite. In the same interview, Suniel had shared an emotional account of his daughter’s resilience, saying he was moved to see her strength during childbirth. “It struck me deeply as a father — seeing her go through that with such bravery,” he said.
He also credited Athiya’s calm approach to parenting to her mother, Mana Shetty, describing both women as naturally composed and resilient. “Athiya has taken to motherhood effortlessly,” he shared. “She hasn’t once shown signs of stress or fatigue.”
Though the online criticism continues, the Shetty family remains focused on their new journey. Athiya and her husband, KL Rahul, welcomed their daughter, Evaarah, on March 24. On Mother’s Day, Suniel posted a nostalgic photo holding baby Athiya, to which she lovingly replied, “I’ll always be your baby.”
Shetty will next be seen in the historical drama 'Kesari Veer' and the comic caper 'Welcome To The Jungle'.
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