Deepika Padukone pregnant at 40 with 2nd baby: Katrina Kaif to Sonam Kapoor, Bollywood is normalising ‘late pregnancy'

Bollywood celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and Sonam Kapoor are proof that the narrative around the 'biological clock' is evolving.

The traditional narrative of the 'biological clock' is undergoing a rewrite in India. As actor Deepika Padukone prepares to welcome her second child at age 40, she joins a cohort of high-profile women — including Katrina Kaif (42) and Sonam Kapoor (40) — who are collectively dismantling the stigma surrounding mid-life motherhood.

High-profile pregnancies in Bollywood reflect changing societal norms about motherhood. (Instagram/ Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Sonam Kapoor)

This shift represents more than just a celebrity trend; it is a significant cultural pivot toward reproductive autonomy, reflecting an India where career peaks and family expansion are no longer mutually exclusive.

The new vanguard of motherhood

The Hindi film industry has seen a series of high-profile pregnancies recently that challenge the historical 'biological cliff' of 35 and resonate with a changing demographic of urban professionals.

Weeks before Deepika Padukone announced her second pregnancy on April 19 – her and actor-husband Ranveer Singh's daughter, Dua, was born in September 2024 – the arrival of Sonam Kapoor's second son in March 2026 sparked discourse on the emotional wisdom that often accompanies parenting in one's 40s.

Prior to that, Katrina Kaif's pregnancy announcement with Vicky Kaushal in September 2025 served as a poignant example for women prioritising readiness before embarking on motherhood. The normalisation of mid-life pregnancy in Bollywood acts as a signal to women across the country – it suggests that the timeline for personal fulfilment is no longer fixed by societal pressure but guided by individual readiness.

The intersection of biology and modern medicine

While the terms 'geriatric pregnancy' and 'late pregnancy' were once a standard (and often daunting) medical label for any woman over 35, the landscape in 2026 is vastly different. Advances in healthcare, coupled with a focus on holistic wellness, have significantly mitigated the risks historically associated with maternal age.

In a September 2025 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Neelam Suri, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “In recent years, more women have chosen to have children later in life, often prioritising careers, financial security, or personal readiness before starting a family.”

Dr Suri added, “Pregnancy later in life is no longer unusual, and with the right medical care and precautions, many women experience positive outcomes. While risks are higher compared to pregnancies in the 20s or early 30s, informed planning, regular check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in ensuring the safety of both mother and child.”

The doctor maintained a balanced perspective, acknowledging that while autonomy is expanding, biological realities remain. After age 35, she explained that the natural decline in egg quantity and quality often makes assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as IVF or egg freezing, a common and normalised path.

Furthermore, while high levels of physical fitness and nutritional literacy among modern women contribute to higher success rates, standard medical protocols now include more rigorous screening for gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia to ensure early intervention and positive outcomes, she explained.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.