Bollywood actor and strong voice for maternal rights, Neha Dhupia, is all set to shine the spotlight once again on her heartfelt initiative, Freedom to Feed, just in time for World Breastfeeding Week 2025.

The actor-turned-advocate wants to make it loud and clear this year: no woman should ever feel ashamed for doing something as natural as feeding her child.

Born from a personal journey

Neha first launched Freedom to Feed in 2019, inspired by her own experience as a new mother. The campaign took shape from her desire to make public breastfeeding feel normal, without the stigma, side-eyes, or judgement.

Reflecting on that time, Neha shared,

“When I first launched Freedom to Feed, it came from a deeply personal space, from feeling vulnerable, judged, and isolated during what should have been the most natural and empowering time of my life.”

Over time, she realised she wasn’t alone. Countless women reached out with their own stories, and the campaign slowly grew into a safe space for mothers everywhere. This year, she’s ready to go even bigger.

“Over the years, I’ve realised how many women have felt the same, and how powerful it can be when we come together to share our stories. This year, I want to make the conversation even louder, even more honest. Because no woman should be made to feel ashamed for simply feeding her child.”

For Neha, it’s all about giving women the right to choose and the dignity they deserve.

“This is about choice, dignity, and respect. And it’s time we all stood up for that.”

From personal life to public conversations

Neha married actor Angad Bedi, son of legendary Indian cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, in a quiet Gurudwara ceremony back in 2018. Later that year, she welcomed her first child, a daughter named Mehr Dhupia Bedi, in November.

In July 2021, the couple announced they were expecting baby number two with a candid Instagram post. A few months later, in October 2021, they welcomed their son, Guriq Singh Dhupia Bedi.

Taking the conversation further

This year, Neha plans to dive even deeper into the emotional and social realities of motherhood through digital conversations with actors Radhika Apte, Yuvika Chaudhary, and Sonali Sehgall. The discussions will centre around body autonomy, societal expectations, and the often-unspoken emotional challenges that come with being a mother.

Back on screen too

Neha was most recently seen in Bad Newz, a film inspired by a bizarre yet real medical phenomenon called heteropaternal superfecundation, where twins are born to the same mother but have different biological fathers.

With Freedom to Feed making a powerful return, and important conversations around motherhood getting a fresh spotlight, Neha Dhupia is blending her personal experiences and public platform to speak up for what really matters.

(Agency inputs)