Deepika Padukone opens up on life after Dua’s birth, enjoying motherhood, ‘I wanted to be a mother from the time Anisha was born’ |

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh became parents to a baby girl in September 2024, but it took the couple nearly two months to decide on her name. In November 2024, they revealed their daughter’s name as Dua, an Arabic term for prayer, inspired by poetry and music.

Motherhood: The best role of her life

Embracing motherhood with full joy, Deepika recently told CNBC TV18 that being a mom has pushed her out of her comfort zone in the most rewarding ways.“I’ve always been a patient person. My tolerance levels and patience levels are very high, but I think it teaches you patience. And it pushes you out of your comfort zone. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone in so many ways,” she said.The actress further shared how motherhood has made her more social, “It’s made me more social. I’ve never been a social person. Having to interact with other parents and now playschool… These words feel so funny suddenly. But I just think motherhood really pushes you out of your comfort zone, in a good way. At least for me, it’s been in a good way.”Deepika added, “I’ve always wanted to be a mother. I wanted to be a mother from the time Anisha was born, so if I may say, I’m probably playing the best role of my life now and enjoying every bit of it.”

Choosing the name Dua

In an earlier conversation with Marie Claire, Deepika explained why she and Ranveer took their time naming their daughter, “I think what was more important for us was to first hold the baby in our arms, allow her to sort of see this new world she’s come into, allow her personality to start developing a little bit.”The actress revealed that the name Dua perfectly captured what their daughter means to them, “It felt like a beautiful summary of what she means to us and why she means what she means to us.”Deepika also credited Ranveer for giving her the lead on deciding when to have a child. “He was like, ‘It’s your body. Yes, it’s a together decision, but eventually it’s your body that’s going to go through it. So whenever you feel ready,’” she recalled.

Protecting Dua’s privacy

Deepika and Ranveer are committed to ensuring that Dua grows up with a normal childhood, away from the pressures of celebrity life. The couple has chosen not to share photos of their daughter on social media and have requested paparazzi respect her privacy. Reports also surfaced of them confronting a fan at the airport for secretly filming Dua, highlighting their dedication to keeping her life private.“We want her to have the same normal upbringing I had, where I wasn’t burdened by my parents’ fame,” Deepika said.