'Isliye bachha nahi kar pa rahi hai': Mahhi Vij on being vocal about conceiving through IVF & societal stigma

Actor Mahhi Vij recently shared her journey to motherhood in a conversation with Hauterfly’s The Male Feminist, revealing that she conceived her daughter Tara through IVF. She spoke about the stigma attached to fertility treatments and the importance of being transparent about her experience, especially as a public figure.

Mahhi, known for her roles in Indian television, stated that she has always been open about choosing IVF. “I have been very open about it that I have had a child through IVF. People told me not to tell anyone that I have conceived through IVF. However, I know I am a celebrity, and it is important for me to advocate these things,” she said during the interview.

She also recalled facing criticism and speculation before becoming a mother. “There was a time when people used to say, ‘Isme kuch problem hai isiliye bacha nahi kar paa rahi,’ but I did not really pay attention to it,” Mahhi added. The actor explained that despite the societal pressure and unsolicited comments, she remained focused on her decision and journey.

There was a time when people used to say, ‘Isme kuch problem hai isiliye bacha nahi kar paa rahi,’ but I did not really pay attention to it

- Mahhi Vij

Mahhi and her husband Jay Bhanushali welcomed their daughter Tara in 2019. The couple had also taken care of their caretaker's children before the birth of their own, which drew public attention and appreciation.

In the interview, Mahhi emphasized the need for open conversations around fertility and reproductive health. IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a medical process where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body and then implanted into the uterus. While it has helped many couples achieve parenthood, it is still surrounded by stigma in some parts of society, especially in India.

By speaking openly about her experience, Mahhi joins a growing list of public figures who are helping normalize conversations about infertility and medical interventions. Her statements aim to shed light on the emotional and social aspects of opting for assisted reproductive technology, and how such choices are deeply personal yet often judged publicly.