Aishwarya: Life's quieter after Aaradhya's birth

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who has cut down on work as well as social appearances recently, has admitted that her life has changed for the better since the birth of her daughter, Aaradhya, last November and insisted that family is now her priority.

But the former Miss World said she'll be back in front of the camera when the right role comes, Gulf News reported.

Rai Bachchan, who has been voted as Best Mother alongside Angelina Jolie in an online poll, travelled to the Cannes International Film Festival with her baby, as one of L'Oreal's longest-standing global ambassadors. 

In an exclusive interview with tabloid! after her first post-pregnancy Cannes appearance, Rai Bachchan talks about life with Aaradhya, getting back to work and her post-pregnancy body -- and her advice to working mums: "Don't be too hard on yourself."

Asked how has life changed after giving birth to Aaradhya, she relied: "Life has become quieter, which is very nice; I am spending a lot of time with her and just enjoying being a family."

When asked whether travelling and keeping her work commitments such as brand appearances has become difficult after becoming a mother, she said: "I have learnt to manage my time better with work so that my family time isn't compromised too much.

"I prefer to take her with me on travels when the commitments are not too tight. My mother accompanies me to help with Aaradhya, so I am blessed that way." 

About the criticism that came her way for her post-partum weight before her highly-anticipated Cannes appearance, the actress says she's not bothered about it.

"It isn't surprising because in this industry, when an actress becomes a mother the focus isn't on her health, it's on how fast she loses the excess weight, I don't worry about this; to me, the well-being and the health of my family is more important than focusing on going back to my pre-pregnancy body in miracle time. It should not be taken to extremes," she said.

She also offered some advice to women who are trying to handle both motherhood and work. 

"Don't be too hard on yourself, and take time to relax and connect with your new-born. At times this seems impossible but it's an essential part of juggling motherhood and a career successfully," she stated.

"And no matter what you do, don't forget about yourself. I believe that when you look good, you feel good and more confident, so caring for your hair, skin and body should not stop.

"If anything, you should do more of that so you are refreshed and positive when you're around your child and family," she added.

Asked when she intends to make a comeback to films, she said: "I like to choose roles that are meaningful, something I can make a contribution to. When the right role comes I will be back in front of the camera." 

According to her, motherhood is a beautiful experience that "makes you recognise so many things in life that you never realised before. Your priorities, your feelings and your future completely changes."