Riding bullet with baby bump: The poignant story beneath Athira's maternity photoshoot

A pregnant woman's thrilling motorbike ride up a hill has captivated social media. The video, a maternity photoshoot featuring Athira, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram's Thirumel, shows her stylishly riding a Bullet motorcycle, clad in blue jeans and a white top, amidst scenic hills and valleys. The breathtaking visuals, captured by Athira's friend and photographer Reshma, have garnered both praise and criticism online. This isn't Reshma's first maternity photoshoot; she's known for her unique approach, each photoshoot has a different story to tell.

This photoshoot, however, holds a particularly poignant narrative. Reshma says Athira underwent a divorce procedure shortly after discovering her pregnancy. The photoshoot was conceived as a way to celebrate her pregnancy amidst the emotional stress of the divorce. The photoshoot faced considerable criticism in court. They argue that the focus shouldn't be on whether the husband is around or not, but rather, on celebrating the pregnancy itself.

Athira, an experienced Bullet rider, chose this mode of transport for her photoshoot, riding to Ponmudi, near Thiruvananthapuram. Reshma rode pillion. Even her trip to the hospital for delivery was on the Bullet. Athira preferred minimal assistance throughout her pregnancy, believing that accepting help would create dependency, something she wanted to avoid. From the beginning, she was determined to raise her child independently, a conviction strengthened by the photoshoot. She was in her fourth month of pregnancy when the divorce was finalized.

The photographer emphasizes that pregnancy is not an illness and that many women experience it differently. She advocates for a change in societal perception of pregnancy in Kerala, arguing that it should be celebrated, not viewed as an illness. Athira’s doctor also encouraged her to continue her daily activities, including riding her Bullet, as long as she felt healthy. The photoshoot, therefore, became a testament to Athira’s strength and self-reliance. The photos will serve as a reminder of this challenging yet empowering phase in her life. Importantly, Athira experienced a healthy, uncomplicated delivery.