French-Algerian actress Leïla Bekhti is returning to the big screen with her latest film Ma Mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan, set to hit theaters on March 19, 2025. Known for her luminous presence and remarkable talent, Bekhti has captivated audiences since her debut in the film Sheitan back in 2005. Her breakthrough role came with Tout ce qui brille, where she earned the César Award for Most Promising Actress.
On March 9, 2025, Bekhti made headlines during her heartfelt interview with Audrey Crespo-Mara on the show Sept à Huit. Throughout their conversation, Bekhti opened up about her life as both an actress and a mother, offering insights on the intertwining challenges and joys of these roles.
Speaking candidly about her struggles with fertility, she explained, "I had a lot of trouble getting pregnant […] when my gynecologist told me I would have difficulty conceiving naturally, I had already been trying for over two years: my left ear felt blocked, and I was completely devastated by the news.” This moment marked the beginning of her emotional rollercoaster related to motherhood.
Despite this initial heartbreak, Bekhti's narrative took a hopeful turn. With her partner, actor Tahar Rahim, by her side, she embarked on ovarian stimulation treatment but eventually conceived naturally. Today, she is the proud mother of four children, adding, “I gave birth to all four of my children within six years. I even had two children in the same year — my daughter in January and my son in December.”
Loading her days with both filming and family, Bekhti described the challenge of balancing her thriving career and motherhood as “very, very sporty.” She recounted moments of juggling work commitments during photo shoots and filming, yet maintaining the drive to be fully engaged with her children. “I need them to be with me when I’m away for long weeks, but they don’t come to the sets. I reconnect with them like any mom does when she leaves for work.”
Bekhti also highlighted the importance of shielding her children from the glitz and pressures of fame. “Our kids don’t see our films, don’t watch our magazine covers, and don’t watch TV. I want them to enjoy their childhood fully, unaware of all this.” Despite her efforts, her oldest son, now seven, is beginning to realize their family is different. “He once told me, ‘I have a friend who saw you with a big comb. It seemed very funny.’ It’s heartwarming to see how he perceives it all without being too affected by the celebrity aspect of our lives.”
Through this engaging discussion, Bekhti’s warmth and commitment to her family shine through, evidencing her unconditional love. She stated, “I will never stop loving my children; it’s a bond with no end. They are the only ones I wouldn’t hesitate to save right here and now. It’s visceral, it’s animal.” Building on this, she praised Rahim, saying, “He has such purity… he’s not fond of me saying this. But he’s also such a good dad, which was important for me.”
Leïla Bekhti’s reflections reveal not just the high stakes of her blazing career, but also the careful balancing act of being present as a mother, ensuring her children flourish away from the spotlight she embraces professionally. This future film and her personal narrative about motherhood resonate with many, offering inspiration and relatability to audiences far and wide.
With her return to the screen set for March 19 and her deeply personal stories shared with viewers, Bekhti continues to forge her path as both a celebrated actress and devoted mother, proving her tenacity and love can thrive amid life’s multifaceted challenges.