Leïla Bekhti, the acclaimed French actress known for her powerful performances, recently opened up about her challenging path to motherhood during her appearance on the show Sept à Huit on March 9, 2025. The 41-year-old star discussed her struggles to conceive her first child, which led to the birth of four children within six years.
Speaking with host Audrey Crespo-Mara, Bekhti reflected on the difficulties she faced when trying to become pregnant, stating, "I had a lot of trouble getting pregnant with my first child. My gynecologist announced to me after two years of trying to conceive, ‘you will have difficulty having a child naturally.’” This unexpected diagnosis left her feeling overwhelmed, likening her shock to having her left ear blocked as if she did not want to hear the news.
Due to the medical advice, Bekhti sought assistance through medically assisted procreation (PMA), embarking on daily injections to boost her fertility. Yet, just two months later, the unexpected happened: she conceived naturally, shocking both herself and her doctor. “Even today, my gynecologist cannot explain what happened, as I had all four children naturally,” she shared, calling it nothing short of "a miracle."
Since then, Bekhti has embraced the whirlwind of motherhood, giving birth to her children between 2017 and 2024. This includes two births within the same year, welcoming her daughter in January and her son later the same year. Reflecting on her experiences, she declared, “I’ve had all my children within six years. I often tell them: I waited for you; I was eager for you to arrive.”
Awaiting the release of her upcoming film, Ma Mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan, on March 19, 2025, Bekhti also opened up about how motherhood has shaped her. “My eldest will be seven years old, and my youngest will celebrate their first birthday soon,” she noted. “Each of my children is associated with a film; I filmed every time I was pregnant.”
Her relationship with her partner, actor Tahar Rahim, has played a significant role throughout this process. They met on the set of the film Un Prophète and have built a close-knit family. Bekhti recounted, “I didn’t want to impose my struggles on him, but he immediately responded, ‘it’s our issue, not just yours, and I want children with you.’” This solidarity has helped her navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, with Bekhti emphasizing their teamwork: “We are a team.”
Amidst the daily challenges of parenting, Bekhti has established some important family rules, including openly expressing love and laughter. “There isn’t a day when we don’t tell each other ‘I love you,’ and every day we find something to laugh about,” she shared. This engaging atmosphere fosters connection within their family, making the juggling act of her career and motherhood more manageable.
Despite the hectic nature of her life, Bekhti cherishes the intense bond she shares with her children. “It’s liberative. I would do anything for them. They are the only people I wouldn’t hesitate to save without question; it’s visceral, it’s animalistic,” she described. Highlighting the enduring love only a mother can have for her children, Bekhti remarked, “Mothers are superheroes without capes; it’s the purest and most unconditional love.”
Contrary to what her circumstances might suggest, Bekhti’s experiences have enriched her life, redefining her identity as both an actress and a mother. Reflecting on her staggering feat of welcoming four children and balancing her career, she remarked, “It’s not easy, let me tell you—it’s quite athletic! Even during photo shoots, I have to remind myself to manage their meals and schedules.”
Leïla Bekhti’s candid discussion showcases the beauty and challenges of modern motherhood, offering insight not merely as a celebrity but as someone who has navigated through heartache and joy. Her story resonates with many women across the globe, reflecting resilience and the power of love and family.