Leïla Bekhti, a renowned French actress, found herself in the spotlight recently, not only for her dynamic performance in the new film Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan but also due to mixed public reactions regarding her appearance. The 41-year-old star appeared in an interview that left some viewers questioning her looks, prompting a wave of comments on social media.
The film, which premiered on March 19, 2025, features Bekhti as a mother committed to supporting her son, who has a clubfoot condition. The movie, inspired by true events, showcases a mother’s relentless fight to provide her son with a normal life, resonating deeply with audiences. In the film, Bekhti portrays a strong character facing numerous challenges, reflecting her own personal battles off-screen as well.
During her promotion of the film, Bekhti participated in an interview on the television program Sept à Huit, where she discussed her struggles with fertility. She revealed the emotional toll of being informed by her gynecologist that conceiving naturally would be difficult, after trying for over two years. “When the gynecologist announced that I would have difficulty getting pregnant naturally, I was completely devastated by this news,” she shared, shedding light on a deeply personal issue that many couples face.
Fortunately, Bekhti’s husband offered support during this tough time, reminding her that they were in this together: “He said, It's funny to talk about it as if it’s your problem, it’s ours; yes, I want children but with you.” This sentiment illustrates the unity and commitment in their relationship. Two months later, in what she described as a miracle, Bekhti conceived naturally, going on to have four children. “Even today, my gynecologist cannot explain what happened, as all my children were conceived naturally,” she remarked appreciatively.
While many viewers praised Bekhti for her candidness and courage, others criticized her appearance online. On platforms like TikTok, comments ranged from “How does she age so poorly?” to “She looks older than her 41 years. I'd give her 50.” Such remarks sparked a divided response among audiences. Many fans defended Bekhti against the harsh critiques, amplifying supportive messages like, “Jealous or jealous, she’s still beautiful,” and “She hasn’t aged; she has matured beautifully.”
Bekhti’s resilience has also been visible in her lasting friendship with fellow actor Jonathan Cohen. The two co-star in Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan, and their rapport has drawn attention during promotional appearances. Their friendship began over a decade ago on the set of Mains armées, another film in which they were involved. “I found him very concerned on set, I admired his hard work, and there was an instant connection,” Bekhti recalled fondly.
Cohen humorously recalled how he was cut from Mains armées, which led to many laughs when they reunited. “When Leïla saw I wasn’t in the film, we laughed a lot,” he noted, pointing out that Bekhti’s ability to see the humor in tough situations made him appreciate their friendship even more. This mutual admiration has strengthened their bond through numerous projects together, including comedies like La Flamme and Le Flambeau.
In another light-hearted interview segment for En Aparté, celebrating the show’s 500th episode, Bekhti and Cohen discussed their welcoming camaraderie. They expressed joy in being able to continue collaborating lovingly over the years. Cohen pointed out that he felt drawn to Bekhti for her positive work ethic and vibrant personality, a sentiment she echoed warmly.
Despite the ups and downs of public scrutiny, Bekhti remains grounded. “This is part of our world, but I have a beautiful life and beautiful kids,” she reflects confidently, showcasing her understanding of the challenges faced by public figures. The duality of struggling with personal issues while being in the public eye can be especially weighty, a topic that resonates with many who feel pressure to conform to beauty standards.
As the excitement around Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan continues, Bekhti's story is one of not only artistic expression but also triumph over personal adversity. Her ability to share such intimate experiences while remaining a source of inspiration for many is a testament to her character, solidifying her place not just as an actress, but as a relatable figure in the modern narrative of womanhood. Bekhti's journey reflects both today's resilience and timeless themes of love, family, and perseverance.
