Bollywood actress Ileana D’Cruz, in a heartfelt conversation with Neha Dhupia during a Freedom to Feed live session, revealed that she is currently not planning a return to films. Instead, her focus remains
entirely on embracing her motherhood journey. Married to Michael Dolan, Ileana is now a mother of two sons. The couple welcomed their first child, Koa Phoenix Dolan, on August 1, 2023, and their second son, Keanu Rafe Dolan, on June 19, 2025. Living in Houston, Texas, Ileana shared how life has beautifully shifted around her growing family.
Ileana D’Cruz Opens Up On Motherhood Taking Priority
With motherhood taking centre stage, Ileana shared that she is in no rush to step back into films. For now, she wishes to dedicate her time and energy to her two sons while embracing the challenges and joys of parenting. While speaking with Neha Dhupia, the Barfi actress said, “I don’t know how much people miss me. I am aware of how fickle the world is. And I understand it. I really love my work, and miss it intensely. I miss being on screen and playing different characters, and just being on sets and working with amazing people. And I had the opportunity to work with such great people. I do miss all of that. I really do. And I really want to come back. But I also want to prioritize being with my boys and taking care of them. Especially because I am doing it hands-on. And until I’m ready to get help involved, I’ll have to be here and take care of them. But maybe soon. I don’t know how soon.”
She also said that she will regret it if she were to leave behind her children. “I feel like I will regret immensely if I say I’m leaving, I’m going do some work and come back. And I don’t want to do work haphazardly. I want to focus on it. I will really take my time to prepare myself not just mentally but physically as well before I get back,” she said.
Ileana D’Souza On Her Post-Pregnancy Journey
Opening up about the emotional side of motherhood, Ileana admitted that her journey post-pregnancy was not without struggles. She revealed moments of self-doubt and vulnerability where she often questioned herself as a mother. “There were times I felt I wasn’t a perfect mother. I broke down so many times, wondering if I was doing things right. But slowly I’ve realised it’s okay to have those feelings, it’s all part of the process,” she said during the Freedom To Feed live session.
On the professional front, Ileana was last seen in the romantic comedy Do Aur Do Pyaar, directed by Shirsha Guha Thakurta. The film also featured Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, and Sendhil Ramamurthy.
