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When it comes to celebrities, we have this unrealistic expectation that they should be “perfect”. Anything less than that and we don’t even miss a second to troll them. Do you remember the time when Kareena Kapoor Khan was trolled for looking “too thin” after losing her post-pregnancy weight? And what about Aishwarya Rai who was mocked for being “too fat” soon after her delivery? Even the celebrities are not spared from the incessant trolling. On the contrary, they are trolled even more.
Recently, Aishwarya shared the screen space again with her Taal co-star Anil Kapoor after a gap of almost 18 years. They starred together in the 2018 movie, Fanney Khan, which revolved around the sensitive topic of body shaming. With increasing awareness about this subject, the movie has been made in an effort to get people talking. And, it got Aishwarya talking too. The beautiful actress openly spoke about her own past experiences with respect to body shaming.
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In 2011, Aishwarya gave birth to her daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan. Much like all new mothers, she had gained some weight post her pregnancy. But, when she made a public appearance soon after, she was trolled with insensitive remarks for her weight gain. This trolling came despite the fact that this is how a woman’s body normally responds in this phase. In an interview on National television, she mentioned how this experience is not just restricted to post motherhood. Aishwarya said that the comments on the change in her body frame were perhaps for the first time. But, she was able to handle this situation only because she has been judged otherwise for a long time.
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Elaborating further on how she has battled assumptions and judgments throughout, Aishwarya said that it makes her laugh when articles assume she has a fairytale life. But, then she asks how do these judgments come about? Yes, she is thankful for all the blessings. However, the judgments come only because of how someone chooses to perceive something.
On a separate occasion, Aishwarya spoke about how body shaming has become an even more important subject to discuss now with the social media in the picture. She said that it is not only about body shaming but about the entire concept of self-belief. Yes, it has always existed but now people are talking about it much more. Also, she emphasized on the need of being sensitive to one another. Talking about this subject now becomes much more important since communication is now an essential aspect of life. If you want to be heard, you can reach out to millions now. And, you can prove to be a balm to someone in just a split second.
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While talking about her own experience, Aishwarya said that becoming a mother was the most beautiful feeling ever. While there were some hormonal changes, it did not majorly change anything. Even before, if someone asked her for fashion tips, she maintained how one should be comfortable in one’s own skin. With this, Aishwarya believes that people should now believe that she meant what she said. However, she strongly believes that the positives can easily overpower the negatives. Her advice was to be your own best friend but also remember to be brutally frank with yourself. And, when you are feeling low, reach out to those who can comfort you.
Aishwarya never had a moment of self-doubt and didn’t let this pull her down. And, with Aaradhya around, she was surely positive as well as clear in her mind. That is more than enough to make her happy. And, she made these choices consciously. It is liberating to find the conviction within yourself. Then the voices outside won’t affect you. She asked not to be bitter or angry and then you will naturally have a positive response to negative comments.
Doesn’t Aishwarya’s response resonate with you? What are your opinions on body shaming? Let us know in the comments section below!
