A body positivity influencer and a plus-size model, Neha calls herself a ‘typical next-door girl from Mumbai who promotes and stands by the whole aspect of self-care and self-love.’ She is one of the first plus-size models in India and the only one to have walked the Lakme Fashion Week four times in a row.
“I started building the confidence slowly and gradually and I started standing up for myself.” As she decently started telling people to not make fun of her weight, she also started taking better care of herself. Neha is an inspiration to the many young people who feel belittled because of their weight, size, shape, or color.
But this is not the end of the world, your weight is not your identity, and please don’t let this criticism make you think otherwise.” In conversation with Neha, who talks about her journey so far, her renewed confidence and love for herself, and her take on why influencing the younger generation is important.
Neha: I never had an influencer or a motivator or an idol to look up to when I was struggling with body image issues and self-confidence issues. If someone is struggling they should know that they are not alone, through my journey, posts, and social media I wanted to inspire people and that is what I aimed to be. Body shaming has existed for a long time.
But with our virtual world, yes it has increased in the way that earlier only the people who would have met you would have said something to demean or judge you. People judge, bully or shame others online because they are probably insecure or intimidated by your life and success or maybe they have no other work. Similarly, do you think the coping mechanisms for dealing with body shaming are more accessible today?
Neha: Absolutely, more than the virtual world having a negative effect I think it has a positive effect. I think I never had an inspiration or influence in my life because of the lack of technology. Another good thing is that it allows us to educate or change the mindset of thousands of people whom we don’t know personally. Being an influencer you have shown a way to encourage body positivity.
Neha: I would suggest seeking any sort of inspiration or doing whatever that makes you happy. So stop seeking validation from random people and stop comparing your life with people on social media because you don’t know their struggles.
Neha: When it comes to body shaming, men also equally go through it. I know a lot of friends and plus-sized influencers who get comments like you are too thin and no one will marry you or you will get married to a fat girl, etc. Most people come under the pressure of wanting to look good. In fact, even those who were not always slim or size zero, flaunt their bodies after workouts, etc., and give weight loss goals. So until that revolution happens I think the thin and slim people will only survive.
Neha: Your weight is not your identity. Don’t let people be the reason for your happiness or sadness or whatever is happening with you. Most importantly don’t settle for less just because you think it’s okay for people like us. Don’t demean your own self, respect your body, your identity, your journey, and your struggles, and own yourself.
Neha: Honestly, I did not become a body positivity influencer or a plus-size model because I wanted to make a profit or career out of it.
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