) Celebrated south Indian actress Nithya Menen, who is making her Bollywood debut with the multistarrer “Mission Mangal” says that actresses always have to deal with an unrealistic expectation of beauty, which is unfair, and that bodyshaming should be stopped.
Although the demand for a so-called perfect face and figure is more in Bollywood compared to the South, asked for her opinion on the matter, Nithya told the media:” I think it is important for people to appreciate different form of beauty. Every individual looks different and that is the beauty. It is so negative when people say, ‘your nose is not perfect, fix it’.”
“We are born in a certain way. We should celebrate that. we should start it from childhood and never bodyshame anyone. I know people tend to talk to children about their skin colour. At times, kids are called ‘motu’ etc. Stop it right there. So much trolling happens on social media, it is ruthless! They expect unrealistic beauty from actors and it is such a negative space,” said the “OK Kanmani” famed actress.
From Vidya Balan, Bhumi Pednekar, Sonakshi Sinha, and Sara Ali Khan – there are several actresses who went through weight loss and body transformation and faced huge criticism for their body weight.
According to Nithya, critics, especially trolls are ignorant of the whole matter and their comments are ruthless.
“They tend to think that a person, who is overweight, either eats much or is lazy to exercise. That is not true, obesity is a health issue, and at times hormonal. So, stop all the shaming and trolling.”
In “Mission Mangal”, Nithya plays a scientist. She said she shares a happy and professional working experience with the Bollywood stars: “I would say it is definitely much more professional here than in the south. I am happy to work here because people are very easy, there is less hierarchy and people are very receptive, welcoming.”
The film features Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Sonakshi Sinha and Akshay Kumar.
So, how was the atmosphere on the set of a film dominated by female co-stars?
“It is not just us, but (there was) also Akshay sir, Sharman and HG Dattatreya – we really worked as a team. Off the camera, we would chat, eat together, and Akshay sir would play pranks on me. It was a good team and we were like teammates,” she said.
Since Nithya worked in “NTR: Kathanayakudu” with Vidya earlier, and she said: “Before coming on set (of ‘Mission Mangal’), we (Vidya and she) had interacted, but Taapsee and I met only on the set first time. I know she has done films in the South but we did not get a chance to meet.”
“Mission Mangal”, based on the Mars Orbiter Mission of India and directed by Jagan Shakti. The film releases on August 15.
Body shaming is known as the action or practice of expressing humiliation about another individual’s body shape or size; a form of bullying that can result in severe emotional trauma, especially at a young age. Body shaming is done by parents, siblings, friends, enemies, and schoolmates and is often portrayed in the media. “Why is she wearing that? It is not flattering at all.” Or “I am so ugly compared to her I will never find a date” are common thoughts and phrases used that are examples of body shaming. Negatively commenting about the size or shape of anyone’s body can be extremely damaging to them potentially leading to low-self esteem, anger, self-harm and even mental health disorders, specifically body dysmorphic disorder.
Like with any other from of bullying, body shaming will always be present unless you stick up for yourself in a positive and healthy way. It is important to practice self-love and try to not let negative comments bother you. Furthermore if you witness body shaming on social media you can report it and flag it for inappropriate content. National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) has stepped up to fight against body shaming on social media and encourages individuals who witness body shaming to notify this organization through Media Watchdog program. Additionally you can create a petition against body shaming, write a body positive post or blog, call out the body-snarkers by taking a screenshot and tagging @Proud2BmeUS and engaging with strong and positive like minded women. And, you can always find a loving, encouraging community through ANAD’s support groups and check out our ANAD Week Guide for body positivity programming. Keep in mind that entering a negative cycle of comments does not do any good in this situation. Take control and stay positive.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, about 65% of people with eating disorders say that bullying contributed to their condition. Negative connotations about weight and body image can lead to low self-esteem, social isolation, poor body image, and has also been shown to directly contribute to the development of eating disorders.
It’s really important that we stop body shaming people online and on social media. The rude comments under pictures, comparing women in “who looks better” posts – all that does is force us to judge each other. It only sets us back and women, now more than ever, need to empower each other.
Ashley Graham
