You Cannot Afford To Skip This Because The Phenomenon Of Body Shaming Has To Be Stopped And This Is How You Do It
Srishti Yadav
Mallika Choudhuri, an actor in her mid-twenties, after hearing insensitive, inhuman, humiliating and depressing comments on her body or namely suffering “Body Shaming”, started a campaign “Love Every Body”, against the entire idea of stereotyping body of anyone, be it male or female. Mallika takes pride in her curves and doesn’t care if they are too much for somebody unknown out there in the society. The campaign has been revolutionized through the digital mass media, shattering stereotypes and it has caught the attention of many people who have been through the same situation or who oppose “Body Shaming” equally.
1. What made you start this campaign on body shaming?
I started this campaign because I never felt like there was anything wrong with being curvy. There is nothing wrong with the so-called ‘perfect figure’ either but in my mind and opinion, I too have a beautiful body as well. To me, my shape which I feel is like a mermaid is a god given gift and a blessing. The problem arises when the middlemen in the film industry would not give me a chance to prove my talent based on my body type. So, I decided to start the “Love Every Body” campaign to end body shaming and promote positive body ideals for women and men alike.
2. Have you come across any such incidence which changed your overview?
Yes, I was trying to become the size zero and it was killing my happiness, simultaneously making my life and health miserable. Therefore, I decided to stop it completely. The belief in my talent and strengths began to evolve me rather than the opinions of people upon my body who don’t even know me as a person. I felt that I should encourage others to start this journey with me as well to eradicate this depressing problem from the society altogether.
3. How has your campaign been treated? Is it appreciated or condemned?
So far I have received only positive and happy remarks. It feels great when people tell me how thankful they are that I am doing this campaign. People now consider chubby and curvy as the new definition of sexy and beautiful. The campaign, support of people, the change, everything makes me proud every day.
4. Has the industry at any point in time treated you differently?
It is a big industry with lots of people with differing ideological standards. When I merely focused on the negative side of the industry only the negatives were reaching out to me. But, the minute I believed in myself all kinds of positive feedback and help was received from the industry itself and from the right people.
5. What is the change in your life that you think has emerged after the success of such a powerful campaign?
I am happier, that is putting me in the right mindset and energy. I hard work to get a lot more focused work done. It is because of the talent and hard work mainly that the opportunities are pouring in. Now, people believe in me and my vision. They are also making such a wonderful change in their own lives. I just wanted people to be kind and more loving, it is amazing to see this happen in front of my eyes.
6. What will be your message to others suffering the pain of “Body Shaming”, especially youngsters?
It is through the youngsters only that we can aim to finish any sort of social problem. I would request and encourage engagement with the thoughts of ending body shaming, promote loving everybody, and most importantly body inclusivity within the society of hard stereotypes.
