Bollywood actress Ananya Panday has candidly shared her experiences with body-shaming and the impact it had on her mental health, both during her school years and early days in the film industry. In a recent interview, Ananya recalled being subjected to cruel comments such as being called a “hunchback,” “flat-screen TV,” “chicken legs,” and “hairy” during her school years. These remarks deeply affected her self-esteem and body image. She mentioned that such words can have a lasting impact, stating, “The fact that I still remember exactly what people said and who said it 12 years later just shows how much words can stick” .
The trolling continued into her early career in Bollywood, with people labeling her as “ugly” and “flat-chested” when she was just 19. Ananya admitted that these comments made her question her worth and contemplate quitting acting. She shared, “I wanted to quit acting in the first year of my career,” highlighting the emotional toll the criticism had on her .
To cope with the negativity, Ananya sought therapy, a practice normalized in her family. She acknowledged the importance of mental health support, stating, “I could not articulate my emotions. I used to just feel very, very down” .
Over time, Ananya has worked towards self-acceptance, focusing on embracing her body and silencing the external criticisms. She emphasized the significance of self-love, stating, “If that is sorted and that is my foundation, then nothing can hurt me since I am at peace with myself and I love myself” .
Ananya’s journey serves as a reminder of the impact words can have on an individual’s self-esteem and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for mental well-being.