The emphasis on normalising conversations around body positivity and body confidence has been more real this year. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Sameera Reddy and many others dipped their toes into the discussion, and emphasized on how a woman’s body transformation is not anybody’s business and doesn’t call for criticism. These six powerful body positivity notes of 2021 are sure to inspire women to embrace their bodies and find beauty in the imperfections.
1. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
The Quantico actress, who’s always been under public scrutiny, told Yahoo Life, “Well, I won’t lie that I don’t get affected by it. My body has changed as I’ve gotten older, just as everyone’s body does, and I’ve had to adapt mentally as well with like, OK, this is what it looks like now, this is what I look like now, it’s alright, and catering to my now body and not my 10- or 20-years-ago body. I think that that’s very crucial and I feel like that really takes finding a sense of confidence in what you bring to the table outside of what you look like… I just try to remind myself that I am loved and I feel good from the inside. I feel confident when I walk into a room and I try to remind myself that that has nothing to do with my body.”
2. Ileana D’Cruz
Image Credit: Ileana D’Cruz, Instagram
The actress has battled with Body Dysmorphic Disorder in the past, and her message is a reminder to be kind to ourselves. In her Instagram post, she wrote, “Self-love kinda day. Reminder to be kind to yourself. Also give yourself a hug and thank your body for being a haven and for holding you up through rough times and stressful times. You’re a mean fighting machine and today just sit back and enjoy the wonderful things you and your body can accomplish.”
3. Sameera Reddy
Image Credit: Sameera Reddy, Instagram
The Race actress has always been vocal about all the struggles that come with motherhood, and keeps motivating women to embrace imperfections. Recently, she shared a before and after picture of herself on Instagram and wrote, “Do you keep comparing yourself to what you were before? The healthiest thing you can do for your body and soul is to redefine and not get stuck on what used to be. The world will still judge but you don’t need to fall prey to that. Move forward. Don’t look back. I want to stay positive and thank my body for giving me so much support.”
4. Bhumi Pednekar
Image Credit: Bhumi Pednekar, Instagram
The actress told Mid-day, “I say no to fairness cream ads because I don’t want young women to feel lesser because of their skin tone. When I do a Bala, I want to empower people who are told they are not good enough because of their skin colour. The obsession with fairness has reduced slightly. The conversation will result in change only when we have enough people talking about it. We, women, need to create communities that endorse self-love and inclusivity. We shouldn’t be expected to conform to social standards of beauty. My first film gave me confidence, and Sandhya, the character, made me fall in love with myself. Beauty is about finding your own happiness, which includes mental and physical well-being.”
5. Rubina Dilaik
Image Credit: Rubina Dilaik, Instagram
Stressing on how she dealt with Covid and gained weight during the pandemic, the Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki actress shared an inspiring note on Instagram that read, “I am learning to love me again after realising, a perfect, lean body doesn’t define who I am. I gained 7 kgs post my covid recovery which made me really uncomfortable and low on confidence! Struggled hard to get back to my usual 50 but …….. So here is to my beautiful people a lil nugget (which I am currently practising)! Weight is all about having your health first and not your looks. Be kind to your body.”
6. Roopal Tyagi
Image Credit: Roopal Tyagi, Instagram
The television actress elaborated on how fitness for her is more about body confidence. In an interview with Hindustan Times, she said, “My purpose was fitness, being more active and agile. I lost 8-9kilos in over a year and I feel I look younger. My hair and skin look better too. I changed my lifestyle which is why I got results. For me, the goal was not losing weight but about body positivity. Before the pandemic, I felt I was not at my best, so I consciously made changes to my life, diet and workout. I practiced yoga and meditation. I even took a course called Angamardana to understand yoga properly. I felt more energetic than before. In fact, I used to go to the gym for a workout but didn’t feel this level of energy.”
Lead Image Credit: Sameera Reddy and Ileana D’Cruz, Instagram
