Not too long ago, all we saw on fashion runways, advertisements, movies and TV were slim models and actresses who set unrealistic body standards for us. It took us very long to accept that regardless of what the media tells us, all body types are attractive. Over the last decade, several social media influencers and bloggers have come forward to remind us that there is no such thing as an ‘ideal body type.’ Plus-size actresses of the Indian entertainment industry have refused to settle with stereotypical roles where they are often cast as sidekicks or ‘heroine’s BFFs.’ They have taken control of their narratives and given us some of the most iconic characters ever. On one hand, there are celebs like Vidya Balan and Sumukhi Suresh, who are urging people to accept and respect their bodies in all forms and sizes. But, on the other hand, there are certain actresses who are apparently still living in a regressive world and believe that ‘only skinny is beautiful.’
We are talking about Tejasswi Prakash, who recently opened up about landing the lead role in Naagin 6 by becoming ‘desirable’ after ‘losing weight.’ Yes, you heard that right and needless to say, it’s making us furious AF.
While talking to a leading daily, the Bigg Boss 15 winner revealed that she was unable to eat properly in the BB house. She lost weight because of the same and hence became more ‘desirable.’ She said, “With the kind of things that happened to me in the house, I was not able to eat well. I lost a lot of weight in the house and then I got an offer for Naagin. One of the most important things on the show is that the naagin should look desirable and fitter. I am glad that I could pull off the look because I lost weight and people are loving my glam quotient in the show.”
Umm…WTH? Tejasswi’s statements are as problematic as they get and we are shocked. For starters, losing weight after not getting a sufficient diet is unhealthy. We fail to understand how she can glorify such a terrible thing and make us look at the ‘brighter side’. Next, what do ‘losing weight’ and ‘looking desirable’ have in common? We will tell you—absolutely nothing! And, for the love of god, no one can get ‘fitter’ by not eating well or starving themselves. Tejasswi has always been one of the fittest actresses on television and she proved that during her stint in Khatron Ke Khiladi 10. We are infuriated that she can relate such an unhealthy form of a diet to fitness and promote unrealistic standards of beauty.
Tejasswi’s tone-deaf statements come across as a major shock to us because quite recently, the actress opened up about facing body-shaming herself. During an interview with a leading daily, she said, “It is very important for women to love themselves. If you don’t love yourself and the way your body is and you keep doing things to yourself, then how do you expect anybody else to love you.”
Exactly, Tejasswi! We expect the actress to real promote body positivity and not promote the idea of being ‘desirable’ by ‘losing weight’ using unhealthy means.
Featured Image: Instagram
