Dipika Kakar recalls facing body shaming after gaining weight: ‘I wasn’t in the frame of mind’

Dipika Kakar, known for her role in Sasural Simar Ka, recently shared her experience with body shaming on her YouTube channel. During a conversation with her audience, she revealed that she had faced body shaming when she gained weight due to stage 2 liver cancer. At that time, she was not in the right mindset to lose weight or even attempt to do so.

She simply couldn't bring herself to do it. Dipika emphasized the importance of accepting one's body, whether it's fat or slim, and urged viewers not to pay attention to negativity. Psychotherapist Duniya Rrajesh explained that body shaming stems from a need for acceptance and belonging within social groups. She noted that repeated exposure to such comments can have a profound impact on one's confidence, self-esteem, and sense of identity.

Rrajesh highlighted how the entertainment industry may exacerbate these pressures, but similar experiences can occur in various settings. She stressed that body shaming is not exclusive to any gender, as women often face harsh standards from one another due to unrealistic expectations. To overcome body shaming, Rrajesh suggested separating one's worth from their physical appearance and being mindful of the language used when discussing their own body.

Avoiding comparisons with unrealistic images and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals can also help build body confidence and promote emotional well-being.