Parineeti Chopra on gaining weight for Amar Singh Chamkila: ‘Lost brands, didn’t do events’

Parineeti Chopra spoke candidly about her decision to gain weight for her role in Amar Singh Chamkila on Raj Shamani's podcast Figuring Out. She explained that director Imtiaz Ali had instructed her to gain weight and use minimal makeup to authentically portray Amarjot Kaur. Despite industry friends warning her of the potential negative impact on her career, she fully committed to the role.

Parineeti admitted that she lost brands and stopped attending events due to her appearance, feeling constantly conscious and receiving various comments about her weight. She expressed that she has no interest in gaining weight or looking unwell, and her clothes no longer fit her. Parineeti has not lost the weight yet, finding it challenging.

The Mumbai-based counselling psychologist Yash Dilip noted that when body criticism begins affecting one's career, it can feel very personal and distressing. He stated that the individual may start believing their appearance defines their professional worth, leading to decreased confidence, self-esteem, and self-perception. Dilip emphasized that body shaming can create a constant pressure to conform to societal beauty standards, especially in appearance-focused professions, resulting in anxiety, self-consciousness, and excessive focus on one's looks.

Over time, this can lead people to avoid situations or opportunities due to fear of judgment. Dilip recommended acknowledging criticism without letting it define one's sense of self, limiting exposure to hurtful online comments, maintaining connections with supportive people, and focusing on abilities beyond appearance to create emotional distance.

If body-related criticism impacts sleep, eating patterns, relationships, work, or daily functioning, Dilip suggested seeking help from a mental health professional.