Sonam Kapoor recalls being body shamed as a teenager: ‘I had body hair, grew 7-8 inches…’

As a teenager, Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor faced a deluge of unsolicited comments about her rapidly changing body. In a 2022 Vogue India interview, she recounted how she experienced hormonal shifts, including excessive body hair, acne, and a sudden growth spurt of 7-8 inches. In India, relatives would often remark in Hindi, "Oh, you've become much taller, darker, and longer.

Who will marry you? What will people say?" These comments, while seemingly innocuous, can be deeply damaging to one's self-esteem. Psychologist Rutuja Varade explained that such body-shaming remarks, no matter how casually said, can significantly impact a person's mental health. Repeated criticism about one's appearance can lead to feelings of embarrassment, sadness, and decreased confidence.

Over time, if left unchecked, these comments may cause individuals to believe there is something inherently wrong with them, prompting them to avoid social situations or engage in unhealthy behaviors to gain acceptance. Varade emphasized that these comments, especially when coming from loved ones, can be particularly hurtful, as they may question one's self-worth and belonging.

She stressed that a person's body should never be a measure of their worth and that physical changes do not diminish their right to love, respect, and companionship. Instead of contributing to the problem, Varade encouraged a more compassionate approach, urging us to be mindful of our words and avoid making assumptions about someone's physical or emotional state.

By creating a supportive environment, we can help those experiencing body shaming to feel valued and accepted as they are.