Guess who’s become my inspiration recently? It’s Parineeti Chopra!! I was more than happy to see her latest Instagram ‘before’ picture (probably it is from the time when she was studying in London), that talks about her weight-loss struggle. Parineeti is one such Bollywood celebrity who has always been open about the body-shaming she faced in the past. However, this time, it’s bold and powerful.

BEFORE .. All my life, I have struggled with how I look, how I feel, and how people looked at me. I was constantly made fun of, but the person I was, I generously laughed with them. Today, many people ask me what triggered the weight loss, did I give in to the “bollywood pressure”? To that I say – thank god I became an actor and had that pressure! I am able to achieve what I couldn’t achieve otherwise. I feel more confident, I feel at peace, and I feel proud! Girls and women meet me all around the world, at airports, events, on the street; they hold my hand, hug me, and tell me their struggles and how I changed their lives. They show me their wallpapers, their wallets, and its all pictures of me!! They look at those pictures and want to make that change in their own lives. They look at my Built That Way campaign and have stuck it to their walls. I have seen women tear up and tell me I changed their life. Post delivery weight, teenage obesity, they are fighting it, and I am their inspiration. As an actor, There is no bigger achievement for me. I am glad to be a part of your life in this way. So thank you everyone. Thank You for making me feel loved. Like I always say – if I could do it. So can you. And I am always there for all of you …. Lots of love….

A photo posted by Parineeti Chopra (@parineetichopra) on Apr 30, 2016 at 10:51pm PDT

 

 

I have always been on the heavy side of the weight, and I firmly believe that it is not something to be ashamed of. Most of us have been there, right? Psst, our love for food and the comfy sofa are definitely bigger than the desire to look ‘socially gorgeous’. But sadly, the amount of pressure we feel being fat makes us appear less confident, less happy, and extremely aggressive. Parineeti had felt the same way.

In her Instagram post, she writes how Bollywood’s pressure ‘inspired’ her to become fit, rather than feeling depressed about herself.

In the text, Parineeti also shares how her admirers are carrying her pictures in their wallets and as wallpapers on their cell phones as a ‘Healthy-reminder’. She calls it as her ‘biggest achievement as an actor.’ In case you don’t know, check out all about her photoshoot ‘Built That Way’ here.

Shout out to her honesty and determination!