Renowned Bollywood star Kalki Koechlin, known for her roles in blockbuster films and modeling for international beauty brands, recently shared her struggles with self-esteem in a society that overly emphasizes physical appearance. Despite her successful career and appearances on prestigious platforms like Vogue India, Kalki confesses feeling “ugly” at times due to societal beauty standards.
In an interview with the award-winning BBC World Service podcast Dear Daughter, the multifaceted actor, writer, and producer expressed concerns about the distorted perception of beauty perpetuated by social media. She highlighted how the modern world often defines beauty by specific sizes, colors, or shapes, leading to unrealistic expectations and self-doubt.
The podcast, featuring heartfelt letters from parents to their children, includes a poignant message from Kalki to her five-year-old daughter. In the letter, Kalki offers guidance on navigating societal pressures regarding body image and shares personal experiences of grappling with beauty standards.
Residing in Goa, India, with her husband and daughter, Kalki drew inspiration for the letter from a conversation with her child, who expressed feeling inadequate in terms of appearance. Reflecting on her own struggles with self-perception, Kalki admitted to occasionally feeling “ugly” despite external validations of her beauty.
Encouraging her daughter to embrace her individuality, Kalki reminds her that beauty ideals evolve over time and should not dictate one’s self-worth. She stresses the importance of appreciating one’s unique features as witnesses to life’s journey, serving as lifelong companions through joys and challenges.
Hailing from Puducherry, India, and raised by French parents, Kalki describes her younger self as a “geeky introvert” who grappled with insecurities about her appearance, a sentiment further exacerbated by her career in the limelight. Recalling instances where industry pressure pushed her to consider cosmetic enhancements, Kalki humorously navigated such suggestions with wit and self-assurance.
Acknowledging the detrimental impact of societal expectations, exacerbated by social media’s influence, Kalki shares concerns about shielding her daughter from undue scrutiny. She humorously mentions contemplating a move to Australia upon hearing about the country’s proposed ban on smartphones for under-16s as a protective measure.
Kalki’s candid revelations shed light on the pervasive nature of beauty standards and the importance of fostering self-acceptance and resilience in the face of societal pressures.
The issue of ageism faced by women in the public eye is brought into focus by Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown, who recently made headlines by addressing critics who have scrutinized her appearance as she matures.
In a three-minute video on her Instagram page, the 21-year-old expressed her dismay at adult writers spending time analyzing her face, body, and choices, deeming it disturbing.
The Dear Daughter podcast, created by Nairobi-based mother Namulanta Kombo, serves as a guidebook to life for her daughter, featuring parental advice from around the globe. Each episode features a guest sharing a letter to their children, future children, or imaginary children, offering valuable life lessons and personal anecdotes.
In one episode of the current season, Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh advises her three children to trust their instincts, while wildlife documentary presenter Rae Wynn-Grant shares tips on overcoming self-doubt and encounters with bears in another episode.
In a heartfelt letter to her daughter, the mother reflects on a moment when her child expressed feeling unattractive at a young age, highlighting the importance of not letting others define one’s self-worth. She emphasizes the beauty in imperfection, urging her daughter to embrace her uniqueness and value her entire being, including her flaws and scars, as they are a testament to her life journey.
In an eternal pledge of affection, the question was posed: “Do you know when I’ll stop loving you?” The resolute response echoed, “Never.”
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