Actress Bhumi Pednekar recently spoke about the comments she receives about her body on social media. She recalled being bullied for her body even as a child in school. The actress opened up about navigating body-shaming remarks during her appearance at Women of Impact by Barkha Dutt.
Bhumi Pednekar recalls being bullied in school
Bhumi Pednekar joined Barkha Dutt for a heart-to-heart conversation, sharing anecdotes from her childhood- from telling her mother about her aspiration to become an actor at the age of 12 or 13 to achieving success in the industry with her powerful on-screen performances.
Recalling a disturbing moment from her school days, Bhumi said, “I remember this incident very well. I went back into my class and there was a piece of paper that had ‘BBB’ written on it. I tried to decipher it- it stood for ‘big boobs Bhumi’. When you’re young, these things really impact you.”
Speaking about the kind of roles she would refuse to take up, the actress said, “What I would not compromise on is doing a character where there is disrespect toward my gender. I wouldn’t do that. I would rather have less to do than be part of something like that. I’ve worked very, very hard to create a space for myself that is led by performance.”
Ayesha Khan on getting sexualised on Instagram
Dhurandhar fame Ayesha Khan was also present at Women of Impact in Mumbai, joining Barkha Dutt for a conversation about combating stereotypes, body shaming, and sexual objectification.
The actress recalled being rejected from a T-Series song at the last minute due to her “size.” She also spoke about the harassment she faces on Instagram and the constant sexualisation of her posts.
“I am almost every day sexualised for my body on Instagram. I wear a normal top, people have a problem. I wear skirts, people have a problem. I have to think before posting. If I have to think before wearing something or posting something just because someone is going to sexualise me, it is, of course, a really sad space to be in,” she said.
She further added, “I receive rape threats every day, and it has become so normal. Who is doing what about this? Nothing is being done. This problem has existed for ages, and I really wish that something strict is done about it.”
