In today’s society, there are certain standards set when it comes to one’s appearance. Falling short at any of these can make living a difficult ride for many. Body shaming has become a common practice, and it affects people’s confidence and self-esteem. Somy Ali, a former actor turned humanitarian who now runs her NGO, No More Tears, shares her perspective on this issue.
Ali firmly believes that body shaming and judging someone based on their size is despicable. She emphasizes that there are countless reasons why people may lose or put on weight. For example, when she had her back surgery in 2018, she gained 50lbs due to being bedridden and on major painkillers for quite some time. With physical therapy and a healthy diet, she was eventually able to shed the weight. However, Ali stresses that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and healthy eating habits, is vital for good health.
While celebrities face more pressure to look good due to their involvement in the glamour industry, Ali believes that anyone whose livelihood is based on their looks must take responsibility for their appearance. For actors, maintaining a healthy routine is vital because their self-worth and box office worth are intertwined with their appearance. Ali cites actors like Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, and Shah Rukh Khan as examples of disciplined individuals who sacrifice many aspects of their lives to maintain their workout rituals. In women, actors like Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Deepika Padukone, and Alia Bhatt are all in excellent shape and take excellent care of themselves, which Ali sees as a positive direction.
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When asked if we will ever come to a point where body structure, weight, and physical appearance won’t be the first thing that comes to our mind when we meet someone, Ali replies that it solely depends on the intellect and mindset of the individual. She personally chooses to judge people based on their behaviour, deeds, and how they treat those they can’t benefit from. Ali believes that focusing on human behaviour, rather than something as trivial as weight, is more significant.
Ali cites individuals like Shah Rukh Khan, who is known for his intellectualism and runs a foundation named after his father for acid burn victims, and Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban for advocating for children’s right to education, as examples of individuals who prioritize their character and moral compass. Ali encourages everyone to focus on character and deeds rather than weight, emphasizing that actors like Marilyn Monroe or Sridevi were considered sex symbols despite not being a size two.
Somy Ali’s perspective on body shaming and judging people based on weight highlights the importance of looking beyond physical appearance. Ali stresses that it is vital to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but weight should not be the first thing we notice about someone. Instead, we should focus on their character, deeds, and moral compass. By doing so, we can create a society that values individuals based on their actions rather than their physical appearance.
