When Anupamaa’s Rupali Ganguly recalled being body shamed: I was 83 kilos, people called me aunty, moti – it stays with you

Actor Rupali Ganguly, best known for her role in Anupamaa, spoke about her struggles with body-shaming, specially after the birth of her son, Rudransh. The actress, who has portrayed some of Indian television’s most iconic characters, revealed how insensitive remarks from both strangers and peers left her deeply affected.Recalling the difficult phase, Rupali had previously shared in an interview with Times of India, “I started eating different things and I was 83 kilos and I was very fat. After a point even my ankles couldn’t bear my weight. When I would take my son to the pram for a stroll, people would say, ‘Arre Tu toh Monisha hai na, kitni moti hogayi.’ Maybe someone must have said that in a very nice way, but you feel bad. Won baat tab chubh jaati hai.

”She also added that even her colleagues weren’t always sensitive. “An actress friend of mine came to meet me and she told me, ‘Arre Tu toh aunty ban gayi.’ These things affect you mentally, they stay and bother you. People don’t have the right to call you aunty, moti. You will decide what you want to be called.”Rupali explained that the body shaming did not stop even after she made her much-celebrated comeback as Anupamaa.

“It’s not like I became strong because of that phase. I have gone through body shaming, age shaming even after Anupamaa. Arre your wrinkles are visible, arre that fat lady, yes I have wrinkles and I am proud of them. I’ve earned every wrinkle of mine.”She encouraged women to embrace themselves unapologetically, saying, “After three years of Anupamaa, I can say I accept the way I am. Any woman who is going through this, I would say just shame your haters back. Don’t let anyone affect you because you are your best judge.”From playing Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’s Monisha to Anupamaa’s strong lead, Rupali Ganguly has come a long way. Her journey is a powerful reminder that self-acceptance is the greatest strength a woman can have.