Actor Shikha Talsania on her ever-evolving relationship with her body and more

In this exclusive chat, Shikha Talsania speaks about her brush with body shaming and bullying as a child, its impact on her mental health, and much more.
Shikha Talsania
Shikha Talsania on being real and relatable. Image courtesy: Shikha Talsania
Geetika Sachdev Published: 23 Nov 2020, 18:30 pm IST
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Bollywood actor Shikha Talsania first grabbed the limelight with her role in the superhit film Wake Up Sid. She was a part of Ranbir Kapoor’s inner circle, and didn’t we all love her for her natural act? Since then, Shikha, who is veteran Tiku Talsania’s daughter, has acted in a slew of prominent films like Veere Di Wedding and Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, and has also been a part of some amazing web series. Well, that really comes as no surprise, because she’s so versatile! 

There’s another reason why we all love her, and that’s because she always speaks her mind! Shikha has openly spoken about body shaming and bullying, and how that affected her as a child. 

In an exclusive conversation with Health Shots, she spills the beans on her early years, her notion of body positivity, and how she keeps her mental health in check amid negativity on social media. 

“I was body shamed in school”, says Shikha Talsania

Shikha has earlier spoken about her struggles in school, and how it had affected her mentally. Here’s what she has to say, “Those were tough years. Not only being bullied, but also dealing with academics, puberty, social group dynamics, and so much more. Endless drama! Being ridiculed for what I looked like terribly affected my confidence. I am still trying to unlearn and recognise the triggers, so that I don’t get triggered easily anymore.”

Shikha Talsania
Shikha Talsania

Although body positivity as a concept has become more mainstream, there’s a long way to go. For Shikha, it’s more about inclusivity. 

“That’s the only way forward. My relationship with my body today is ever-evolving, but I am more aware than before, and definitely kinder to my body than I ever was,” she admits. 

On social media and mental health

Over the last few years, every move of celebrities is scrutinised by both the media and audiences. 

“I try not to think about it too much. Frankly, it’s so exhausting. I use social media for me, and I don’t let social media use me. Well, I try. You have to keep checking yourself to not let it affect you negatively,” she says.

Shikha Talsania
Shikha Talsania

These times are tough, and it’s easy to fall prey to negative thoughts, but Shikha tries to deal with them in the best way possible. This is how she keeps her mental health in check: “I talk and write. I don’t judge my feelings, I just address them. Also, I am grateful to my friends, who are my safe haven. That’s the place with a clear perspective, no judgment, calling out your bullshit, and hugs.”

A word of advice

On being asked her advice to those who consider her their role model, she’s quick to reply, “I don’t know about being a role model, but I’d just like to say that I’m learning everyday too. Navigate through life one step at a time, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, so breathe. Making mistakes is okay, it’s human. You’ve got to hustle for yourself, no one else will do it for you. Be kind. Have fun. And lastly, don’t forget to laugh.”

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About the Author

An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town. ...Read More

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