Mrunal Thakur responds to Dolly Singh’s post on being skinny-shamed: ‘Please count me in your safe space’

From captivating performances to scene-stealing versatility, actor Mrunal Thakur has become a force to be reckoned with in Bollywood.

However, despite her success, she is no stranger to body shaming. In 2024, she opened up about the impact of being trolled for her physique on her mental health in an interview with Humans of Bombay. She said, “There were days where I didn’t want to wake up. I didn’t want to get out of my bed, but I did, not for others, but for myself. I’m feeling low one day, two days, three days, weeks, months, but nobody’s going to care except your family. So I feel like it’s so important to remind ourselves that if there are bad days, there will be good days.” 

Known for advocating for body positivity and inclusivity, she recently responded to a post by content creator Dolly Singh, addressing body shaming and her journey towards loving her body. 

In the post, Singh revealed, “Last few months of finishing up the house, adulting and stressing took away the few good kgs I had gained over the last few years.” With time, she explained how she learned to love her body because she always disliked how thin she was since childhood. “But as much as I have accepted it to shapeshift now and then, people around me don’t. And the other day, as I was about to go see someone, I decided against it because I realised, they’re not my safe space,” she said.

 

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A post shared by Dolly Singh (@dollysingh)

Thakur reshared Singh’s post, writing, “Thank you Dolly Singh. Please count me in your safe space. I wish people fixed their souls and not bodies.”

Common stereotypes surrounding thin individuals

Shubha Ramesh L, chief dietician and nutritionist at DHEE Hospital, says that a common misconception is that being naturally thin equates to being healthy, which is not always the case. “This stereotype can contribute to the belief that thin individuals do not face health issues, leading to a lack of understanding and support for their health concerns.”

Another stereotype, she elaborates, is that thin individuals do not need to put in effort to maintain their weight. This can result in skinny shaming, as people may think that thin individuals are effortlessly thin or even unhealthy. 

“People can also often wrongly assume that all thin individuals suffer from eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. This assumption can lead to harmful comments and judgments,” she adds.

There is also a belief that thin individuals automatically have better social acceptance and face fewer societal pressures, which ignores the real challenges they may face, including skinny shaming.

Impact of skinny shaming on individuals

Shubha says that body shaming, including skinny shaming, can significantly impact an individual’s self-esteem and body image. “According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, body shaming can lead to increased body dissatisfaction and a negative self-image.”

Prolonged exposure to body shaming, she remarks, can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Moreover, individuals who are body shamed may experience social isolation, as they might avoid social situations where they feel judged or uncomfortable. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and a lack of social support.

 

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A post shared by Dolly Singh (@dollysingh) 

Strategies for cultivating self-love and acceptance

Here are some strategies people can use to cultivate more self-love and acceptance according to Shubha:

Positive Affirmations: Incorporating positive affirmations into daily routines can help individuals challenge negative thoughts and build a more positive self-image.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices such as mindfulness and meditation can help individuals stay present and focus on their intrinsic worth rather than external appearances.

Therapy and Counseling: Seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor can provide individuals with tools to address body image issues and develop healthier self-perceptions.

Support Systems: Building a supportive network of friends and family who appreciate and affirm one’s worth can provide emotional support and encouragement.

Media Literacy: Educating oneself about the unrealistic standards often portrayed in media can help individuals develop a critical perspective and resist comparing themselves to those standards.

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