Exclusive: Kundali Bhagya’s Anjum Fakih addresses weight issues- There’s no pretence or inhibition, I love everything about myself including belly fat
Kundali Bhagya fame Anjum Fakih recently posted a picture flaunting her belly fat and sharing a message on body positivity. ETimes TV got in touch exclusively with the actress, who expressed how comfortable she is in her own skin, how one needs to look beyond the superficial world and respect one's body and more. Pic: Instagram
On her recent post flaunting her belly fat
Well, I have always said that my confidence stems from the fact that I am very comfortable in my skin. In today’s time where everything is superficial, we need to respect our body and go easy on ourselves. We are more than shapes and sizes. Our personalities define us. Pic: Instagram
Did you have any inhibitions before writing ‘Loving the belly fat’?
I am glad that my post has triggered conversations around body positivity. Like you rightly pointed out, not everyone is comfortable discussing these things. However, I feel we must come out and speak about it and stop stigmatising the issue. It is important to love yourself the way you are and lead a healthy life. I love each and every thing about myself. Belly fat included. Pic: Instagram
Celebs are very susceptible to trolls, body-shaming and online bullying. How do you deal with it?
It’s not just celebs; even normal people are subjected to trolling. We as celebs are constantly in the public eye, hence we have to face trolling and body shaming on a daily basis. Sometimes the trolling and bullying gets to you, but then I always remind myself that I have worked so hard to reach here and I can’t let someone else’s opinion about the way I look affect me. I usually ignore the trolls and just focus on the lovely messages and compliments my fans shower me with. Pic: Instagram
Actors are also often conscious about what they post on social media at times, do you feel the pressure?
I wear my heart on my sleeve. My social media accounts will give you a glimpse of the way Anjum is. No pretence and no inhibitions. I post what I feel like and believe in expressing myself freely. However, I also think that one has to be a little careful with what you put out there and ensure that you don’t hurt anyone’s sentiments. Pic: Instagram
Do you think looking a certain way matters for an actor/actress?
To be honest, such things did matter a lot a decade back. Times are changing now and creators are realising that the audience has matured. They want to see real people on screen whom they can easily relate to and there are scripts being written keeping this in mind. In my opinion, being thin or a bit heavy doesn’t really matter. It is how one carries themselves. Also, the right attitude and confidence add to one’s overall personality and appearance. Pic: Instagram
On being comfortable in her own skin
I am very comfortable in my skin and I think everyone should respect their bodies and not let opinions demotivate us or let our morale down. Pic: Instagram
On dealing with weight issues
I have always worked towards keeping fit. For me being healthy is more important than anything. However, during the lockdown because of lack of exercise, I did gain a few kilos. I have started working out and eating healthy to knock off the extra weight that I have put on in the last few months. Pic: Instagram
On her energetic persona
Having a positive outlook towards life and always looking forward to learning something new keeps me charged up all the time. Pic: Instagram
On missing her modelling days
Although I started my career as a model, currently I am enjoying my stint as an actor. I will forever cherish the experiences I got during my modelling days. All the experiences have made me a better person. However, I do miss the ramp and I try to do projects as and when I have the time. Pic: Instagram
On her character Srishti in Kundali Bhagya being loved by the audience
Firstly, I would like to thank all my fans for loving Srishti and accepting the character as a part of their lives. I am humbled by the response the character has got over the years. Srishti is very close to my heart as I believe that one can see glimpses of Anjum in her. I hope the audience continues to shower us with their love and affection and I promise to keep them entertained as Srishti. Pic: Instagram