I was once fat-shamed in front of many people by a casting agent: Megha Sharma

Megha Sharma, who is currently seen in the TV show Pandya Store, shares how she has been a victim of body-shaming because of her weight. She says, "I lost a role in a TV show because they said I was overweight and did not fit the role. I am okay with being rejected for a role, but the casting agent spoke about my weight when there were 10 people standing around me. I did not know how to react. It took me a few weeks to understand that this is how it is in showbiz, especially when you haven't done too much work. I told them how I could go on a diet and reduce weight and come back in a few weeks, but they refused to give me that time. As a result, I lost the role and it went to someone else. Fat-shaming and body-shaming is still a part of society. Even if a slightly healthy girl like me steps out, people will still comment on her weight and pass comments. I am not fat but I do agree that I am a bit overweight. I really wonder what happens in the case of people who are obese. Body shaming is a taboo and people need to change their attitude towards it."

The expectations in showbiz are very high and at times, it does take a toll on actors. She says. "As actors, many times, we are asked to reduce weight for roles. There is a problem with the skin tone, too. There could be a few exceptions, but mostly I have seen how fair skin and slimmer women are preferred for meaty roles in shows," she says.

The actress, who has been part of shows like Mahakali and Baal Krishna in the past, adds, "We fail to see a person's inner beauty and judge people based on their outer appearance, which I think is wrong."