“Growing up I have often been at the receiving end of so many backhanded compliments about my complexion – that how I had good features despite being dark. However I have always liked the way I look, especially the way I smile – it would either be a wide smile or none at all. And every time I smiled, my people always made sure to tell me that they loved to watch me smiling.

I used to model for shoots as a part time gig before. But a few months ago, I was in an accident which left me with 8 stitches on my chin, leaving behind this scar. I recovered however and continued to get proposals to act in shoots even after the accident. Though the scar never bothered me much, it was a surprise when one of the major brands that approached told me straight to my face that I needed to get rid of the scar if I was serious about modelling as a career. I knew this would happen someday, but I never quite expected it to be said so directly.

I instantly threw the question right back at them and asked if their products were made only for people with clear skin! Perhaps they should have just put up a sign outside their outlet that said people with scars, blemishes, and more shouldn’t enter.

What is up with the beauty standards that are kept up by the media and society? We are always focused on unattainable beauty standards given how it is hard enough for those who are not conventionally attractive to opportunities in the spotlight. The cases of artists and other people shunned and oppressed is deeply saddening. And not a day goes when talented singers and creators are harassed in their own profile for the way they look!

The change has to come from us, the people. I am more than comfortable in my skin and flaunting my supposed scar that stands as a testimony to everything I have braved until now! It’s high time we started celebrating humans in all their glory.”