Parineeti Chopra has always been vocal about Bollywood’s obsession with skinny and her own struggles with weight loss. That Bollywood is all about size zero is no state secret and Parineeti has received her share of flak for not catering to the industry’s standards. 

She lost a lot of weight over the last year, but she insists that it’s not as a means to cater to Bollywood’s idea of beauty. Her regime was inspired by her desire to stay fit and healthy.

LifeHacks

And now, the Ishaqzaade actress has shared an old photograph on her Instagram account, where she talks about dealing with her struggles with weight loss  and how people now come to her and tell her that she’s their inspiration.

BEFORE .. All my life, I have struggled with how I look, how I feel, and how people looked at me. I was constantly made fun of, but the person I was, I generously laughed with them. Today, many people ask me what triggered the weight loss, did I give in to the “bollywood pressure”? To that I say – thank god I became an actor and had that pressure! I am able to achieve what I couldn’t achieve otherwise. I feel more confident, I feel at peace, and I feel proud! Girls and women meet me all around the world, at airports, events, on the street; they hold my hand, hug me, and tell me their struggles and how I changed their lives. They show me their wallpapers, their wallets, and its all pictures of me!! They look at those pictures and want to make that change in their own lives. They look at my Built That Way campaign and have stuck it to their walls. I have seen women tear up and tell me I changed their life. Post delivery weight, teenage obesity, they are fighting it, and I am their inspiration. As an actor, There is no bigger achievement for me. I am glad to be a part of your life in this way. So thank you everyone. Thank You for making me feel loved. Like I always say – if I could do it. So can you. And I am always there for all of you …. Lots of love….

A photo posted by Parineeti Chopra (@parineetichopra) on