18th September 2023,Mumbai: Aaliyah Kashyap, daughter of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and film editor Aarti Bajaj, is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for her candid and often shocking statements, Aaliyah has been sharing her thoughts on various topics through her YouTube channel. Recently, she made headlines with her engagement to Shane Gregoire. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, Aaliyah opens up about her weight gain journey, her insecurities, and a heartbreaking encounter where she was called ‘fat’ by someone she knew.
Insecurity and Body Image Struggles
In a recent video titled “Exposing Our Insecurities,” Aaliyah Kashyap bared her soul alongside her fiancé, Shane Gregoire. She candidly revealed her deep insecurities about her body and weight. She emphasized how these insecurities can significantly impact one’s mental well-being. Aaliyah shared that she had always been extremely thin, just like her mother, Aarti Bajaj, hinting at a genetic predisposition towards a slender frame.
The Weight Gain Journey
Aaliyah Kashyap’s journey towards her current body image began approximately two years ago when she started taking anti-depressants. Over the past year and a half, she gained approximately 12 to 13 kilograms, a significant change from her previous self. Initially, she was elated about the weight gain, but it soon became uncontrollable. Aaliyah’s relationship with food took a dark turn, negatively affecting her mental health. Moreover, the unsolicited comments from people about her weight gain added to her distress.
Unwanted Attention and Comments
As Aaliyah’s weight gain became noticeable, people on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube began to comment on it. She found these comments hurtful and unnecessary, causing her immense emotional pain. She shares, “I was so upset about it, and every comment made me feel worse. I thought, ‘Oh my God, people are noticing…’” Despite still grappling with her insecurities, Aaliyah Kashyap has managed to cultivate a healthier mindset.
Recalling a Painful Encounter
One heart-wrenching incident that Aaliyah Kashyap recalls vividly is when she invited a massage therapist to her home after a year-long gap. The therapist, upon seeing Aaliyah, remarked on how much weight she had gained since their last meeting. This comment hit Aaliyah hard, reducing her to tears during the massage.
Aaliyah Kashyap’s story serves as a stark reminder of the pressures individuals, especially those in the public eye, face regarding their appearance. While she may have inherited her struggle with weight from her mother, her openness about her insecurities and the toll they have taken on her mental health is a courageous step towards breaking the stigma surrounding body image issues. In a world where the relentless pursuit of the “ideal” body often overshadows one’s well-being, Aaliyah’s journey towards self-acceptance serves as an inspiration to many.
Aaliyah’s decision to share her personal struggles on her YouTube channel is not only an act of vulnerability but also a testament to her strength. It reminds us all that behind the glitzy façade of fame, even star kids like Aaliyah Kashyap grapple with their own demons. Her story encourages others to seek help, prioritize their mental health, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards.
Aaliyah Kashyap’s journey through the labyrinth of insecurities and body image struggles is a poignant narrative that deserves attention. It highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the detrimental effects of unsolicited comments on an individual’s mental health. As Aaliyah continues to navigate her path towards self-love, her courage in sharing her story offers solace to those who have faced similar challenges. It’s a reminder that we are all flawed, and our worth goes far beyond our physical appearance.
-by Kashvi Gala