Perfecting own imperfections: Megha Singh

Megha Singh a business developer by profession took a bold step to be recognised by people broke the chains of a stereotypical mindset of being plus size. She chooses to be extraordinary out of the ordinary. Making her mark in the field of modelling this plus size model shares her story…

Excerpts:

Being a plus size person what kind of challenges did you face?
Firstly, I would say it is the mindset and the stereotypes of the society which you have to face and conquer. This comes as a challenge because many don't understand the meaning of "living and let live". Society has set various standards for a perfect "She"; tall, slim, fair, etc. Well in my words the word "Perfect” is a myth. Nobody is perfect, and everybody should try to be perfect in their own imperfections. I believe in making my challenges, my opportunities.

Secondly, shopping for plus size is very challenging in India. You would rarely find any good picks from the mall. And even if you have certain plus brands you won't find the clothing range so attractive.

Thirdly, plus size fashion is not equal. When trends from mainstream fashion are made in plus size, it’s often at a higher cost and months after it’s been done in straight sizes. It feels like plus size fashion is an afterthought.

Fourthly, many fail to accept you the way you are.

Were you bullied?
I have always been a chubby kid, a chubby teenager and now a plus size adult. And yes, I have been humiliated, made fun of and body shamed because of being fat. I was usually addressed as “fatso”, “moti”, “elephant”, “sumo wrestler” and many more. In college, I remembered one of my seniors told me once "kitna fulegi ab, fatt jayegi". But thank God, it never affected me.

How did you overcome it?
I have moved on from everything which has tried to bring me down. I have evolved into a better human being. For this, you should love yourself and believe in yourself. Only then you can gather such strength. I am not ashamed of my body. I am proud of it.

You have participated in many beauty pageants can you share the experience?
My experience has been breathtaking throughout. They are the most amazing moments of my life. I was on cloud nine when crowned 2nd runner for Ms Exclusive and Extraordinary Plus Size India 2018 and won the title for Ms Personality for the same pageant. I had more reasons to celebrate when I won the award for Ms Shinning Queen Plus Size North India 2018.

What inspired you to take a stance on body shaming?
Past experiences, I would say. I am strong, so I came out of body shaming zone. But not everyone is strong or positive enough to love themselves. I want to be their voice. I want to hold their hand and pull them out of the shaming frame. I want to feed them body positivity.

What message do you want to give to the plus size women?
It's important for all types of women to know that you don't have to fit a prototype. Embrace your curves and who you are. Life is so much more beautiful and complex than a number on a scale.

Body confidence does not come from trying to achieve the perfect body; it comes from embracing the one you've already got.