Bollywood actress Ayesha Takia found herself at the center of a social media storm recently but emerged stronger, hitting back at the trolls who targeted her appearance. On Friday, Takia briefly deactivated her Instagram account following a barrage of criticism. When she restored her account, she made her feelings known in a post that appeared to be a direct message to the naysayers.
The catalyst for this whirlwind of events was a selfie Takia posted. In the picture, she was dressed in traditional Indian attire, complete with makeup and jewelry. The photo quickly attracted a flood of comments, with many users stating that she looked almost unrecognizable. Soon, the comment section became a hotbed for trolls to voice their harsh opinions about her appearance, with one user bluntly asking, “Arre ye kya karke rakhe ho.. (What have you done to your face)?”
The discussion didn’t remain confined to Instagram. It spilled over to Reddit, where multiple threads were dedicated to dissecting her looks. Many Redditors speculated that Takia had undergone plastic surgery, criticizing her for ‘ruining her face by going under the knife.’
Faced with this onslaught of negativity, Takia decided to deactivate her Instagram account, taking a step back from the platform where she had only recently become active again after a hiatus of 2.5 years. However, her social media sabbatical was short-lived. Hours later, she restored her account and shared a story that read, “Did you notice how I just didn’t respond? Very mindful, very cutesy, very demure.” This subtle yet pointed message indicated her refusal to engage with the hate directed at her.
Ayesha Takia’s foray back into Instagram hasn’t been without its challenges. The actress was also subject to trolling earlier this year. In February, she posted a lengthy note on Instagram addressing the scrutiny of her looks. Takia explained that she had to rush to Goa due to a medical emergency in her family, specifically mentioning that her sister was in the hospital. Despite the stressful circumstances, she had stopped for a moment to pose for paparazzi, only to find herself bombarded with “viral, ridiculous opinions” on how people thought she should look.
In her February note, Takia was candid about her feelings towards making a comeback in the film industry. “Literally, get over me, yaar. I have zero interest in doing any films or any comeback as people are saying. I’m living my life happily, never want to be in the limelight, not interested in any fame, don’t wanna be in any film.
. So chill. Pls feel free to not care about me at all,” she wrote.
She further reflected on the unrealistic expectations people had for her appearance, given that she was primarily seen in her teens and early twenties. “Expecting a girl who’s mostly been seen in her teens to look identical even after 15 years… how unrealistic and ridiculous are these people… lol. Please find better things to do with ur time rather than pick apart good-looking women. I’m blessed with a fabulous life and do not need your opinions. Save it for those interested.”
Takia concluded her message by addressing those who had sent her negative energy. “I’m sending back all ur shitty energy. Do better, ppl. Get a hobby, eat a fun meal, talk to ur friend, smile, whatever it takes to not feel so unhappy that you need to tell a gorgeous, happy woman how she’s not looking like you wanted.”
This incident underscores the dark side of social media, where public figures are often subject to harsh, unsolicited criticism. Yet, Ayesha Takia’s approach serves as a lesson in handling negativity with grace. Her decision to deactivate and then reactivate her account, combined with her pointed commentary, indicates a resolve to live life on her own terms, free from the expectations and opinions of others.
Takia’s stance is a reminder that the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty and relevance is immense, but ultimately, self-acceptance is what matters most. Her journey from deactivation to reactivation on Instagram is not just a social media episode but a narrative about resilience and self-empowerment in the face of persistent online trolling.
As the conversation around online bullying and the pressure faced by celebrities continues to evolve, Ayesha Takia’s story adds a significant chapter. It’s a timely reminder that everyone, irrespective of their public persona, deserves respect and kindness.
