by Ashni Mehta
On December 9, Parineeti Chopra celebrated her four-year anniversary in Bollywood. What better way to commemorate her anniversary in the Indian film industry than with a badass photoshoot that left critics of her weight completely speechless.
Since her Bollywood debut with “Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl” in 2011, Parineeti Chopra has been labeled as the “cute, but chubby” girl of Bollywood. While she has always taken criticisms of her body in stride, she recently became more of a vocal advocate of positive body image.
[Read Related: Parineeti Chopra Schools Male Journalist About Periods and Women’s Health]
#BuiltThatWay, conceptualized by YRF, not only unveils her new body but more importantly, reveals a new uninhibited, more confident Chopra.
So here goes!! The most special shoot of my life :) #BuiltThatWay pic.twitter.com/tNYkIu4YzS
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
The photos, revealed on junior PC’s Twitter earlier this week, show the actress as the embodiment of strength and power, and each photo is coupled with motivational sayings. (We dare you not to feel motivated to kickass at the gym this weekend!)
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 9, 2015
Although there is no denying the photoshoot’s powerful message, the 27-year-old actress has received a bit of backlash from her fans and critics. Some say she did not need to lose weight and has fallen prey to Bollywood’s ideal of beauty.
Others claim she no longer represents a true Indian woman, and that they want the “real” Chopra back.
However, what many fail to realize is maybe this photoshoot does depict the REAL Chopra—toned and sexy. Her body is her choice, and she should not be burdened by others’ perception of how it should look and feel.
Thankfully, she received lots of love and uplifting messages from her friends in the film fraternity.
THANKUUUU my sweetyyyyy :) https://t.co/SPAdmu67CO
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 10, 2015
Haha thank you mam!!! https://t.co/3ItL0XgsWT
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 10, 2015
We applaud Chopra for standing up in the face of her haters, striving to be the best version of herself, and motivating others to follow her footsteps. Staying fit is never a wrong thing, and she shouldn’t have to apologize for transforming.
Keep doin’ you, chica. We <3 YOU!
[Photographs via Parineeti Chopra’s Facebook page.]
Ashni Mehta graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in Psychology. Currently, she is the Community Manager at Corporate Suites Business Centers, as well as a professional Bollywood dancer with Sonalee Vyas Dance Company (SVDC). She is a passionate aerial yogini and a self-proclaimed foodie. During her free time, you’ll find her eating and laughing her way through NYC.
