‘Society’s Expectations of Women’s Bodies Never End’: Radhika Madan Supports Katrina Kaif
Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has faced online trolling over changes in her appearance following motherhood. Amid the criticism, actress Radhika Madan has come forward in support of Katrina, saying that society’s tendency to judge women based on their bodies, weight and beauty never ends. According to Radhika, neither ordinary women nor established celebrities are exempt from such scrutiny.
Radhika has also experienced criticism over her physical appearance throughout her acting career. She gained approximately 15 kilograms for her role in the film Pataakha. Later, while working on Shiddat and Angrezi Medium, she began trying to lose the extra weight. During that period, she faced questions about how she could play a female lead while carrying excess weight.
The pressure of consecutive projects, combined with attempts to lose weight quickly, eventually left the actress excessively thin. As her physical well-being deteriorated, she was forced to take a break from work for some time.
Reflecting on her experiences, Radhika said that women face criticism whether they gain weight or lose it. No matter how much they change their bodies to meet other people's expectations, it is impossible to satisfy everyone. She now prioritises her health rather than trying to achieve a particular body shape.
Radhika also spoke about society's conventional standards of female beauty. According to her, girls are taught from an early age to view beauty within a narrow set of standards. Comparing themselves with fashion magazine covers and socially accepted beauty ideals can cause many young girls to lose confidence. Features such as eyebrow shapes, natural facial hair and other physical characteristics can also become sources of insecurity.
Recalling her own childhood, Radhika revealed that she had thick eyebrows and facial hair when she was young. However, her family's positive attitude helped her accept her appearance as natural. She said that this upbringing also taught her the importance of loving herself without depending on other people's praise or approval.
According to Radhika, learning to accept oneself is not an easy journey. However, it begins with respecting one's body, natural features and individual identity. She believes that every woman should learn to appreciate her body—not to meet society's expectations, but to protect her well-being and build self-confidence.
Source: The Indian Express
