Celebrating Body Confidence Through The Stories Of 12 Extraordinary Women
Harper's Bazaar India|May 2019

Being yourself can be the ultimate act of rebellion. In a celebration of body confidence, we photograph 12 incredible women who defy norms of shape, size, and age. The series of images—raw and untouched—reveal the beauty in diversity. And through honest, vulnerable letters, they share their stories of accepting their bodies, wholeheartedly. Because the best love stories begin with you.

Esha Mahajan
Celebrating Body Confidence Through The Stories Of 12 Extraordinary Women

BANIJ, MODEL & ACTOR

This vessel, a gift. To ensure it’s always in prime condition, a holy duty.

Adorn you with art that I may carry to our demise, you forgive any misgivings and don’t waste time on regret. Teach me the true meaning of acceptance, the beauty of healing wounds, and carrying scars as souvenirs of journeys only we have been on.

You’re an altar I decorate ritualistically. Always with me every step of the way, breath is all it takes to remember the sacred ground within. My inner kingdom, where I search for purpose and clarity, bring them to light, step towards them for always and never away. Close my eyes for a minute and when I open them, arrive in my Body.

To so many more adventures and growing old and grey with you!

SABINA CHOPRA, TEACHER, MENTOR & ADVISOR

Dear Me,

As I look in the mirror, I reflect on all the different stages we have been through. From baby fat to pleasantly plump in our teens to painfully thin in our 20s, from mommy bod to bikini bod in our 30s, fabulously fit in our 40s, and chemo-ravaged with the big ‘C’ in our 50s. Thankfully we no longer dwell on the ‘shape’ of me.

I write to you for forgiveness for not always loving every part of you. I still don’t but I accept and embrace the imperfections.

I write to you in gratitude. I’m blessed and have always said that I’m God’s favored child. You have always let me live the life I want, from climbing mountains and diving in the deep seas to being the strongest version of myself, on good days and bad.

I have always believed that our choices define the life we live, our beliefs help us heal. You have validated that for me.

This story is from the May 2019 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.

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This story is from the May 2019 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

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