Bollywood actress Ayesha Takia found herself thrust into the social media spotlight last Friday when she briefly deleted her Instagram account following a flood of trolling comments. Hours later, she returned to the platform and posted a message seemingly addressing her detractors.
The incident began when Ayesha shared a selfie in which she was adorned in traditional Indian attire, complete with makeup and traditional jewelry. Her followers were quick to react, with many flooding the comment section to voice their opinions on her look. Numerous comments were less than flattering; among the most biting was one that read, “Arre ye kya karke rakhe ho.. (What have you done to your face)?”
The backlash didn’t stop there. Ayesha’s picture became fodder for discussion on Reddit, where many speculated that the actress had undergone cosmetic surgery. Allegations of her “ruining her face by going under the knife” quickly spread through various online communities.
In response to the barrage of negative comments, Ayesha deactivated her Instagram account. This drastic action was particularly notable as the actress had only recently resumed posting regularly after a hiatus of 2.5 years. Her abrupt disappearance from the platform added fuel to the fire, as speculation on the reasons for her departure ran rampant.
However, it wasn’t long before she reinstated her account and addressed the trolls head-on. Taking to her Instagram stories, Ayesha posted a message that was both pointed and composed. It read, “Did you notice how I just didn’t respond? Very mindful, very cutesy, very demure.”
To further clarify her stance on the issue, Ayesha reflected on a similar experience earlier this year. In February, she had been criticized for her appearance after being photographed by paparazzi. At that time, she chose to address the issue directly. Sharing a long note, she wrote, “Need to say this, rushed to Goa two days ago due to a medical emergency in my family. My sister has been in the hospital. Amidst all this, I remember being stopped by paparazzi and posing for them for a few seconds before flying off. Turns out there are no other important issues in the country except dissecting my looks. I’ve been bombarded by viral, ridiculous opinions on how people think I should have looked and didn’t.”
She further emphasized that she had no interest in making a Bollywood comeback.
. “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 asserted, highlighting her contentment with her current lifestyle.
The actress went on to address the unrealistic expectations held by some of her critics. “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.”
Ayesha concluded her note with a powerful message to her detractors, urging them to focus on their own lives rather than scrutinizing hers. “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.”
Despite the brief hiatus, Ayesha’s return to Instagram and her bold response to her trolls have been met with support from many of her fans. She continues to post, undeterred by the negativity that seems to plague public figures in the age of social media.
Her experience sheds light on the broader issue of cyberbullying and the unrealistic standards often imposed on celebrities, particularly women. Ayesha’s resolute stance serves as a reminder that personal happiness and self-contentment are far more valuable than succumbing to the unfounded criticisms of the digital masses.
