In the latest showdown between celebrities and online trolls, actress Ayesha Takia found herself at the center of a social media storm. On Friday, Takia temporarily deactivated her Instagram account following an onslaught of negative comments regarding her appearance. However, determined not to be silenced, she restored her account just hours later, using the platform to hit back at her critics with a composed and biting message.
The actress had gone offline after a wave of trolling erupted in the comments section of her latest post. The picture, a selfie where she donned Indian traditional attire complete with makeup and jewelry, drew a barrage of remarks from netizens who claimed she looked almost unrecognizable. Despite this, Takia chose to respond not with anger but with a statement imbued with grace and pointed resolve. She posted a story that read, “Did you notice how I just didn’t respond? Very mindful, very cutesy, very demure.”
These words marked her quiet defiance against the trolls who accused her of altering her appearance, with comments like “Arre ye kya karke rakhe ho.. (What have you done to your face)?” The criticism extended beyond Instagram, becoming a hot topic on Reddit where many discussed whether the actress had undergone cosmetic surgery to change her looks.
In an emotional elaboration on her response to such criticism, Ayesha reminisced about a similar episode from earlier this year. In February, she faced another wave of scrutiny over her looks, prompting her to issue a heartfelt note on social media. “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 had shared.
In her extensive note, Takia made it unequivocally clear that she had no interest in returning to the entertainment industry, a sentiment she says should be respected. “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 had added.
Addressing the unrealistic expectations of those who criticize her, she said, “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’s return to Instagram and her pointed messages underscore a broader discourse about the pressures celebrities face online, particularly women who are often subjected to harsh and unwarranted scrutiny. The actress’ composed clapback serves as a stark reminder of the resilience required to navigate the sometimes toxic waters of social media.
As Takia moved forward from the trolling incident, she expressed a final thought, wishing her detractors a happier, more fulfilling life. “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,” she concluded.
Ayesha Takia’s experience is emblematic of the ongoing challenges faced by public figures in the digital age. Her story is a testament to the need for greater empathy and respect in online interactions. Despite the temporary deactivation of her account, her return and her poised response stand as a powerful statement against the trolls, setting an example of dignified defiance in the face of adversity.
