Anoushka Shankar Stands Up to Body-Shaming: Embracing Strength, Resilience, and Self-Ownership
Renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, recently posted on Instagram to challenge body-shaming trolls a strong and personal message regarding her body, strength, and challenges overcome. With honesty and courage, she looked back at the journey of her life—from childhood trauma to health struggles—reminding everyone that her body is not subject to unsolicited comments.
A Body That Has Fought, Survived, and Healed
In an emotional post, Anoushka pointed out the incredible strength of her body. She explained that her body has supported her through numerous trials, such as childbirth, child sexual abuse, four significant surgeries, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) accompanied by debilitating pain, addiction, struggles with undiagnosed neurodivergence, and an autoimmune disease.
"This body has given birth to two kids, lived through child sexual abuse and a number of close calls with men, recovered from four serious surgeries, lived with polycystic ovarian syndrome with heavy period cramping and migraines since the age of eleven, survived addiction, supported me through struggles with undiagnosed neurodivergence (and all the related confusion, stress and fatigue), struggled and reconciled with an autoimmune disorder, and generally been a whole, badass warrior for me."
Standing Up to Sexist Comments
Anoushka posted screenshots of the abusive comments she had received on her Instagram postings. Most criticized her clothing or requested that she "consider her dad's reputation" and not "reveal cleavage." She dismissed these unwarranted views, asserting her independence and reminding everyone whose body it was not to judge.
"I have come this far, after all of that, just to take on any banal, pathetic remarks (male) strangers feel compelled to introduce into my sphere," she said. "The sheer audacity required for one human being to believe that they have the right to judge someone like this is breathtaking. In 2025 we should be so far further on from this sort of idiocy—there are greater wars to fight, but I just could not accept this."
Honoring Self-Ownership and Strength
In her post, Anoushka conveyed a powerful message of solidarity and strength:
"My body is not yours to comment on. My decisions—all of them—are mine to make. To anyone else who gets these types of comments, either out in public or one-on-one, I see you, and I'm with you. It's not your shame to bear, it's theirs."
Inspiring Others Through Vulnerability
Anoushka Shankar's post is not just a personal affirmation but also a universal reminder: bodies carry untold histories of survival, healing, and victory. She remains a symbol of strength, self-respect, and empowerment, proving to the world that no unsolicited remark can take away the journey of a brave life.
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