Beauty In Diversity

Showing us as we believe to be, and not what others expect us to be – we’re constantly trying to expand the way women are portrayed in the media. Project #ShowUs is Dove’s powerful all-women coalition comprising of the world’s largest stock photo library created to offer an inclusive vision of beauty. As part of our ongoing storytelling, we’ve captured several women across the subcontinent, who let us in on their version of beauty, representation and inclusivity.

RAJASHREE SINGHA

A Meitei girl, born in Assam, and schooled in Mumbai, Rajashree is a popular face in the modelling industry with a strong belief that representation should exist for its own sake, and not for the commercial value it offers.

“I was bullied in school as a child because I looked different than the others. I simply thought that I was strange looking or undeserving of admiration. But now, the things I wanted to change about me are the reasons why I am here today in my career. My features have helped me get great jobs because I look different, and because my face represents this country’s diversity. As soon as I started feeling proud of who I am and where I’m from, the stereotypes stopped affecting me, and the bullies started to vanish. Smile, scars, spots, stretch marks, skin, this body – they’re all mine, and there’s nothing I’d change. I hope that everyone can feel this way about themselves.”

AMRITA THAKUR

The Bihar-born, Mumbai-raised and Delhi-residing designer, who launched her eponymous label eight years ago, has garnered a fan following with the relatable and real-girl videos that she posts on her social media channel.

“Beauty to me means accepting yourself and being comfortable in your skin and with your flaws. There is a huge contrast and an ignorance of sorts as far as that [representation] is concerned. There is gross stereotyping. However, I do feel that the fashion media is being more open and making a conscious effort to be inclusive, thereby opening more doors. I’d like to see better and equal representation of women in every field.”

ANAHITA DHONDY