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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HARPER'S BAZAAR INDIAView all
Bright Vision
Harper's Bazaar India

Bright Vision

Following in the footsteps of artist Alice Neel, Alex Preston finds endless sources of inspiration in Cuba, from Havana's raw charm to the shimmering shorelines of the Cayos.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
What the Fish!
Harper's Bazaar India

What the Fish!

Salmon sperm is currently making waves in the realm of skincare. Bazaar India dives into what makes this celebrity-approved procedure stand out and if it's truly worth the buzz.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
The Hormone Fix
Harper's Bazaar India

The Hormone Fix

Is HRT the wonder solution to menopause?

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
OWNING HER JOURNEY
Harper's Bazaar India

OWNING HER JOURNEY

Actor Sara Ali Khan talks to Bazaar India about why she does not allow fame to validate herself, what exhausts her, and much more.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2024
THE STAR NEXT DOOR
Harper's Bazaar India

THE STAR NEXT DOOR

Aditya Roy Kapur is more about meaningful connections than flashy displays. The actor shares his love for the craft, his balance approach in life, and why he has never consciously tried to craft an image.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 2024
THE REAL DEAL
Harper's Bazaar India

THE REAL DEAL

Kiara Advani has progressed to finer things in life. She doesn't take success for granted and is set to take her craft to the next level. In a freewheeling chat, she talks about her journey, evolution as an actor, goals for 2025, and more.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
The Turning Page
Harper's Bazaar India

The Turning Page

Our year-end recommendation, perfect for cozying up this December.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Ride the Wave: Priyanka Chopra
Harper's Bazaar India

Ride the Wave: Priyanka Chopra

In an exclusive interview with Bazaar India, the actor talks about why it's important to keep going and what fuels her to push the boundaries.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Tale of the Storyteller
Harper's Bazaar India

Tale of the Storyteller

Writer-director Mozez Singh talks about his upcoming projects, his love for the camera, and the know-how on finding oneself.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
For Cinema With a Conscience
Harper's Bazaar India

For Cinema With a Conscience

Natasha Mudhar, the founder of The World We Want Studios, talks to Bazaar India on bridging art, impact, and authenticity in films.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024