HEAVEN NOSE

In the conversation on self-love, the most prominent feature of our face, our nose, has been long ignored. And yet, the battle to accept it is hard for many. In a Bazaar special, 11 contributors share their relationship with this vital part of their face.

- RADHIKA BHALLA.

ANUSHK A MENON, 36

FASHION & BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHER

“I have what we call at home the ‘Boomla nose’, named after my father’s side of the family. And it ends with me because I don’t have any children. I used to worry that it would grow bigger and become hooked like a witch’s, but now I am very proud of it. My dad passed away when I was 15, and this is his legacy that lives through me.

I do wish sometimes I had a straighter nose—I ran into a few walls when I was a child—but I also believe it adds character to my face. Many describe it as ‘strong’, but they also appreciate it, and I’ve grown to love it.

In school, I got bullied a bit for having a large nose, but it didn’t affect me...I would just give it back. I got my first piercing when I was 12, and the second one last year, after working on a jewellery shoot. As I’ve grown older, I think I’ve aged better... For me, overall acceptance has been so important. There was a point where I felt ugly, but I realized that I couldn’t change my appearance, so I embraced a path of spiritual and mental growth. I now take care of my skin, do yoga, and engage in things that make me happy. I’m no longer conscious of my nose, but I am aware of it.”

GAURI DEVIDAYAL, 40

RESTAURATEUR & PODCASTER