Under wraps: ‘Eating disorders are best kept secrets of showbiz’

‘Sarabjit’ actor Richa Chadha talks struggles with bulimia, repercussions and rejection

NEW DELHI: Known to be one of the most outspoken Bollywood stars, Richa Chadha has come out in the open about her battle with bulimia. Stating she suffered from the disorder at the beginning of her showbiz career when her confidence began to evaporate, the Sarabjit actor shared it was because she was repeatedly asked by film-makers to either gain or lose weight, or fix her nose and inflate her lips for roles in different films.

Speaking about the eating disorders that exist amongst many actors in the industry, Chadha said, “My showbiz journey began with me being asked to gain weight, then lose weight, fix my nose and inflate my lips.  Eating disorders are the best kept secrets in the industry.” Chaddha was speaking at the TedX Talks, a platform that encourages people to share ideas and inspire others.

For someone who has found popularity with unconventional roles in films such as Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Fukrey and Masaan, Chadha spoke about how her self-confidence took a beating when she headed out to chase her Bollywood dreams. “Until I lived in Delhi, with my parents, I always felt beautiful and intelligent. It was only when I became an actor that I felt my confidence disperse. Self-doubt exists in everyone’s minds. But I do feel actors have it a lot worse” she shared.





“Actors deal with rejection on many levels on a daily basis. While we deal with civilian (yes, that’s what I call people that don’t work in showbiz) issues, we also have to listen to people that aren’t so blessed themselves tell you that you are very unsuitable looking.”

From being asked by film-makers to grow her hair out for some films, to fake gel nails and eyelash extensions, Chadha discloses she has experienced it all. “I was asked to lose the puppy fat, grow my hair out or cut it, get highlights, or fake eyelash extensions, get fake gel nails, run in heels, wear spanx, pout will talking and focus on dilating the pupils,” she said. “I crumbled under the pressure like a wrecking ball had hit me,” she added.

However, the biggest repercussion of them all was the “Big B” Chadha was forced to deal with — Bulimia. “It’s when you consistently hate what you look like, compulsively induce vomiting, throw up all the food you eat, accompanied often by binge eating, general anxiety and sadness. You start believing that you are unworthy,” she mentioned.

And, while the Gangs Of Wasseypur actor was simultaneously working hard to push her career forward, she felt continuously drained by the situation. “I became drastically unhealthy, low on nutrition and lack of sleep made me weak. I hated myself, gained weight in a strange way and felt like a failure by the end of it.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2016.

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