What Ileana D’Cruz would tell her earlier self if she could go back in time!
Ileana D’Cruz
In her over 12-year lengthy career, Ileana D’Cruz has starred in everything from Barfi! to Pagalpanti. The actress has shone with joy, suffered heartbreak, and been subjected to body shaming at various points along her path, but she has persevered nonetheless.
We asked Ileana if she had any words of wisdom for the 24 year old version of herself, and she said, “I would say everything is going to be alright. Just show a little more affection to yourself. You are lovely just the way you are, so give yourself an extra hug and accept who you are.
Don’t depend on other people to inform you that you’re attractive, she continues. You’re stunning in your natural state. I wish I’d known this back then, but it’s all right now. I guess it’s better to be late than never. The one thing I would tell my younger self is that everything is going to be alright.
During our last conversation, Ileana mentioned that she had once received criticism for her looks in the workplace. She reflected on the feedback she’d received: “I was told, ‘You are such a gifted actor, but you are just a little too big. The pain is real. Because of my size, I’ve been the target of abuse. My weight and height have changed throughout the years. I definitely don’t resemble myself when I was 17 or 18 years old. I’m a 30-something woman who loves her appearance. It’s fine if a job requires a specific appearance, and I get that. It’s a blessing that my employers have zeroed in on me as a performer. I now know that no matter how hard I try, some individuals will always be dissatisfied. Be content with who you are and that’s all that matters.
