Shefali Shah Urges Empathy For Women Struggling With Emotional Eating

MUMBAI -Actress Shefali Shah has taken a leaf out of her character Neelam Mehra’s journey from the 2015 blockbuster ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ to talk about the pain that often drives women towards emotional eating.

Shefali shared a moment from the film on Instagram in which her character Neelam is seen eating a chocolate cake after an argument with her husband Kamal Mehra, played by actor Anil Kapoor.

Taking to the caption section, Shefali wrote: “Many of us know about emotional eating. Most women have, sometime or the other, taken refuge in food. Me too. All those who have been belittled by that moment will know exactly what I’m talking about.”

Speaking about the scene, Shefali said it reflected moments many women experience, “where a perfectly well put together woman comes undone and falls apart. She is raw, vulnerable, and naked, without any armor of pretense.”

“Stripped of her dignity, her respect, and self-esteem. With no value attached to her being. That’s when she reaches out to her unwavering support… food.”

Shefali added: “Food becomes her respite, her comfort zone. It doesn’t ask her to watch her diet, nor does it comment on her growing waistline. It doesn’t even expect her to stand on a weighing scale. Food is always there for her, unconditionally.”

“When others run her down, it’s food that sits next to her and comforts her, making her feel safe, cared for, and satiated.”

The actress said that before advising on healthy eating and weight control, people should consider why food becomes a source of comfort.

“Before criticizing her body, isn’t it possible to at least try and understand the complexities of her mind? Seeking the real origin of this anger, pain, and low self-esteem? Acknowledge the chaos rather than rubbish it.

“Can she be supported not by giving her a diet chart, but probably just by being present, listening, and caring? And before telling her, ‘Have you looked at yourself in the mirror?’ face the mirror yourself and introspect on how you may have been a reason for a person’s breakdown. And most importantly, correct it.”

Shefali shared that that’s all her character Neelam Mehra wanted.

“As do many women who hide behind closed doors, stuffing their face with shame and humiliation that others have dumped on them. Crushed by other people’s expectations. Swallowing their pride and self-respect that others’ insensitivity and inhumanity have dished out to them.”

“For which, sadly, they pay the price. Some of you who are reading this may be Neelam Mehra. Can the others just be the ones who hear her out?” Shefali concluded. (IANS)