Actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani recently reflected on her long struggle with body image issues and the emotional scars left by years of bullying. Before becoming a full-time producer, Jackky started his career as an actor and appeared in films like ‘FALTU’, ‘Youngistan’ among others. In a recent interview, Jackky opened up about being overweight growing up and admitted to dealing with constant ridicule. He appeared with his wife, actress Rakul Preet Singh Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedion ‘Double Date’ and recalled this painful childhood memory. Jackky shared that he weighed almost 150 pounds at one point and often received the most sensitive comments. One particular incident, he said, has stayed with him over the years. “I still remember there was a movie made on Akshay Sir, ‘Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi’, at that time there was a chat among the producers that they were calling WWF wrestler Yokozuna, how they were bringing him to India for Bollywood. There was a lot of buzz then.“She revealed how a family acquaintance made a hurtful remark about her during one such argument. “Why do you need to call Yokozuna from outside? You already have one at home.”The comment was directed at Jackky, who was a teenager at the time. In retrospect, he admitted, such remarks left a lasting impression. “You laugh in front of people from a young age, but those things stay with you.”Speaking about the wider issue of body shaming, Jackky said many people don’t realize how much such comments can affect someone’s self-esteem. “Even when you’re growing up you’re part of all the jokes. If you’re overweight or dark-skinned in this country, people don’t think twice before bullying you. For example if someone is laughing there you feel, kahin ye mujhpe toh nahi hans raha, but in reality that person is not even aware of me.“Jackky also recalled a defining moment when he first told his father, producer Vashu Bhagnani, about his desire to become an actor. At the time, hearing his father’s response was difficult but eventually became a source of motivation.“I told my dad I wanted to be an actor one day. He looked at me honestly and said, ‘I can’t start you in this situation.'”Although the remark hurt him at first, Jackky said he now understands the intent behind it. “It hurt at the time, but today I understand that I was trying to push myself to be healthier and more disciplined.”
