Shibla Fara: I had inhibitions of even wearing a sleeveless outfit, because of the body-shaming episodes I faced during my childhood

Photoshoots, especially those of female actors have been a topic of heated debate for the past few weeks in Kerala. Actor Srindaa calling out a popular media house for shaming her and a few other actors apropos their photoshoots to Saniya Iyappan slamming the trolls, photoshoots have become the talk of the town. Actor Shibla Fara, who is best known for her performances in films ‘Kakshi: Amminippilla’ and ‘Divorce’ too has been on a photoshoot spree lately.The actress is a proud body positivity advocate and embraces her body with love and respect and she shares that photoshoots are something that builds confidence. “I believe in the aesthetics of photography. Every photo should be like a beautiful painting. And photoshoots undoubtedly boost your confidence,” Shibla Fara says, in an exclusive chat with ETimes.
“The most beautiful thing about being an artist is being free. I often feel like Manju chechi’s (Manju Warrier) photos reflect the same. And I love Srindaa’s photoshoots. She is very artistic. And let me tell you, exposing your body is an art in itself. And like Saniya Iyappan recently said, we are not doing photoshoots for getting a ‘chance’!” Shibla Fara shares.
“Photoshoots definitely add up to your confidence. I was a person, who had inhibitions of even wearing a sleeveless outfit, because of the body-shaming episodes I faced during my childhood. I wasn’t confident enough to present myself, but I gradually overcame it. And with every photo shoot, I feel like I am crossing a benchmark. I feel exhilarated to see the results of the photoshoots and that brings me a lot of happiness. How you dress, or what the photoshoot should be like cannot be decided by the audience. It all rounds to you, what you want to reflect at the time. It has nothing to do with others,” she adds.


When asked about whether she has faced negative comments or criticism for her photos, Shibla Fara, shares, “The common feedback I receive is that they like to see me in Naadanoutfits. The characters I have done are Naadan people, so they automatically connect me to the characters.”
Shibla Fara also points out that it is so pathetic that a media house has tried to shame women for their choice of clothes and photoshoot. “In a time where we all are trying to roll out the idea of body positivity, these incidents are warding off that and regressing the society. When a media house itself proclaims such ideas, many commoners are going to believe them and practice,” Shibla Fara emphasizes, signing off.
On the work front, Shibla Fara will be next seen in ‘Thallumala’.