Twinkle Khanna Condemns Relative’s Insensitive Remark on Daughter’s Skin Color
In a poignant column for The Times of India, acclaimed Indian author Twinkle Khanna has opened up about an incident that highlighted the importance of fostering body positivity in children. Khanna disclosed that a family member had made an inappropriate comment about her daughter Nitara Kumar’s skin color.
Nitara’s Struggle with Her Appearance
The actress revealed that Nitara had expressed a desire to quit swimming lessons due to her perceived darker skin tone. A well-meaning yet insensitive remark by a relative, comparing Nitara’s skin to that of her brother Aarav, had left a lasting impact on the young girl.
The Power of Reading
Faced with her daughter’s insecurities, Khanna turned to the power of literature. She introduced Nitara to the illustrated biography of renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, whose unique features and talent resonated with the young girl.
Embracing Diversity
Through Kahlo’s story, Nitara gained a role model who defied conventional beauty standards. Khanna shared that Nitara had begun to appreciate her own skin color, recognizing that it was not inferior to her brother’s.
Importance of Body Positivity
Khanna’s account underscores the crucial role of instilling body positivity in children from a young age. It is essential to teach children to embrace their unique physical traits and to reject societal pressures to conform to narrow beauty ideals.
Conclusion
Twinkle Khanna’s experience serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous comments can have a profoundly negative impact on children’s self-esteem. Parents and educators must be vigilant in creating an environment where all children feel valued and appreciated for who they are, regardless of their physical appearance.