Actor Abhinav Shukla has come out in fierce defense of Ira Khan, daughter of superstar Aamir Khan, after she became the target of vitriolic body-shaming online. The controversy erupted following Ira’s appearance at the Tata Mumbai Marathon on January 18, where she ran alongside her father to support the Paani Foundation and her own mental health initiative, the Agatsu Foundation.
The backlash began when a social media user on X (formerly Twitter) posted a picture of Ira in a tank top and shorts, claiming she looked “indecent” because she wasn’t “dressing for her body type.”
Abhinav Shukla Hits Back
Irked by the “dress policing,” Abhinav Shukla took to social media to call out the regressive commentary. He lauded Ira for her authenticity, contrasting her with the stereotypical “star kid” image.
- On Entitlement: Abhinav noted that Ira is “real and down to earth,” traveling in rickshaws and avoiding the drama of massive entourages or bouncers.
- On Effort: “She is at least putting an effort to be active!” he wrote, emphasizing that her participation in a marathon for a cause should be the focus, not her clothing.
- On Choice: He concluded by stating that dressing is a “purely personal choice” and found nothing wrong with her attire.
Netizens Rally Behind Ira
Abhinav wasn’t alone; a wave of support crashed over the troll’s post, with many calling out the irony of a woman shaming another woman under the guise of “decency.”
- The “Pick-Me” Critique: Many labeled the post as the “lowest form of pick-me behavior,” reminding the troll that minding one’s business is the ultimate form of decency.
- Focus on Impact: Supporters pointed out Ira’s significant contributions to mental health awareness, noting that her courage to speak about depression is far more inspiring than a “standardized” body type.
Ira’s Brave Admission on Body Image
The trolling comes at a particularly sensitive time. Recently, Ira had shared a vulnerable post on Instagram admitting her struggles with body image since 2020.
“Yes, I’m fat. Been oscillating between thinking I’m fat/unfit, becoming overweight and being obese… this feels a little scary. But I really think it needs to be talked about,” she wrote.
Ira confessed that talking about her weight felt “far more frightening” than discussing her clinical depression, but she felt the need to be honest about her experience. Her transparency about not having a diagnosed eating disorder but still struggling with her reflection has resonated with thousands of young women facing similar pressures.