Anandita Sundar, daughter of actress Khushbu Sundar and filmmaker Sundar C, has spoken up about the challenges of growing up in the public eye. During a recent appearance on the JFW podcast, she discussed the criticism and trolling she has faced for years because of her appearance.Having been exposed to public attention from a young age due to her parents’ celebrity status Anandita revealed that comments about her looks became a constant part of her life. She said the experience affected her deeply, particularly during her teenage years.
Anandita addresses weight-loss speculation
One of the major topics discussed during the podcast was her physical transformation. Anandita responded to claims that her weight loss was the result of surgery or medications rather than years of effort.Explaining the timeline behind her transformation, she said, “I think a lot of people don’t realise, it wasn’t sudden. I started losing weight in 2018 or 2019. So, it took me seven years to get here. There was also COVID, so no one saw that we were losing weight. My first drastic weight loss was over three years, during COVID. Everyone’s like, oh my god, she’s done this, she’s done that, she’s gotten surgery. But y’all haven’t seen us. How do you decide?”According to Anandita, she and her sister Avantika dealt with weight-related health concerns while growing up. Their decision to focus on fitness was motivated by health and well-being rather than public opinion.Anandita also addressed recent claims linking her transformation to weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. She said she has learned not to take such assumptions seriously.Speaking about the constant scrutiny, she remarked, “Now people see me, they’re like, Ozempic, Mounjaro…I laugh about it because they make up stories. I realised that the hate will never stop…it will never stop. I never lost the weight to please other people. But to get that ungodly amount of hate at that age, no one realised we’re talking to a child. I was 15 years old, my parents were celebrities, not me. Why do you feel entitled to tell me how ugly I am?”
Calls out transphobic remarks
During the discussion, Anandita also opened up about another form of trolling she regularly encounters on social media. She revealed that some users compare her appearance to that of a transgender person and use it as an insult.Responding to such remarks, she said, “See, I think transgender people are beautiful. Right? I think they’re great, I think they’re so nuanced and beautiful. And I know many transgender people who are just the sweetest, kindest people I’ve ever met in my life. But when I open Instagram, people’s favourite ‘insult’ to use with me is that I look like a trans person. So, this is not only mean to me. You’re also homophobic. You’re also ignorant.”
Khushbu Sundar shares her support
Anandita further stressed that being compared to a transgender person should never be viewed as an insult. Reflecting on the negativity she encounters online, she said, “First of all, I don’t think being trans or looking like a trans person is an insult, right? But, this is what I see more than anything else. I am a woman. You know what, more than anything, I try to go through life being as kind as I can be. I can’t control other people. All I know is these people are unkind. The saddest part is that most people in the world are. If I post a photo, most of the comments are about how ugly I am. I have developed a thick skin, but isn’t that such a sad thing?”Following the podcast’s release, Khushbu shared the clip on social media and expressed her pride in her daughter, writing, “So proud of you bommai (doll)”, accompanied by heart emojis.Anandita recently made her debut as a creative producer with ‘Double Occupancy’, directed by Aswin Kandasamy.
