Beyond Appearances: Redefining Beauty, Strength & Success

Growing up, I was always tall and plump for my age—a healthy girl with a vibrant spirit. But even at 15, I began hearing whispers from people around me- comments about how my weight would make it hard for my family to find a suitable match. “Who will marry her?” they’d ask openly, as though my worth could be reduced to a number on a scale. Society’s expectations slowly seeped into our household too, making their presence felt despite my parents’ best efforts to shield me. This pressure to meet superficial standards isn’t uncommon- whether it’s about weight, skin color, or other appearances. Every woman, regardless of caste or status, encounters these expectations in some form.

Looking back, I’ve confronted these stereotypes in different ways- sometimes through silence, other times by speaking up. Over time, I realized that true beauty lies far beyond what society sees on the surface. Women today are constantly challenging these narrow definitions—not just through their physical transformation but emotionally, mentally, and intellectually.

I am proud to say that today, I work at Hindustan Unilever Limited, one of the best companies for women to work for. With only 8,000 employees managing a 60,000 Cr turnover business, I interact with extraordinary women every day-each playing multiple roles and balancing personal and professional lives with grace. These women are living proof that success is not determined by appearances but by strength, character, and vision.

This change in narrative reminds me of Dove’s movement, which focuses on redefining beauty and shifting attention away from traditional standards. Instead of highlighting physical features, it emphasizes individuality, personal achievements, and the qualities that make every woman unique. Dove’s “mothermonials,” for instance, encourage mothers to describe their daughters not through physical traits but by celebrating their strengths, aspirations, and values. This shift brings to light the importance of recognizing a person’s true worth, especially in spaces like matrimonial ads, where superficial judgments have long held sway.

The stories that mothers now share reflect the evolving understanding of beauty—a movement toward accepting the diverse aspects of what makes someone special. By highlighting qualities such as kindness, ambition, and intelligence, these narratives not only empower women but also encourage society to appreciate people for who they are on a deeper level. It is a powerful reminder that beauty isn’t about meeting predefined standards but about embracing individuality.

In my own life, I’ve been blessed with incredible women who have influenced me at every step. My mother, for instance, has been my biggest supporter, quietly laying the foundation for my growth. Thanks to her, I’ve grown into someone who values independence and self-worth. Beyond family, inspiring mentors have also shaped my journey. In high school, my principal, Ms. Geeta M. Rao, embodied clarity, discipline, and ambition. My vice-principal, Mrs. Rani Thimmaiah, modeled resilience and independence—driving an hour to school every day, proving that dedication knows no limits. Later in life, I found family in teachers like Mrs. Gayathri and Mrs. Sandhya. They guided me with practical wisdom, teaching me to embrace life’s uncertainties with faith and grace.

At work, I’ve been fortunate to learn from remarkable leaders. My first boss, Mrs. Nandhitha InderMohan, taught me how to tackle business challenges with precision and collaboration, balancing multiple responsibilities with ease. Today, I work under Dr. Sujatha Jayaraman, who leads Nutrition South Asia R&D. She inspires me with her dedication &  passion for her work is truly contagious. Alongside family & best friends like Krupa, Pavithra, Shilpa Swetha, Chaithanya, Prerana, Saiee, and many I’ve learned that true beauty lies in character, empathy, and the ability to uplift others.

Women are now breaking barriers everywhere – leading businesses, managing families, and excelling in roles once dominated by societal expectations. The evolving narrative reflects the need to move beyond the surface. Like Dove’s efforts to highlight individuality, people are beginning to appreciate women for their inner qualities, dreams, and achievements. Whether it’s mothers cheering for their daughters or leaders inspiring their teams, women are constantly redefining what it means to be successful and beautiful.

Through these experiences, I’ve realized that we are not defined by how society perceives us but by the lives we lead and the people we touch. Beauty lies in ambition, kindness, and resilience—in the qualities that make us unique. As we challenge outdated narratives, we create space for future generations to dream bigger, love deeper, and live freely. In the end, it is not society’s approval that matters but the strength of our character and the stories we carry within us. And with each challenge and victory, I am grateful to walk this path surrounded by women who inspire me to believe that beauty—real beauty—lies far beyond what meets the eye.