TANVI GEETHA RAVISHANKAR, FASHIONISTA

“I am a fat girl who loves dancing and enjoys fashion…and you thought that could never happen?” Meet Tanvi Geetha Ravishankar who started Confessions of The Chubby Twirler when she realized that a lot of women are not secure and confident about their bodies. Growing up, Tanvi was always cheerful, happy go lucky and a fashionista who, when clothes did not fit, resorted to designing them herself.

Based in Mumbai, Tanvi currently juggles several roles – a fashion blogger, freelance fashion stylist, voice over artist, choreographer and even a plus size model who helps women “to love their bodies and find the latest trends in fashion no matter their size.”

With more than 11000+ followers in just one year of blogging, Tanvi says that every day is a challenge for a fat person because, “We are judged on the basis of our bodies at every step of the way. Fat people or former fat people develop nerves of steel and learn how to deal with criticism quickly. We get mocked by family, friends, and random strangers!”

Tanvi gets a lot of hate comments on Instagram and you would be surprised to know that most of these are from former fat people. I asked her how she deals with them and she replied like a seasoned blogger, “I have two ways of dealing with them, if I realise that this person seems like he/she is willing to learn and grow, then I explain to them how fitness and health are not related to a body size or type and is more to do with training, regularly exercising and eating a balanced diet! If I realise that these are just people who hate to look at fat bodies then I ignore them (no use wrestling with a pig)”

With more and more women struggling with body images issues, Tanvi feels that we mustn’t wait for anybody to give us our happiness and to never let our lives revolve around a certain weight goal or body type. But to focus on your overall mental, emotional and physical well-being instead. She loves her life, loves her body and aims to be a role model for those struggling to accept themselves as they are. She says, “If you are not happy at a certain weight, then you will not be happy after you alter that weight as well. Start loving your body and happiness and confidence will come automatically”. As for herself, if she ever has a very tough day, she talks it out with close friends and family, diverts her mind and if all else fails, she puts on a good rom-com and orders a large four-cheese pizza!

You can read Tanvi’s blog and follow her on Instagram and Facebook too!