'Ant married an elephant': Bharti Singh says she was trolled after she married Haarsh Limbachiyaa. How did she lose 15 kgs?

Time of India

5 hours ago

Hurtful Comments After Marriage
Laughing Off the Hate
Deeply Personal Taunts
A Public Weight-Loss Journey
Science Backs the Method
Moderation Over Restriction
From Pain to Empowerment
In 2017, celebrated comedian Bharti Singh tied the knot with Haarsh Limbachiyaa , a well-known screenwriter. Known for her fuller figure, Bharti recently opened up about the body-shaming she endured for marrying Haarsh, whose lean build contrasted sharply with hers. She had earlier disclosed that even after their wedding announcement, she faced relentless trolling. When she first shared her roka ceremony photographs, online users mocked their appearance, comparing them cruelly to the pairing of an ant and an elephant.Bharti revealed to Pinkvilla that the hurt began immediately after their marriage, even as people publicly congratulated them. She recalled feeling deeply affected in those early days. Bharti pointed out that the decision to marry someone—whether short, tall, slim, or otherwise—was hers alone. Being labelled 'moti' (fat) struck her deeply. She recounted how some individuals told her outright that a woman of her size could only marry a similarly built man, insisting that a slim man should not wed a plus-sized woman.Despite the harsh remarks, Bharti shared that she and Haarsh would often laugh loudly at the cruel comments rather than dwell on them. According to her, the two never let such negativity dominate their conversations. She noted that while a small portion—about five out of every hundred—were unkind, the overwhelming majority, around 95%, showered them with affection, blessings, and unwavering support. This positive response, Bharti said, far outweighed the minority of hateful voices. She also revealed that Haarsh himself was not spared, with trolls accusing him of marrying her solely for financial gain because she earned a steady income.In an earlier interview with Malaika Arora, Bharti became emotional as she recalled another particularly hurtful jibe—some people referred to Haarsh as a 'child,' implying immaturity or youthfulness, and mocked her for marrying him. She also remembered the numerous body-shaming remarks about her eating habits. Bharti confessed to Malaika that the constant taunts, both from outsiders and even from certain family members, shaped her career in comedy."I faced taunts not just from the outsiders but from my own people in the house. 'Bas kar yaar ladkiyaan itna nahi khati," she said.She said her humour sharpened as a coping mechanism for the bullying she endured.Recently, Bharti captured headlines again, this time for her health transformation. She revealed during the Bharti TV Podcast with YouTuber and actor Prajakta Koli that she had lost 15 kilograms. She credited this significant change to intermittent fasting , a method she adopted consistently. Bharti explained that she refrains from eating between 7 p.m. and 12 noon the following day, breaking her fast in the afternoon. She mentioned that after spending over three decades indulging in plentiful meals, she dedicated one full year to giving her body rest and adjusting her eating patterns.Intermittent fasting, as Bharti practises it, is widely recognised for its health benefits. A 2022 study published in Nutrients highlighted that short-term fasting can enhance metabolic function, leading to increased calorie burning. The approach involves controlled eating windows, allowing the body to tap into stored fat more efficiently.Bharti clarified that her approach did not involve cutting out her favourite foods entirely. Instead, she ensured her diet included the dishes she loved, consumed in moderation. By balancing indulgence with portion control, she managed to achieve weight loss without feeling deprived.Through every stage—marriage, public ridicule, career evolution, and health transformation—Bharti Singh has been open about her vulnerabilities and resilience. The comedian, whose humour has made millions laugh, continues to remind her audience that criticism can be faced with grace, laughter, and self-determination. Her journey reflects the strength to rise above personal attacks, the courage to embrace one's individuality, and the wisdom to prioritise self-care while still enjoying life's pleasures.