Latest news with #Meghana
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I overcame self-doubt, learnt to accept myself: Meghana Raj Sarja
Meghana Raj Sarja recently shared a picture of herself on social media, which was accompanied by a caption that summed up the actor's personal evolution: 'From self-doubt, accepting and embracing I, me, myself,' she wrote. In a conversation with Bangalore Times, Meghana candidly spoke about how entering the film industry made her acutely aware of the intense scrutiny that women face, how she rebuilt her confidence amidst these pressures, and more. Excerpts: 'JUST WHEN MY CAREER WAS TAKING OFF, I HAD THE WORST BREAKOUTS OF MY LIFE' From believing I was the best to people suddenly pointing out 'flaws' I never even knew existed, showbiz felt different. Before I joined the industry, I had embraced every bit of myself. But the industry told me otherwise: from 'your skin is oily' to 'you're a little chubby' and 'try this for acne,' I got a lot of unsolicited advice. Just when my career was taking off, I had the worst breakouts of my life. And that led to a chapter of self-doubt and insecurity. 'AFTER RAJAHULI, I TRULY CAME INTO MY OWN' Looking back, I think I had the best body during Rajahuli. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo I was full of self-love and began taking care of myself. I remember I was shooting a Malayalam film with VK Prakash and going on set with make-up. He took one look at me and asked me to wash it all off. I had a little acne back then, but VK sir said, 'Meghana, you're beautiful.' That took away some of my self-doubt. 'MOTHERHOOD IS BEAUTIFUL, BUT ITS CHALLENGES STILL REMAIN UNSPOKEN' Motherhood is a beautiful chapter, whose challenges no one really talks about. I went through an emotionally turbulent time, and it didn't just have to do with Chiru's (Chiranjeevi Sarja) demise. The pandemic was at its peak, and my entire family tested positive. There was so much to deal with and yet, some of my closest people including family's first reaction on seeing me was, 'Why have you put on weight?'. Hearing this constantly wears you down. And it's hard to explain why your body changes. Something as simple as choosing clothes would be a battle. Until my friend Anusha picked out that sleeveless dress for me and said, 'You've forgotten that beauty goes beyond your body,' and that one sentence hit hard. 'Women are looked at differently' Growing up, I remember having this unshakeable confidence. I truly believed I was the best. I was a little chubby as a kid, became lean in my school years, but no matter what, I didn't really care because I was comfortable in my skin. It's only when I got into films that I realised how differently the world looks at a woman. 'THE UNSOLICITED ADVICE STILL DOESN'T STOP' People still tell me to do some diet or try a workout routine. Ironically, even my trainer has never called me fat. People love giving advice. But they don't understand. Body shaming is real. And it's cruel. Picking at someone's flaws online shouldn't be normal. The internet doesn't have to be this harsh. Recently, I wore a dress to an event. And then a video of me being shot from an unflattering angle made it online. Especially when I try to stay strong, being caught off guard can shake me. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
The Preloved Co. is a store in Bengaluru where you can thrift for a cause
Co-founded by Bengaluru-based Mariam Begg and Meghna Khanna, the Preloved Co is a clothing thrift store at Halasuru, Bengaluru, that raises funds for different NGOs and social organisations. The Preloved Co. also aims for sustainability by taking in used clothes in good condition from local donors and selling them at affordable prices. 'All the proceeds from our sales, after covering our expenses, go to different NGOs working for social causes such as WeLive, Ulsoor Canine Squad, Home of Hope and other organisations that support the slums, transgenders and sex workers,' says Meghna. The store which opened in December 2023 has a varied collection ranging from Indian and Western wear, as well as casuals and formals from brands such as Christian Dior, Zara, H&M as well as home grown labels and local brands such as Nicobar, The Summer House and FabIndia. The clothing store also collaborates regularly with exhibitions in the city — Sunday Soul Sante, Namu Recommends Vegan Market, Hundred Hands, apart from partnering with corporates, apartment complexes and spaces like GoodEarth Malar, the Brigade Group, the Bangalore International Centre and the Bangalore Creative Circus. 'Luckily, we have many volunteers who come in to help us at the store as well during such exhibitions. We also offer them an opportunity to intern with us,' says Meghna. Vanshika Singh, a college student who regularly volunteers at the Preloved Co, recently completed an internship there and says, 'There are a lot of ways in which a volunteer can help. I aided with sales and marketing which included interacting with the customers, sorting clothes before the event and billing during different exhibitions.' Thirft culture still new to the city Meghana mentions that people sometimes misinterpret the term 'preloved' to mean a donations store. 'Most of the time people reach out to us with used clothes which we don't accept. We don't donate our clothes directly to charity — we sell them and it is the amount we raise through their sales that is donated to charity. That is why we only accept garments that are saleable, and not worn out clothing.' Vanshika says, 'Thrift culture is still new to Bengaluru. Not a lot of people are open to wearing used clothes but thrifting is slowly getting a lot of attention because it is also directly linked with sustainability.' Meghana explains, 'If people were aware of how many thousands of litres of water are required to make one t-shirt or a pair of jeans, perhaps they would want to try reusing clothes. But now since fast fashion is the trend, a garment which was earlier worn 20 to 30 times, is either thrown away or never worn after four or five outings.' 'When you donate your clothes, someone else gets to wear them and when you buy from a store, you are contributing to a social cause. This is how we want to function, where people can consider thrifting as a way of life.' 'In the future, we would like to expand, reach out to more people, and even collaborate with more colleges,' says Meghna. Prices start at ₹100. The Preloved Co is at Halasuru, and also provides online shopping options via their Instagram handle. For pick up or drops, call 916361866517.
