‘There Are Days When I Don't Look Perfect And Its Fine’: Ileana D'Cruz On Battling Dysmorphia

As Bollywood celebs are increasingly coming forward and talking about mental illnesses, Ileana D'Cruz, whose latest film Pagalpanti opened at the theatres, told at a mental awareness event that she always had issues accepting her body the way it is.

Now, speaking to IANS, Ileana said, "I have always had issues accepting my body the way it is. I have finally come to a place maybe where I am learning to like it how it is. I am respecting it a lot more and taking care of it a lot more. And I think it is showing. So, I am happier right now."

In 2017, Ileana revealed that she battled Body Dysmorphic Disorder for a long time before she got help. In 2017, at an event to create awareness about mental health, Ileana had said, "I didn't know I was suffering from depression and Body Dysmorphic Disorder till I got help. At one point, I even had suicidal thoughts and wanted to end things," 

Ileana D'Cruz also told IANS that now she has learnt to live with the truth that not looking perfect all the time is fine. She explained, "People have a certain perception of how you are supposed to look. When you are portrayed on screen, you are portrayed in a glamorous way. Women are meant to look pretty and perfect. Now, there is the paparazzi phase. When you get papped outside the gym or airport, you often look just normal. I try to put in a sense of reality on Instagram more than anything... I am a normal person and there are days when I don't look perfect and it's fine."

Talking about her fitness regime and how she maintains her fit lifestyle and the way she looks now, the actress emphasized on the importance of a proper diet.

"There are times when I work-out like crazy, for months. I lose weight and look great. Then, I give it up for a while. I have realised that if you change your lifestyle completely, it makes a difference. Earlier, I used to spend so much time in the gym and did not focus as much on what I was eating. I have realised that 90 per cent of what you look like is your diet. So, you need to eat well. Invest in a good nutritionist if possible... I am very careful about what I am eating. Keep a check on how much sugar you consume daily," Ileana added.

Ileana has featured in films such as Barfi, Raid and Baadshaho. Her next film is The Big Bull, co-starring Abhishek Bachchan.