#NavNaari: Celebrating the nine forms of Goddess Durga by highlighting stories of women who reflect a quality of each Devi.
Navratri is that time of the year when devotees honour the Goddess Durga and her nine forms, celebrating her victorious battles against evil. Each of the nine days is devoted to a specific form of Durga. Today, October 10, marks the eighth day (Ashtami) of Navratri 2024. Today, devotees worship Mahagauri devi.
Maa Mahagauri symbolizes intelligence, peace, purity, tranquillity and compassionate motherhood. The one woman that comes to mind who embodies all of these qualities is Sameera Reddy. Her journey from being a Bollywood actress to advocating for body positivity and turning into a ‘happiness content creator’ is one of transformation, resilience, and inspiration.
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From Showbiz To Motherhood
Half Telugu-half Mangalorean-Konkani, Sameera Reddy had a stunning screen presence while gracing the big screen in the early 2000s. She is known for her roles in movies like Maine Dil Tujhko Diya, Musafir, Taxi Number 9211, Race, and more. Reddy had a huge fan base in South India as well after her debut in Varanam Aayiram. Her last screen appearance was in the Kannada film ‘Varadhanayaka‘ in 2013.
She is also the first Indian actress to have her own video game, Sameera the Street Fighter. After a successful run in the Indian film industry, Sameera took a step back from the limelight to embrace a new chapter in her life – motherhood. She married Akshai Varde, an entrepreneur, on 21 January 2014. In May 2015, she gave birth to her son, Hans Varde. And 4 years later, in June 2019, a 41-year-old Sameera became a mom to a baby girl Nyra Varde.
Post-Partum Challenges
While the birth of her children was the happiest moment in her life, Sameera faced unexpected challenges post-partum, particularly around body image. She experienced significant weight gain during pregnancy, and the pressure to “bounce back” to her pre-pregnancy figure took a toll on her mental health. Her battle with these feelings was compounded by post-partum depression (PPD) after having Hans.
Sameera bravely opened up about her struggles with her body, sharing how the societal expectations of perfection affected her. The former actress revealed in a 2020 Kids Stop Press event that she went from 72 kgs to 105 kgs. She wanted to be the cool ‘Louis Vuitton Mom’ who has a slim body with a bump but ended up hating how she looked. Social media showcases a very glamorous side of life after giving birth, but the reality is vastly different.
“I questioned myself so many times if I should have a second baby. I was a complete wreck after my first born. PPD hit me like a brick. I lost control of my body and my self worth. And it took a toll on my marriage because I had no clue how to handle it. I had a rock of husband, amazing in laws and my family that never let my hand go through it all and that really helped,” expressed Sameera Reddy.
Body Positivity Advocate
A mother faces SO many changes, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It takes a lot for her to feel good in her body. These are conditions that many women face but are often hesitant to talk about. By sharing her experience publicly, Sameera brought much-needed attention to the mental health struggles that accompany motherhood.
Instead of shying away from these challenges, Sameera Reddy faced them head-on and turned them into her strength. She emerged as a fierce advocate for body positivity, encouraging women to embrace their imperfections and reject societal standards of beauty. She began sharing her raw, unfiltered self on social media, celebrating her natural beauty and inspiring women everywhere to feel confident in their own skin.
Meet ‘Happiness’ Content Creator
In addition to her body positivity journey, she shares entertaining moments with her husband and kids. But the highlight of her content is her super cool mother-in-law (MIL)! Reddy has found joy in creating lighthearted, slice-of-life content with her MIL. Their playful, loving relationship is loved by her followers.
Messy Mama
Since Sameera’s second pregnancy, she has transformed into a popular ‘Messy Mama‘ influencer on social media. Her content is often infused with messages of self-love and acceptance. She has a ‘Messy Mama Gives Back’ series wherein she brings visibility to small businesses, creators, professionals and artists across niches.
Her Fitness Journey
She doesn’t believe in crash dieting or trying to get quick results. Instead, she believes in maintaining a balanced mental-physical-spiritual life. Sameera shares her exercise routines and food habits on her social media, showcasing her gradual progress. She encourages sustainable fitness goals and embraces the natural ageing process. The mom of 2 embraces her wrinkles, greys, stretch marks, acne and changing body wholly.
Sameera On Bigg Boss 18
Sameera Reddy is now entering the Bigg Boss 18 house. How wild and entertaining is that going to be? Well, she’s taken coaching from the iconic Karan Sareen a.k.a Gorgeous Potaahto. So she’s definitely ready, haha. We can’t wait to watch the drama unfold!
She has beautifully transitioned from being a glamorous film star to a relatable and real content creator who prioritizes mental health, body positivity, and, most importantly, happiness. By embracing every aspect of her life, Sameera Reddy has redefined herself as a powerful voice for women and a source of inspiration for her community.
