‘I stopped dieting and started living’: How early marriage, motherhood, plus-size and trolling could not deter her from setting ramp on fire

Having collaborated with over 25 brands in five years, Dimple’s journey to spotlight began in Satara, in a close-knit traditional Marwari household.

“When I first mentioned modelling, my parents felt I had spoken in another language,” she recalls with a laugh. “In our families, girls are encouraged to be graceful, not glamorous. Careers should be safe — teaching, business, maybe banking. Modelling was considered too bold, and definitely not what my parents wanted me to do.”

Yet, fashion being her instinct, she found her way through. “I loved dressing up, experimenting with looks, and creating style out of the ordinary,” she says.

Marriage, motherhood

“I didn’t know how or when, but I knew I wanted to belong to that world. I did my first few assignments in college just for fun.” Life, however, had other plans. Marriage came soon after college, followed by motherhood and then —a sabbatical and lots of weight.

“After my son was born, I gained weight that never really went away,” says the 35-year-old. The pressure to get back in shape began, as it does for all new moms.

“I tried everything, from dieting, workout routines, to fasting — but the only thing that changed was my patience. One day, I realised I was only waiting for my body to change and not allowing myself to live fully. I stopped dieting and started living” That acceptance and a friend’s encouragement led her to participate in a beauty pageant that had a plus-size category.

“It wasn’t about competition; it was about courage,” she says. The win in her category opened doors to local shows, campaigns, and eventually to one of the biggest ramps in the country. But the fashion industry wasn’t always kind. “There were moments when I was rejected because of my size,” she admits.

“I learned to take it in stride. For every door that closed, another opened with brands that celebrated diversity.” Delhi, she says, was one of her toughest learning grounds. “Audiences there can be brutally honest,” she laughs.

Conquering self-doubts

“But I came back stronger and more sure of my space.” Her biggest challenge was self-doubt. “There were times I questioned myself — do I really belong here? But I chose to move forward anyway.” Dimple says being a plus-size model isn’t about fitting into a label.

“It’s about owning my space and redefining what confidence looks like. Beauty isn’t one size or one shade. It’s how you show up for yourself every day.”

Having over 1.1 lakh followers, she admits the culture of trolling is not only about size. “Women are targeted for being too fair, too dark, too
skinny, too tall, or too short. A working mother is labelled “selfish”. A homemaker is called “unambitious”.

“Body shaming is one part of a bigger problem — society’s obsession with controlling women. We need to overlook trolls and find ways to shine,” she says.

“Fitness shouldn’t be a punishment or a constant apology for existing. I eat what I enjoy, I stay active, and I live joyfully. That’s healthy for me. Social media is both a mirror and a microphone. Yes, it is harsh, but it also connects you to thousands who draw strength from your journey.”

Dimple collaborates with brands that align with her belief in body positivity and inclusivity. She is also mentoring young women who want to enter the modelling industry. “I tell them — your uniqueness is your power. The world doesn’t need copies; it needs authenticity.”

Neha Rathod is an intern with The Indian Express.