Call Me Bae actor Varun Sood says he was bullied as an overweight kid: ‘I barely had friends’

In a post on Humans of Bombay‘s Instagram page, Sood recounted how discovering basketball helping him make friends and become more confident. “One day, in 10th class, I dunked a basket for the first time. And that’s where I found my peace – in basketball. With every competition, I took part in, with every tournament I won, I made more friends and became more confident in myself. The ‘introverted’ Varun was now the school’s star player. I began participating more in sports, on stage, everywhere,” he recalled.

“Soon, I went from ‘papa ki tarah army officer banunga‘ (I would like to become an army officer like my father) to ‘kuch hatke karunga’ (I will do something different),” said Sood, who came to the limelight with MTV Roadies, which he considers as a turning point in his life.

Bullying is an unwanted behaviour (Photo: Freepik)

His mantra? “Work hard, have fun, baaki sab set hojayega (everything else will work itself out).”

Children and adolescents struggling with weight often face bullying or teasing, which can lead to negative self-perception, said Dr Samant Darshi, consultant psychiatrist, Psymate Noida. “They may internalise these experiences, resulting in a distorted body image. This can cause long-term issues like eating disorders, unhealthy relationships with food, or a deep-seated sense of inadequacy,” said Dr Darshi.

However, what can help is finding that one talent and working on yourself. “During this time, many can create a friend circle that truly appreciates them and is there for them. This helps build confidence and excel going forward,” said Dr Darshi.

 

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Apart from this, family plays a critical role in shaping a child’s experience with weight. “Parents may unintentionally contribute to the problem by focusing excessively on the child’s appearance. This can create a cycle of shame,” mentioned Dr Darshi.

Early intervention, focusing on mental and physical health, is key in preventing long-term emotional consequences and ensuring a child grows up with a positive self-image.

Here’s a guide from clinical psychologist Kamna Chhibber.

– set clear boundaries that you reinforce regularly
– understand that what people say does not determine who you are
– build your sense of self-esteem by focusing on other skills that you have
– know the supports and mechanisms of redressal available at your organisation so you can reach for support
– be open to talking to mental health practitioners
– connect with friends and family to acquire the right help

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.