This is such a pertinent subject, and you’ve tackled it brilliantly with your characteristic humour. I especially appreciate the way you question the illusion of choice in cosmetic enhancements. I was reminded of an essay I’d written on this subject a couple of years ago, and I concur with everything you have to say. After all, we’re only choosing from what’s already been chosen for us!
As always, you never miss a beat, Rohan. I relish every single piece you write.
I literally have fifty shades of brown on my face and neck with all the swimming I have been doing. After much pressure from others, finally started using sunscreen 🤪🤪🤪
Omg! As much as the humour re your spindly legs cracked me up, it also reminded me of all the off hand comments one hears from friends, family and strangers about something or the other - your voice, your hair, your weight, your height…*so* exhausting! Used to hurt me growing up :( so glad you found a way to make it serve you!
How much of this incessant need to change oneself can be traced back to this I wonder? Afterall the call to surgery to “improve” (cough cough) one’s physical characteristics through surgery is a fire that can only fanned when there is an ember there to begin with.
Food for thought for sure. Fantastic writing Rohan! My female solidarity with Simran also requires me to acknowledge and disregard your criticism (however slight) of her awesomeness…just…on principle you understand 😂
Thanks for your always thoughtful engagement, Reshma!
You're right, of course, but aesthetic procedures are just as popular with people who are 'conventionally good-looking'. Also, like I said, it is difficult to presume what motivates people and where one ought to draw the line. Botox, for instance, is so common it hardly raises any eyebrows. (Pun fully intended.) So difficult to generalise causation.
Thanks for the most fun class on costectomy! Also, cheers to your first step as a body-positivity influencer. If they still don't buy it, you can approach that surgeon friend to maks your calves thinner or your nose bigger.
I now want to remove a couple of ribs myself, as they hurt from the laughter after reading your essay. 😂
Hahaha, glad you enjoyed it, Sid!
This is such a pertinent subject, and you’ve tackled it brilliantly with your characteristic humour. I especially appreciate the way you question the illusion of choice in cosmetic enhancements. I was reminded of an essay I’d written on this subject a couple of years ago, and I concur with everything you have to say. After all, we’re only choosing from what’s already been chosen for us!
As always, you never miss a beat, Rohan. I relish every single piece you write.
Thank you so much, Richa! Very kind of you. I'm glad to know you enjoyed reading this (and other pieces). :D
I will check out your essay on this.
such a fun read, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
not sure if you've heard this one before but a friend of mine also has a big nose and all this photos are in 3D xP
Hah! I remember the more famous version of that joke from Dil Chahta Hai.
Woah Rohan, the stuff I learn from you, seriously🥵🥵🥵
Unbelievable to what extent people are going to look more attractive.
I started using sunscreen on my face since yesterday, and I was feeling it's a bit much, but I feel kind of normal now 😅😅😅
Thank you, Rakhi. I've been trying to build a sunscreen habit myself. I have a two-tone neck.
I literally have fifty shades of brown on my face and neck with all the swimming I have been doing. After much pressure from others, finally started using sunscreen 🤪🤪🤪
Omg! As much as the humour re your spindly legs cracked me up, it also reminded me of all the off hand comments one hears from friends, family and strangers about something or the other - your voice, your hair, your weight, your height…*so* exhausting! Used to hurt me growing up :( so glad you found a way to make it serve you!
How much of this incessant need to change oneself can be traced back to this I wonder? Afterall the call to surgery to “improve” (cough cough) one’s physical characteristics through surgery is a fire that can only fanned when there is an ember there to begin with.
Food for thought for sure. Fantastic writing Rohan! My female solidarity with Simran also requires me to acknowledge and disregard your criticism (however slight) of her awesomeness…just…on principle you understand 😂
Thanks for your always thoughtful engagement, Reshma!
You're right, of course, but aesthetic procedures are just as popular with people who are 'conventionally good-looking'. Also, like I said, it is difficult to presume what motivates people and where one ought to draw the line. Botox, for instance, is so common it hardly raises any eyebrows. (Pun fully intended.) So difficult to generalise causation.
Also true:)
This was a great read, thoroughly enjoyed! 😂
Thanks so much, Amrita! :D
Superb writing, great stories. Also, can confirm we all heard the Manson story and it took us some time to truly grasp what's happening there.
It was wild. I believed it for a while, and to be fair, who wouldn't?
Good one Rohan :). Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you, Binu!
The sudden pain in my ribs on just reading the grave details! 😀
"Grave details" is morbid yet accurate. Thanks for reading, Shubashree!
Thanks for the most fun class on costectomy! Also, cheers to your first step as a body-positivity influencer. If they still don't buy it, you can approach that surgeon friend to maks your calves thinner or your nose bigger.
Hahahaha. Show me the IG followers first, then we'll talk. :P
They're called followers for a reason. They follow you (going under the knife).
Theirs not to reason why, etc.
Absolutely crazy 😜! The nose, calf, and ribs. Super!!!!
Thanks so much, Savvy!
Thanks for keeping us in the loop on all the cultural stuff! Wish Simran could feed you more stories - we love hearing them.
Thanks, Aditi! Oh yes, I'll keep relaying the stories. :)
Too much information!
Presented in a good, cogent way, I hope! But yes, research for this one was fascinating.
And funny! Loved it.
Thank you!