Remember last year when Will Smith walked up to the most prestigious film award show, the Oscars, and hit Chris Rock so hard that reporters and influencers had a field day. The episode went viral, and memes were circulated, but unfortunately, not many spoke about the real issue behind the fiasco – Alopecia.
In a world often driven by superficial appearances, where societal norms of beauty reign supreme, one young woman from Delhi has defied the odds and risen above the challenges thrown her way. Rushali Chandel, diagnosed with Alopecia at the tender age of 5, has embraced her unique appearance and become an inspiration for others.
Despite facing trollers and enduring constant weight gain, this remarkable 28-year-old travel agency entrepreneur continues to inspire countless individuals. In an exclusive conversation with Life Beyond Numbers, Rushali speaks about her inspiring journey.
Discovering Strength in Adversity
Rushali’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss, at the tender age of 5. Growing up with a condition that made her appearance different from her peers was undeniably challenging. However, rather than succumbing to self-doubt and societal pressures, Rushali embraced her uniqueness.
“I was 5-6 years old when I first had Alopecia. There were no symptoms in my case. One day, my mom was oiling my hair, and she saw a spot that kept increasing. As far as my knowledge goes, Alopecia has no fixed treatments. I have been injected on my scalp and have taken PRP, Dermaroller, Minoxidil application, and vitamin supplements to deal with it.”
Overcoming Trolling and Weight Gain
As Rushali grew older, she faced a different kind of challenge – trolling and body shaming. Despite her inspiring resilience, she was subjected to hurtful comments and nagging by society- “Beta teri Shaadi kaise hogi?” Additionally, Rushali experienced weight gain, which further intensified the scrutiny she faced. However, she refused to let the negativity define her worth. Rushali took therapy and let the hurtful experiences fuel her motivation. She is now more determined to prove that true beauty lies beyond societal standards.
“When I was young, I had no understanding of looks and beauty. But as I grew up, I started getting depressed, and anxiety took over, but slowly and gradually, I came out of it and am now living my life to the fullest,” says Rushali with pride.
“Trolls used to bother me earlier. I wanted to fire back, but now I am content with myself, and I know I am doing what is best for me, so most of the time I just ignore them.”
Entrepreneurship and Inspiring Others
Driven by a passion for travel and a desire to make a difference, Rushali established her travel agency. Through her business, she not only found fulfillment but also a platform to inspire others. With her infectious optimism and unwavering self-confidence, Rushali uses her Instagram handle to share her experiences and spread messages of self-love, acceptance, and empowerment.
Her authentic and relatable content resonates with her followers, who find solace and inspiration in her journey.
Rushali’s Impact and Legacy
Rushali’s impact extends far beyond her personal growth. Fearlessly sharing her story has made her a beacon of hope for individuals battling Alopecia and other challenges. Her vulnerability and courage in the face of adversity have touched the lives of many, reminding them that their worth transcends physical appearances.
Rushali’s journey exemplifies the power of self-acceptance, resilience, and the ability to rise above societal expectations. Through the support of her loving family, she found the inner strength to accept herself as she was and embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
“My parents are my biggest support system, and I still nurture the little child in me, the little Rushali who was full of aspirations and wished to live her life to the fullest. That little girl in me was the happiest, finding her rhythm, dancing to her tune. Currently, I am a work in progress, and I want to be as free as her,” said Rushali with an infectious smile.
Rushali Chandel’s story reminds us that our worth is not defined by our appearances but by the strength of our character and the impact we create in the world.