nstaFamous: behind the filters with Aastha Shah on content creation, skin positivity and perseverance | Exclusive

From dealing with bullying as a child to becoming a social media star, Aastha Shah talks about her journey of content creation, the realities of social media and more. Watch video.

Aastha Shah is one of the Indian skin positivity influencers and a leading content creator in the fashion and beauty segment. Aastha is widely known for sharing her journey with vitiligo. She has redefined traditional beauty standards and broken barriers with her encouraging and uplifting approach, inspiring many women to accept their skin.

In an exclusive interview with india.com, Aastha shared her experiences with negativity and cyberbullying, reflecting on the dual nature of social media. She opened up about the harsh trolling she faced, with comments that were downright cruel and inhumane

Aastha Shah on her journey of content creation and challenges

Opening up about her battles with Vitligo, Aastha Shah revealed that she first learned that she had the condition vitiligo when she was 7 or 8 years old. After trying several medications, she was tired and realized that there was no scientific cure for this skin condition, until one day she looked up in the mirror and said, “Vitligo does not define me and life is much more than this.” Aastha also highlights how her parents’ support encouraged her and made her embrace her skin. “My parents encouraged me to wear short and sleeveless clothes and show off my skin.”

Aastha Shah on trolling on social media

Aastha Shah says she has encountered her fair share of trolls during her journey. When she started her career, she initially thought about leaving content creation. She also said that in one of her roles with her father, people left mean comments such as “You’re adopted.” Then she got really hurt, but later her parents made her realize it. Trolling is a part of social media and she should focus on the 90% love instead of the 10% hate. Over the year she has grown a thick skin and the negativity no longer affects her as much as it used to. “In today’s time, I don’t even waste my time looking at the comment, I don’t really care.”

Busting myths about vitligo

Aastha also acknowledged some myths about vitiligo to promote better understanding. Aastha makes it clear that Vitligo is not a disease but a skin condition that does not affect the internal organs. Aastha also dispels the common misconception about vitiligo that it is caused by eating fish and milk: “That’s not possible, I’m a vegetarian, I’ve never eaten fish in my life”

The great gap between the representation of life on social media and reality

When asked if there is any difference between reality and the real lives of influencers, Aastha emphasizes that there is and people paint a happier picture than it is. “That’s right, not everyone shows their real side.” However, Aastha believes that it really depends from creator to creator and that a creator can only grow if he or she is truly authentic.

Watch the full video for more insights, including her approach to dealing with trolls, a glimpse into her daily life and the efforts made off-camera. Scroll up!