First British Asian Plus-Size Model Bishamber Das Talks About Being This Generation’s Idol

Namita Nayyar (WF Team)

5 years ago

Bishamber Das is the first British Asian plus-size model and has contributed immensely to the plus size industry in the US and UK. Growing up having an alcoholic, abusive father, she took solace in food, which led to a huge weight gain and bullying in school.

It was in 2012 when Bishamber decided that she needed to change her lifestyle in order to reduce her weight since her health was getting severely affected. Born to Indian Punjabi and Malaysian parents, Das is not defined just by her modelling career. She also has a degree in law and criminology and is well-versed in five languages. She also became the youngest Asian magistrate in the UK when she was just 22. Das has modelled for various international plus-size brands and was the runner up at the international Miss India Europe competition in 2014.

Women Fitness joins the superbly talented model for an interesting conversation about diversity in the modelling industry.

Namita Nayyar:

You have become an inspiration for millions of women and young girls all around the world since you made history in 2014 as the first plus size model to win a title at the international Miss India Europe competition that year. Walk us through your spectacular modeling journey and tell us how it all began?

Bishamber Das:

My journey as a plus size woman coming from a South Asian background was never easy. Growing up as a overweight child I was always reminded that I was never worthy of any man’s love, as no one would marry me because I was fat. It brings tears to my eyes when I cast my memory back to being an innocent 10-year-old child who thought I could end my own life by drinking bubble bath and shampoo mixed with water.

Taking part in Miss India Europe changed me, I knew I would never win a pageant like this as so much work needed to be done in educating people in the South Asian community around body positivity. I am so proud of the fact that I was the only plus size woman to take part and represent my country the United Kingdom as a second runner up against 9 European countries. I used this platform to bring further awareness to my campaign. I can proudly say that I am now the first woman to bring the concept of plus size to India and can share this amongst the second largest population in the world.

Full interview is continued on next page

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Namita Nayyar:

Introduce us to a day in your life.

BISHAMBER DAS:

People tend to think models can not lead professional lives outside of their modelling career. I come from a law background and I am very proud to share that I am also known to be the first youngest Asian female magistrate in the UK. Along side of this I work in the field of child protection where I support vulnerable children and young people. Each and every role I fulfil in my life from being a model to working in social care gives me great satisfaction.

Namita Nayyar:

What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine to stay fit and healthy?

BISHAMBER DAS:

I am not a big fan of going to the gym, I find it quiet boring! But I find other ways to make up for exercising, dance is a big part of my heritage and culture, you will always find me at that bhangra and belly dancing class. Eating healthy is so important I try my best to keep a varied diet. I have been bought up as a strict vegetarian from birth and this certainly helps in making the right food choices.

Namita Nayyar:

Tell us your Top 3 Favorite Healthy Foods or Recipes.

BISHAMBER DAS:

Saag – the national dish of Punjab (my state in India). This super yummy dish is so healthy and can be made from any greens such as spinach and broccoli.
Daal – This lentil curry always helps me to stock up on healthy carbs and proteins.
Quorn – Being a vegetarian means at times I can be restricted on my protein intake. I love how I can cook up so many dishes from Mexican to Indian using Quorn as a substitute.

Namita Nayyar:

You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your haircare and skincare routine.

BISHAMBER DAS:

Taking vitamins and supplements is a must in my routine. I take multivitamins and minerals along side omega 3 tablets for my skin. In addition to this I am a strong believer in allowing my skin to breath naturally as much as possible without the use of make up. When I do apply make up I make sure I cleanse and tone my skin with natural products such as rose water and charcoal face wash.

I love my hair! I get so many messages from women asking me what I use to keep it looking strong and healthy. The truth is I avoid as many products as possible for my hair. I use a good shampoo and conditioner but then apply Zafran oil so my hair sustains a beautiful shine. I also avoid combing and drying my hair directly after washing it, this works wonders for me.

Namita Nayyar:

You are the First British Asian Plus Size Model, how do you feel about creating history?

BISHAMBER DAS:

I am so proud of this! Its a title that will never be taken away from me. Growing up as a child I had no positive role model who I could associate with, from my skin tone to my body shape. I am so proud that I am now in a position were so many women look up to me as that role model I once needed.

Namita Nayyar:

In the present day scenario, with the rise of social media, how do you think has social media impacted an everyday woman, bringing in multi-fold opportunities to them? Also, what according to you is the one worst thing about it?

BISHAMBER DAS:

Social media without a doubt is the most powerful tool in the world. It has given so many people from different walks of life an opportunity to have their voice heard. Social media has definitely allowed me to reach out and touch an audience that I would not have been able to reach without it. I am a woman who can speak over 5 different languages, which social media allows me to connect with those people further spreading my message of body positivity to their part of the world were this concept is so alien. Along with fame one must take criticism, the internet has become home to many trolls and sadly many have seen online bullying as a result of this. Personally I laugh at my haters, they will always reply from a level they can only see from. If they can’t see beyond hate and negativity that’s there issue not mine. I am to busy accepting love from so many who adore what I do.

Namita Nayyar:

Tell us your Top 5 Fashion Secrets to look gorgeous and glamorous?

BISHAMBER DAS:

Do what you do with love and love what you are doing.

Confidence! Believe that you can make the worst outfit look amazing. Why? Because you’re wearing it!

Be original! in todays world it is so easy to be influenced to a level that you actually start to replicate another! Take your plus points and flaunt them

Be humble enough to know that you’re not better than anybody but be wise enough to know you are different from the rest.

There is nothing more beautiful than a positive outlook on life, learning to be happy from within always shines on the outside.

Namita Nayyar:

The fashion industry has had an incredible breakthrough, getting over the norm of stereotype shapes and sizes, but it still has a long way to go. What according to you are the 3 lessons that it still needs to learn?

BISHAMBER DAS:

The lessons I feel still need to be learnt are

The media and brands using the correct size girls to reflect their audience. For example, the curvy and plus size market use models that do not look plus size or curvy. This can have terrible affects on young girls and people recovering from eating disorders.
There still needs to more changes for fashion weeks where they are showing more diversity on the catwalks.
Finally, that there is enough room for everyone to enjoy fashion!

Namita Nayyar:

What would be your advice and motivation for the budding and upcoming plus size models, who all are your fans and look up to you for inspiration?

BISHAMBER DAS:

My advice is simple, find your plus point and make this your strength. I came from a community were my vision was and still is at times frowned upon. i made it my mission to change this outlook and bring positivity to the concept of plus size. till this day plus size women in middle eastern and south asian media are only seen in comedy roles were they are laughed at and made fun off. through my work i hope to change this concept and see more plus size women in media with the respect and dignity they deserve.

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