Persistence Is The Key! - Priyanka Bhattacharjee

"I have always been fascinated by the entertainment world. Since a very small age, I used to partake in dance competitions. My first performance made me feel confident and I knew there's something I really like and enjoy about it. When I grew up, the pressure of studies came. My family barred me from performing any further, but I persuaded them to let me dance. 

In 2016, I got into a modelling event. I was the first one from my family to get into a totally different world. Though my mom supported me, my Dad opposed it because he believed that only studies can help me earn. But, it didn't bog me down because I knew my dreams are worth every shot. I used to go to practice in the summer days where the rays of sun could let you down any time. I used to pedal my cycle in high heels in the hot summer to pursue my dreams.

I had my share of setbacks. Once, I had participated in a modelling competition and had dedicated my blood and sweat to win it, only to realize later that some participant had already "bought" the title. I was left without hope. I didn't want to continue modelling because of this unjust event. 

My family started mocking me, right after that. "Heels won't buy you a meal", "you will just walk by and nobody will notice you", "you can never achieve anything in this field", were some of the many insults that I endured. After my family, outsiders started bullying me about my height, weight, eyes, skin color and so on. 

I didn't pay any heed, did whatever projects came my way, persevered and landed many collabs with brands like, My Glamm. Eventually, my Dad also understood my profession and said that, "Yeh ladki ziddi hai, karke manegi!". Well, we all should be a little "ziddi" to achieve the dreams that we see for ourselves, shouldn't we?" - Priyanka Bhattacharjee. 

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