Crowned in confidence: Sanjana Achar at Maven Miss Plus Size North India 2018
In India’s evolving fashion landscape, representation is often promised but rarely delivered. For Sanjana Achar, a plus-size model, content creator, and certified confidence coach—representation isn’t a buzzword. It’s a mission.
Her journey began with self-shot videos and baggy T-shirts, and led her to Milan’s fashion capital. There, she finally found clothes that fit and a voice that resonated. Today, she’s not just modeling—she’s mentoring. Through her content and coaching, Sanjana Achar is helping women reclaim their confidence, challenge beauty norms, and embrace their bodies unapologetically.
In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her personal evolution, the fashion industry’s performative inclusivity, and why representation must move beyond trend cycles to become a cultural standard.
Fashion as a Form of Resistance
From Men’s Sections to Milan: Reclaiming Style on Her Own Terms
Sanjana Achar for Sonsie
Sanjana’s early fashion experiences were marked by exclusion.“I used to shop in the men’s section because women’s clothes didn’t fit me,” she recalls. Her wardrobe consisted of oversized tees and jeans—functional, but far from expressive.
It wasn’t until she studied product designing in Milan that Sanjana Achar experienced true sartorial freedom.“That was the first time I had access to clothes in my size,” she says.“I could finally experiment and explore my personal style.”
Her time in Milan wasn’t just educational—it was transformational. It gave her the confidence to wear colors, cuts, and silhouettes she’d never imagined possible. That experience laid the foundation for her fashion content, which began not to influence others, but to reclaim her own identity.
Her breakthrough moment on the Indian stage came in 2018, when she participated in Maven Miss Plus Size North India, a pageant directed by Mr. Hardeep Arora.“It wasn’t just about walking the ramp,” she says.“It was about being seen—fully, unapologetically.” The experience helped her embrace visibility not just as a model, but as a movement.
Representation Isn’t a Trend
Cultural disruptor—redefining beauty on her own terms.
Calling Out the Industry’s Performative Inclusivity:
Between 2021 and 2023, size inclusivity became a hot topic in Indian fashion. Curvy models walked ramps, brands launched extended sizes, and hashtags trended. But Sanjana remains skeptical.
“There was a moment of hope,” she says.“But in 2025, we’re regressing. Representation isn’t the norm—it’s a marketing strategy.”
She emphasizes that true inclusivity means designing for real bodies—not just sizing up one template.“Brands often offer a single 3XL option and call it inclusive. But bodies are diverse—pear-shaped, tummy-heavy, bust-heavy. Each needs its own design language.”
For Sanjana, representation must be consistent, intentional, and rooted in empathy—not marketing.
Building Confidence, One DM at a Time
Confidence isn’t just a pose—it’s a mindset.
From Trolls to Transformation: The Power of Community
Sanjana’s digital journey has been both brutal and beautiful.“I’ve received long emails from trolls—poems mocking me,” she shares.“But I’ve also received vacation photos from women in swimsuits, thanking me for giving them the confidence to wear what they love.”
These messages inspired her to launch a confidence coaching practice.“India doesn’t really have confidence coaches,” she says.“I wanted to help people get to the root of their insecurities—not just teach them how to pose.”
Her sessions blend psychology, empathy, and lived experience—especially for women navigating fashion, media, and societal judgment.“Confidence isn’t just about being outspoken. It’s about knowing yourself so deeply that no external comment can shake you.”
The Cultural Shift We Still Need
Real bodies, Real stories, Real change.
Why Representation in Entertainment Matters
Sanjana believes that media representation—especially in entertainment—can shift societal norms.“India is a huge consumer of TV and film. If we change what we show, we change how people think.” She stated.
She points out that plus-size characters are often relegated to comic relief or side roles.“We need to see diverse bodies as love interests, heroes, and protagonists—not just punchlines.”
Representation, she insists, must extend beyond fashion into every cultural space.“It’s not just about clothes. It’s about visibility, dignity, and rewriting what beauty looks like.”
What’s Next for Sanjana Achar
Coaching, Content, and Continued Growth
Despite a chaotic year of moving and sporadic content creation, Sanjana is excited about what’s next.“I’ve launched my confidence coaching, and working with clients has been so fulfilling. I want to get back to regular content, but also keep learning—something beyond the phone, something that feeds my soul.”
Her final message to her younger self?“She is worthy… Beautiful. She knows exactly what she wants. Never feel unworthy because of what someone else says.”
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