Jeesha Chowdhury: Redefining Fashion and Body Positivity

Her story started in the Queen of Hills, not the halls of fashion. But from Mussoorie to Mumbai and beyond, Jeesha Chowdhury has proven that the runway is big enough for every ‘body’. From local beginnings to billboards across India and campaigns around the world. Her voice echoes far beyond the runway, challenging the industry to embrace inclusivity in its truest form.

TINDS: Tell us about your background and childhood.

Jeesha: I was born in Delhi but raised in Mussoorie, the Queen of Hills. Boarding school in Dehradun shaped me—teaching independence, discipline, and resilience. Sports gave me confidence, health struggles gave me empathy, and those years built my foundation of strength.

TINDS: What three words describe you best?

Jeesha: Effervescent, Resilient, Bold.

TINDS: What inspired you to start doing what you do?

Jeesha: Fashion was always my language. As a child, I made Barbie outfits from my mom’s sarees. But when steroids caused weight gain, I realized fashion excluded bodies like mine. I decided to change that—by styling myself, modeling my designs, and proving fashion is for every body.

TINDS: What was your very first creative/business moment?

Jeesha: Around 2012, “plus-size” wasn’t even a term. I styled myself in college projects and faced criticism, but also visibility. Winning a body-positive pageant and later walking for United Colors of Benetton confirmed I belonged in fashion.

TINDS: What’s something people always ask you about your work?

Jeesha: Many assume plus-size modeling means “no discipline.” That’s a myth. Health, balance, and self-love take effort, regardless of size.

TINDS: Tell us about your current project or what you’re building right now.

Jeesha: I recently modeled for Eli Lilly’s India launch, seeing myself on billboards across cities was surreal. I’ve worked with brands in the US, UK, UAE, and Sri Lanka, and I’m now eyeing growth in the Arab market.

TINDS: What’s the most unforgettable moment in your journey?

Jeesha: My first runway way with Benetton — where I slipped! Instead of shame, I was met with warmth. They even gifted me the dress I fell in. That stumble taught me grace and resilience.

TINDS: What is the hardest part of your journey that no one sees?

Jeesha: Trolls and silent battles. Being plus-size often isn’t by choice, and society can be cruel. My stretch marks—my “tiger stripes”—tell my story. I wear them with pride.

TINDS: How do you stay grounded in the spotlight?

Jeesha: By remembering who I represent—people who’ve been made to feel unseen. Body positivity isn’t a trend for me; it’s my purpose.

TINDS: One lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

Jeesha: Not everyone clapping for you is rooting for you. Protect your energy, set boundaries, and trust actions, not words.

TINDS: What’s your go-to comfort food or self-care ritual?

Jeesha:  Afghani samosas and anything cheesy. For self-care, it’s my four cats and prayer. Both bring me peace.

TINDS: Who inspires you?

Jeesha: Women who’ve faced body shaming or invisibility. Their strength and vulnerability fuel my purpose every day.

TINDS: What’s a fun or unexpected fact about you?

Jeesha: My cats decide who I trust. If they don’t approve, I probably won’t either.

TINDS: If you could chat with anyone, past or present, who would it be?

Jeesha: The younger me who doubted her worth. I’d tell her she was never “too much,” only too real for their comfort.

TINDS: What’s next for you?

Jeesha: I prefer letting the work speak. But I’m building deeper international opportunities and always open to growth.

Jeesha’s journey isn’t about fitting into fashion—it’s about expanding it. By refusing to shrink herself, she’s opened doors for others who’ve long been excluded. And as she continues to take her story global, her presence reminds us that fashion’s real power lies in representation.

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