Dare to be seen, dare to be heard, dare to be you.
Dare to be seen, dare to be heard, dare to be you.
Aakanksha Luthra, popularly known as CurvyDivaChic_Official, is a well known Plus-Size Fashion Influencer and Body Positivity Advocate in India.
Luthra is celebrated as one of the top plus-size fashion bloggers in India, and uses her platform to inspire and empower women.
Sharing how she started CurvyDivaChic_Official, Aakanksha Luthra reflects on her journey. Throughout her life, she has been plus-size, a reality she embraced early on. However, like many curvy women, she faced societal pressure, unsolicited advice about her body, and passive-aggressive comments on her appearance. From a young age, she was told how to dress, what to eat, and how to carry herself, often under the guise of "friendly suggestions."
Aakanksha says she always wondered how someone like her—a plus-size woman navigating societal prejudices—could change the way people think about self-acceptance and confidence. She often questioned why women like her had to hesitate before wearing the outfits they loved or before expressing themselves freely. This curiosity and need for a safe space for self-expression led to the creation of what is now CurvyDivaChic_Official, a platform dedicated to plus-size fashion trends and body positivity.
She started the blog simply as a personal outlet, a place where she could speak her mind without interruption or judgment. Over time, she realized the impact of her words when she started receiving messages, comments, and direct messages on Instagram from women who resonated with her journey. Many reached out, sharing how they had always wanted to wear a particular outfit but lacked the courage—until they saw Aakanksha embracing her own style boldly. Knowing that her voice was empowering others gave her the confidence to expand her platform and amplify her message.
CurvyDivaChic_Official is more than an Instagram page; it’s a movement. Influencer Aakanksha firmly believes that it’s not just about one person—it’s for everyone, regardless of size or appearance. At its core, it stands for self-love, confidence, and breaking stereotypes in fashion. By promoting body positivity and inclusivity, she encourages women to embrace themselves without fear of judgment.
Born in Delhi, Akanksha later moved to Udaipur, Rajasthan when she was just one and a half years old. She completed her schooling in Udaipur and later moved to Jaipur for college, where she pursued an engineering degree at Arya College of Engineering and Research Centre, Jaipur. She later completed her master’s degree in Electronics and Communication, showcasing her academic excellence.
Reminiscing about her childhood, Aakanksha shares that she had a deep fascination with nature, particularly flowers. She fondly recalls her childhood obsession with plucking flowers from her neighbors' gardens, a memory that remains special to her. Growing up in a house with six kids, she was always active and full of energy.
After completing her master’s degree, Aakanksha began her professional career with Wipro, where she worked for over a year before moving back to Delhi and then to Udaipur in 2012. Years later, she received a job offer in Bangalore but chose to stay in Udaipur, where she joined Obbserv, a digital marketing agency, offering a unique role in social media management.
At that time, she had little knowledge about social media careers, but after an intense three-and-a-half-hour brainstorming session, she realized that she had found her true calling, and she credits Ajay for reaching out to her with that opportunity. Aakanksha shares that it marked the beginning of the spark that led to her own social media presence.
Aakanksha Luthra further shares that her professional journey began in 2011 when she graduated from college and landed her first job at Wipro. Working at Wipro gave her invaluable lessons in professionalism, corporate etiquette, and career growth. She credits the company for shaping her early career, teaching her how to balance a casual yet professional approach in the corporate world. The experience helped her build strong connections, and she still cherishes the friendships she formed there.
After spending time at Wipro, she moved back to Delhi, working with multiple companies for short stints before joining Obbserv, a company that played a pivotal role in her career. Obbserv challenged her perspective and pushed her to ask herself questions she had never considered before. The company didn’t just focus on business growth, but also encouraged employees to grow and evolve as professionals. This experience gave her the confidence to explore her creative side, leading her to start new ventures.
While working at Obbserv, Aakanksha’s interest in blogging and content creation deepened. She realized she was already sharing insights with others, so she thought—why wait? In December 2012, she launched her first official blog, which later evolved into a full-fledged website by March 2013. Her content gained popularity through Instagram, helping her establish herself as one of the top Plus-Size Instagram influencers in India.
As her platform grew, so did her ambitions. She wanted to push her boundaries, explore new opportunities, and contribute to her family business. Venturing into a male-dominated sector, she took on roles that required her to visit mining areas, oversee exports, and manage factory operations.
People often found it unusual to see her filling containers at mining sites and handling logistics, but for Aakanksha, it was a valuable learning experience. From understanding banking and exports to mastering independence and decision-making, working with her father shaped her entrepreneurial mindset.
Her father’s philosophy—"Jump first, then figure out how to build a parachute"—deeply influenced her approach to life and business. She inherited his risk-taking spirit, which later helped her navigate the digital world and personal setbacks with resilience.
Despite having a stable career and employment, Aakanksha wanted to expand her skill set and explore the broader landscape of digital marketing in India. She began taking on projects, learning as she worked, and investing in upskilling herself. She also started getting paid gigs for her blog. What started as a passion project—blogging for self-expression—eventually turned into a monetized venture.
With time, she secured paid collaborations and projects, helping businesses with their digital marketing strategies. Back then, the industry primarily revolved around Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing (SMM), and Social Media Optimization (SMO). She excelled in SMM and SMO while deepening her knowledge in SEO, SEM, and analytics, skills that not only helped brands but also enhanced her own digital presence as CurvyDivaChic.
This phase of her career, spanning until 2017, allowed her to establish herself as a digital strategist, combining her love for content creation, branding, and business growth.
On 17 August 2017, life took an unexpected turn when Aakanksha Luthra was involved in a major accident. What seemed like a routine outing quickly turned into a serious collision when a car, coming from the wrong side, crashed into her. She recalls the moment vividly—her head hitting the bumper, breaking her wrists, and the initial disbelief of what had just happened.
Despite the physical pain, she found humor in the situation. An unknown guy named Sanjay helped her get to the hospital, tried to keep the mood light, telling her, "You’re strong, Kajal! You’ll be fine!", even as she lay on a stretcher in the hospital. The accident not only tested her physical and mental strength but also led to new friendships with Sanjay and his wife.
After her accident, Luthra Aakanksha became part of a high-level communications, consumption and fundraising group, a decision that came at a difficult stage in her life. She initially believed that joining a structured, well-planned startup would be the right step forward. However, transitioning back into an organizational setting after years of personal and digital entrepreneurship felt both exciting and challenging. The group operated at a slower pace, which tested her patience and adaptability. While she valued the experience, she often questioned whether this was truly where she belonged.
At times, she found herself doubting the direction she was heading in, wondering if she was meant to break free from traditional work structures. It was during this period of uncertainty that she submitted her resignation, knowing deep down that she was meant for something else. Looking back, she remains grateful for the lessons learned, as they helped her develop a new level of efficiency and self-awareness.
The same day she handed in her resignation, she booked a ticket to Manali, needing a break from the mental exhaustion that had built up over time. What was supposed to be a group trip with seven people quickly turned into a solo adventure, as disagreements and last-minute cancellations left her traveling alone.
Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong—from trip planning to execution. Yet, for the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of freedom and clarity. She spent those days entirely on her own, away from work, responsibilities, and expectations. It was an eye-opening experience, reminding her of the importance of taking time for herself.
Returning from Manali on June 6, 2018, Aakanksha knew something inside her had shifted. She couldn’t quite put it into words, but she felt different—stronger, clearer, and ready for something new. Though she wasn’t entirely sure what was next, she knew one thing for certain: it was time to take a leap of faith into something bigger than ever before.
Then, Aakanksha found herself standing on the weighing scale, looking at the number 120 kgs. While she had never attached her confidence to a number, this moment marked the start of a personal challenge—to push her limits, not just physically but mentally. Over the next eight and a half months, she shed 43 kgs, a transformation that was not just about fitness but also about discipline, consistency, and personal growth. At one point, seven months into the journey, she even achieved a full six-pack, though it lasted only eight days. During that period, she also traveled abroad, and when she finally returned, she realized something important—while her body had changed, her confidence had always remained the same.
Through this experience, she understood that self-worth isn’t determined by size. While weight loss opened up more fashion choices, it didn’t change her core belief that self-esteem and confidence come from within. It reinforced the message she had been advocating through CurvyDivaChic_Official instagram — that your size does not define you. She wanted people to understand that no matter what shape or size they were, confidence was an internal state of mind, not an external validation.
As she reflected on her journey, she often asked herself two critical questions: What if I had never gained or lost a single kilogram? Would my experiences have been different? and What if I had never taken the paths I did? What if I hadn’t studied science, pursued blogging, or explored digital marketing for fashion influencers? Would I still have found the same success and fulfillment? These thoughts led her to experiment with a new way of living—becoming a digital nomad.
Since her job was already internet-based, she realized that with just a laptop and a stable WiFi connection, she could work from anywhere. Her idea was to move from place to place, learning from different environments, gaining new experiences, and creating content along the way.
When she discussed this with her family, they supported her decision, although it took some time for them to fully accept her unconventional lifestyle. Initially, she planned to try this lifestyle for 20 days in the US, but she fell in love with it and ended up staying for four months.
During her travels, she paid attention to four key aspects that fascinated her. First was infrastructure, where she admired how the US had efficient transport systems, well-planned urban structures, and seamless connectivity. Second was their food habits, where she found out that they had many different cuisines and every restaurant was full. Third was their professionalism, where she noticed how in many places, 9 to 5 truly meant 9 to 5, and employees were fairly compensated without the toxic culture of overworking and underpaying.
The fourth aspect was the culture of the US. She thinks that the greatest power of the US is that they have no culture. She observed how people were open to trying different cuisines, embracing new flavors, and celebrating food as an experience rather than just a necessity. There she realised that some of the most progressive places thrived because they embraced individuality rather than enforcing rigid traditions.
One of her biggest takeaways from this journey was that people in different parts of the world were accepting of others simply as they were. She met incredibly kind people who welcomed her for who she was, reinforcing her belief that authenticity attracts the right energy and the right people. Her experiences helped her see life from a different perspective, teaching her that true freedom lies in embracing change, taking risks, and allowing oneself to evolve.
Fashion Blogger Aakanksha Luthra believes that her greatest achievements stem from personal experiences and the impact she has made on others. One of the most defining moments of her journey was when she received a message from a woman who had always wanted to wear a particular dress but lacked the confidence—until she saw CurvyDivaChic plus-size fashion inspiration. That message made her realize the power of representation and self-expression. Knowing that she had inspired someone to take a bold step reinforced her belief that she was creating real change.
Another milestone came unexpectedly when she received a call from a journalist at The Hindu who wanted to cover her story. Little did she know that the feature would be published on both online and offline platforms, further amplifying her influence in the world of Indian plus-size fashion bloggers.
From there, opportunities continued to unfold in ways she had never anticipated. She found herself featured in the US, collaborating with notable figures, and working on projects that expanded her reach beyond the digital space.
One of the most surreal experiences was working alongside an American comedian and writer, Hasan Minhaj, a moment she still finds hard to believe. She recalls meeting Shraddha Singh, who has closely profiled Minhaj. Luthra remembers being in awe—not just of Minhaj’s humor and intellect, but also of his towering height.
That opportunity led to more collaborations, including working with Sand Artist Lawrence Koh, whose creative journey deeply resonated with her. She admired how artists push boundaries despite the challenges they face, and being part of such projects solidified her passion for storytelling in plus-size fashion.
Reflecting on her journey, Aakanksha Luthra feels incredibly fortunate that her profession chose her just as much as she chose it. She has been blessed to work with inspiring individuals who have shaped her perspectives. One such person is Riaan George, a well-known digital creator, whom she once admired from a distance and later manifested into her close circle. Over time, he became not just a collaborator but a dear friend, and they have worked on several projects together. More than accolades, Aakanksha treasures finding like-minded people—those who understand her vision and share her passion for creativity and authenticity.
Throughout her journey, she has held onto three key principles. First, whatever you do, do it with all your heart. Passion and dedication make all the difference. Second, people will always have opinions, but their judgments shouldn’t define your path. She lives by the belief that people are going to judge you anyway, so you might as well do what makes you happy. Third, and perhaps the most profound—one day, she will fly away and never come back. This serves as a reminder that nothing lasts forever, and what truly matters is living fully, taking risks, and leaving behind a legacy of authenticity.
When it comes to inspiration and role models, Aakanksha Luthra draws strength from different people at different stages of her life. However, one person holds a special place in her heart—someone who encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and wear her first evening gown. That moment was more than just a fashion choice; it was a symbol of self-acceptance and confidence.
Among public figures, she feels deeply connected to an American rapper and singer, Lizzo, who embodies body positivity and plus-size empowerment. She admires Lizzo’s ability to own her space and inspire millions—a quality Aakanksha resonates with.
At the same time, she has developed a deep appreciation for BTS, not just for their music but for their incredible journey of struggle, resilience, and brotherhood. Their ability to support each other, push boundaries, and create a global impact reflects the very concept of family and perseverance that she values.
For Aakanksha, success is not just about individual milestones—it’s about the people, the lessons, and the stories that shape the journey. She continues to draw inspiration from struggle stories and plus-size influencers in India, finding a sense of connection in narratives of perseverance and self-belief. In the end, she believes that everything in life is about authenticity, passion, and the courage to keep going—no matter the obstacles.
Aakanksha Luthra acknowledges the simple joys that keep her grounded. Sleeping tops the list—she loves it so much that she jokes about being able to sleep anywhere, even with her eyes open. But beyond rest, she finds happiness in cooking, calling it a beautiful and therapeutic experience. She also enjoys journaling, a habit that allows her to capture thoughts, emotions, and moments of self-reflection. Music, however, is her true escape. She listens to it almost constantly, sometimes so deeply immersed that she might not hear someone calling out to her in the street. These hobbies, though seemingly small, have played a huge role in keeping her balanced through life’s ups and downs.
One cause that is deeply personal to her is mental health awareness. She does not claim to be an expert, but she understands what it means to feel invisible, unheard, or disconnected from oneself. Having experienced her own struggles, she strongly believes in the importance of seeking help rather than gaslighting oneself into believing everything is fine.
Her advice is simple—if something feels wrong, address it, don’t suppress it. Therapy, if needed, should never be seen as a weakness. While friends and family may offer support, their advice often comes with emotional bias. A therapist, on the other hand, provides an objective and unbiased perspective, which can be invaluable in understanding oneself better.
She emphasizes that mental health is as important—if not more—than physical health, as our minds dictate our perception of the world. She reminds everyone that neglecting self-care doesn’t serve anyone; in fact, taking care of oneself is the first step in being able to care for others.
Life, she believes, shouldn’t be taken too seriously—after all, we are all just delaying the inevitable. If a dream or goal keeps lingering in the back of your mind, that’s your calling—go for it.
Aakanksha has learned that it takes immense strength to take the first step. She shares a saying that goes— Often, your biggest cheerleader is a stranger, while your toughest critic is someone you know.
She reflects on the idea that sometimes, the people who seem to support you the most may not always have your best interests at heart. Choosing the right people to surround yourself with is crucial, as they shape the way you grow, evolve, and build your identity.
Her message is simple—ask yourself silly questions, find silly answers, make mistakes, take risks, go crazy, and embrace the chaos of life. Mistakes are not failures; they are the building blocks of unforgettable stories and lifelong lessons. The more you live, the more you learn. She encourages everyone to take chances, do things that scare them, and collect experiences that will one day become stories worth telling.
With that, she thanks people for listening and supporting her journey. She signs off with an invitation to stay connected with her on CurvyDivaChic_Official, explore her work, and keep chasing dreams with fearless enthusiasm.