Mukta is a firm believer in the value of self-worth and self-respect, which transcends age and allows one to confidently and happily embrace each stage of life.
Mukta Singh encountered several negative comments on social media when she decided to become a model at 58. She faced harsh social criticism, particularly from the younger generation, but she handled it gracefully and is now happy to show off her gray hair. “There were times when I felt hurt reading mocking comments on Instagram. They used to upset me a lot, but not anymore! Their judgment will not stop me,” says Mukta.
Mukta has always looked up to elderly women who maintained their style and never gave up on themselves. As an example, her mother insisted on wearing a nice outfit even on her deathbed, and her grandmother was exquisite in her late 50s cotton Bengali sarees.
Talking to Better India about her journey, Mukta said, "Instead of sticking to stereotypes that say I shouldn’t care about being stylish at my age, I wanted to show the world that I still take pride in myself and this is how much I respect and value myself. It’s a question of self-worth and self-esteem."
Regardless of age or social expectations, Mukta emphasizes the value of growing one's personality and passions in a society that frequently ignores the beauty and knowledge that come with age. She is a living example of the beauty of accepting oneself as you are, no matter what, and inspiring countless others with her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Mukta married a fighter pilot following her graduation from a master's in English. This made moving between air bases a constant for the family. Teaching English gave her comfort as she balanced the needs of her two children and her adjustment to new surroundings.
Occasionally, though, Mukta thought that with all of the domestic duties, her need to look well was being neglected. She said, “As a woman raising two kids while managing a career, I often felt stretched. I would dress my children well, but I was happy wearing an old shirt and jeans. Sometimes, when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I’d think, ‘Oh! Is this really how I look?’ It wasn’t how I imagined myself."
“My good-looking husband would often fly with young, beautiful cabin crew members. This would leave me with a sense of insecurity. I didn’t like the person I was becoming insecure, jealous, and unhappy,” she added.
Mukta is a firm believer in the value of self-worth and self-respect, which transcends age and allows one to confidently and happily embrace each stage of life. She shared, "A woman is expected to take care of the family, but that shouldn’t come at the cost of completely undermining and neglecting yourself. Physical health and appearance may seem trivial, but they play a significant role in a woman’s sense of self-worth."
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