In Conversation With Anmol Rodriguez
Wide eyes, fair complexion, slim body. Notions of Indian beauty are only skin-deep when it comes to Anmol. Yet, they don’t stop her from putting on the most exuberant smile on her face as she epitomises the words of Khalil Gibran.
‘Beauty is not in the face, beauty is a light in the heart’.
Anmol Rodriguez ain’t an unfamiliar name to Instagrammers. She left her full-time job in a multinational company following discrimination from her employers. “We can’t come to work to see a burnt, disfigured face every day. This needs to change,” they said to her. Yet, she did not shed a tear. Today, this lady at 23, would rather put a smile on your face than accept defeat if you check her social media profiles.
Anmol was a couple of months old when her father threw acid on her mother following a fight between them. Baby Anmol was on her mother’s lap and few drops fell on her.
“My father was sent to jail and I was sent to an orphanage,” she explains to her friends.
Years of trauma and being abandoned by her relatives and society, forged her into the cheerful lass who keeps inspiring men and women alike. She also works with NGOs against acid attack violence. Not a paragon, but she is definitely a paradox of grit and grace. Let’s take a deeper dive into her life.
1. Young, but a strong influencer on social media! Could you share your experiences that shaped you into the present day cheerful yet lady of grit?
Social media platforms have been great for me. I like it as much others who use it. The best thing is that these platforms aren’t discriminative as humans. But, yes, there are bad days and good days and I only focus on good days which makes me what am I am. The cheerful Anmol!
2. What were the discriminations you faced at your workplace, in spite of having a graduate degree in Computer Science?
Rejection is part of everyone’s life. But in my case, I wasn’t rejected because of my merits. It was because of my face and I feel pity about those shitty people, who judged me for my looks and never tested my merits or capabilities.
3. The way you connect with people over Instagram is inspiring. But, even then, a few bad ones in the lot, attack you with the trolls. How do you deal with that? Is being a woman online easy?
As I said, there are bad days and then there are good days. I focus only on the good days which makes me what I am. So, I don’t concentrate on the trollers. It is easy to have a private account and stay away from the public eyes.
4. Medical treatment and reconstructive surgeries for acid attack survivors are way too expensive. They face umpteen number of challenges at their place of work, because of the prejudice that the society holds against them. In this regard, what do you think are the steps to be taken by the government?
I agree it is too costly. The scheme by government has increased the assistance amount from 3 to 5 lakhs for one time surgery. But sometimes one surgery isn’t enough. Some have to go through multiple surgeries to recover. And now, the government has declared that the surgery cost should be waived off. But the medical departments, both private and government, quote that they will provide free surgeries to the victims only after the verdict, which is utmost rubbish! The rule should be followed for all even if they are survivors who faced it before the verdict or after the verdict.
5. What change would you like to see in the society that would help the survivors lead a normal life after the attack?
More accepting and yeah, creating and giving wonderful opportunities for the survivors.
6. Could you tell us about the acid attack survivors rehabilitation project you are currently working on and your team?
The project helps counselling the survivors and victims so they don’t take any wrong steps and be emotionally strong. And to get a job, you need to be literate. So, we help them out with their education, bring out their talent and channel it in the right direction.
7. If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be? How are they related to your personality?
Cheerful- You will see me smiling all the time, even in unpleasant situations. Things will change but I shouldn’t or my motto shouldn’t.
Optimist- I have a positive outlook towards life, in general.
Confident- I’m confident enough to conquer the world, hehe ;)
8. Now that you are famous, how has your life changed?
Changed for better and worse. But I enjoy it as it is. Because I’ve chosen this path, I shouldn’t blame others. It also means that people should understand that I’m a human being before anything, so I have my own temperament. Hehe!
Also read: IN CONVERSATION WITH AWKWERRRRRD!
9. Any plans on acting in Bollywood movies? We love your musical.ly videos :)
If I am offered, I would love to! Recently I have done a short film with Shabana Azmi ji which released on August 29. It’s called ‘Aunty Ji’.
Catch a view of the short film starring Shabana Azmi and Anmol Rodriguez, here’s the link to it:
Simple yet sweet portrayal of two lives ;)
How bitter hard were real life experiences, she transformed them into fairy tales.
‘Priceless’, just like her name. Anmol, she is!
PaperKin is happy to talk to you and wishes you get wonderful movie offers in future. We love you!
Looking for more inspiration? Check out her official page on Instagram —
