Parineeti Chopra is an 'inspiration' for women

Although she has been criticized by many on social media for her transformation, actress Parineeti Chopra is in fact glad for being an "inspiration" for other women who are trying to follow a similar path.

Parineeti, who was on the chubbier side when she entered Bollywood with "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl" in 2011, says that several women have told her that she has "changed" their lives.

"I have seen women tear up and tell me I changed their life. Post delivery weight, teenage obesity, they are fighting it, and I am their inspiration. As an actor, there is no bigger achievement for me (sic)," Parineeti wrote on Instragram alongside an old photograph.

The "Daawat-e-Ishq" star said she is "glad to be a part" of their lives.

"So thank you everyone. Thank You for making me feel loved. Like I always say, if I could do it, so can you. And I am always there for all of you... Lots of love...." she added.

The actress said that she earlier struggled with her appearance.

"All my life, I have struggled with how I look, how I feel, and how people looked at me. I was constantly made fun of, but the person I was, I generously laughed with them," she said.

"Today, many people ask me what triggered the weight loss, did I give in to the 'Bollywood pressure'? To that I say -- Thank god, I became an actor and had that pressure! I am able to achieve what I couldn't achieve otherwise," she added.

The actress, who is currently busy with her upcoming film "Meri Pyaari Bindu", says she now feels more "confident, proud and is at peace" after losing weight.

She wrote: "Girls and women meet me all around the world, at airports, events, on the street; they hold my hand, hug me, and tell me their struggles and how I changed their lives. They show me their wallpapers, their wallets, and it's all pictures of me!"