'Trolls don't affect me, I will continue to focus on my studies': UP state board topper Prachi Nigam

Prachi Nigam has opened up about being bullied on social media for her appearance. Shutting down trolls, the 14-year-old told NDTV that she would continue to focus on her studies and it does not matter to her what people say about her appearance. Nigam had made headlines for scoring 98.5 percent and topping the UP Class 10 state board exams recently and for the trolling and the subsequent show of support that she received right after.

"Several people congratulated me after the results were out and after the news spread, my photo went viral and was trending for a couple of days. I want to thank everyone who supported me and for those who commented on how I look, while they are free to express themselves, it does not matter to me what they say," Nigam said. "Even Chanakya was trolled for his appearance and he did not let it bother him. Similarly, I have been focusing on my studies and will continue to do so."

Meanwhile, a Mumbai-based company has been receiving flack on social media after it published a full-page ad on Nigam, in one of the leading dailies.

Aimed at inspiring the 14-year-old to ignore the trolls, the Bombay Shaving Company advertisement read: "Dear Prachi, They are trolling your HAIR today, they'll applaud your A.I.R (all India rank) tomorrow."