Mumbai: Anjali Anand, who made her debut in the Bollywood industry with Karan Johar's film "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," has been drawing attention for her impactful portrayal of a plus-sized woman challenging patriarchal norms.
Despite her commendable performance, Anjali recently shed light on the ongoing prevalence of toxic beauty standards within the entertainment world. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the 31-year-old actress discussed the paradoxical nature of the industry where audiences might not readily accept a plus-size woman like her in leading roles.
Addressing the prevailing realities, Anjali said, "It's not just the showbiz industry, even the audiences will not be very happy with a heroine if she looks like me. It is a very hypocritical world that we live in. Everybody wants to see a toned body and fair skin on screen. Sabse zyada seetiyaan item number par hi bajti hain. That is the world we live in and that is the truth nobody wants to accept." She acknowledged the audience's desire for conventional beauty standards, emphasising that the societal mindset plays a significant role in perpetuating such expectations.
Anjali also challenged the notion of progressiveness in society, suggesting that true transformation would be evident when a film starring her as the lead achieves substantial success. She acknowledged the need for a broader shift in societal perceptions and aspirations. "Many audiences call themselves progressive... Okay, then! Tomorrow, make a film with me as a lead and if that becomes a very big hit, then I'd agree that maybe the world is changing, but until then, I don't think it is the industry's problem, it is everybody's problem. We need to move ahead in life and not think about petty things like how a person looks," she expressed.
Despite the industry's lingering unrealistic beauty standards, Anjali expressed her gratitude for "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" and the platform it provided for her character to convey a message of body positivity. She highlighted her desire to avoid being typecast in roles that align solely with her appearance. She conveyed her aspiration for more diverse and challenging roles in her career.
Anjali asserted, "Whatever comes next for me, I want to be very careful in what I'm choosing so that I'm not stereotyped. I hope I get to play something more challenging and unbelievably different, and not what filmmakers and audiences already expect from me. I want to play different parts, whatever it takes."
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, released on July 28, featured a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Anjali Anand. Critics and audiences alike lauded Anjali's performance for its impactful message of self-acceptance and body positivity.