Unfiltered Chat: Anjali Anand Spills the Tea on Stereotypes, Body Positivity, and More!
Actor Anjali Anand, known for her role in Dabba Cartel, expresses her dissatisfaction with filmmakers, stating they are reluctant to cast her as the main lead in movies.
Jump straight into a candid conversation with Anjali Anand, the powerhouse actress behind the hits, Raat Jawan Hai and Dabba Cartel. She opens up about facing industry stereotypes due to her body type, the struggle for lead roles, and more!
The Struggle is Real, but So is Anjali Anand!
With an impressive seven-month streak of success on digital platforms, Anjali expresses her struggles in gaining good roles in the industry. "Let's face it, my body type makes it a tad harder for people like me. But I don't feel different," she explains. Anjali affirms that it's society's creation of a certain perception that hinders her progress. She embraces her uniqueness, asserting that she's super-special despite naysayers imagining her as a damsel in distress.
Talking about the acceptance gap between the West and India, Anjali points to Adam Sandler as the ultimate example. The West appreciates Sandler's talent and doesn't let body size define his roles, while India is still grappling with this issue. As people like Shibani Dandekar and Sumeet Vyas break boundaries in Indian cinema by casting talent-centric roles, the industry is slowly moving towards a more inclusive environment.
Rewind: Early Struggles and Triumphs
Reminiscing about her initial days in the industry, Anjali confesses to being clouded with doubts about her weight throughout her career. Despite proving her mettle, there were constant whispers that her "overweight" body would limit her opportunities. After garnering acclaim for her role in Dhai Kilo Prem, people predicted that this would be her only lead character unless she shed some pounds. Ironically, Anjali returned as a leading lady on the same channel just three months later!
The Long Road Ahead: Breaking the Mold
Anjali understands the hesitation in casting her as the lead in movies, admitting that filmmakers might not consider her for poster or song performances. However, she's optimistic, believing that she is paving the way for herself. With pioneers like Shibani Dandekar and Sumeet Vyas leading the way, she is confident that the industry will breakaway from its conventional mindset and cast based on talent rather than physical attributes.
Hey, It's a Big Deal: Sharing Her Story on Molestation
Recently, Anjali's heartfelt account of her molestation experiences caught the attention of many. It was a bit overwhelming to see the outpouring of support, as she never imagined that her story would resonate with so many people. This kind of vulnerability takes courage, but Anjali embraces her emotions, recognizing the value it brings not just as an actress but also as a human being.
- Shibani Dandekar
- Sumeet Vyas
Source: HTCity Cinema
- In an open discussion, Anjali Anand, renowned for her roles in 'Raat Jawan Hai' and 'Dabba Cartel', discusses the industry stereotypes she faces due to her body type.
- Anjali contrasts the acceptance of body size in Hollywood, citing Adam Sandler as an example, with the struggles still prevalent in India.
- Recalling her early career days, Anjali shares her struggle with self-doubt regarding her weight, even after delivering commendable performances.
- Despite anticipation about her limited chances due to her weight, Anjali proved skeptics wrong, returning as a leading lady just three months after her acclaimed role in 'Dhai Kilo Prem'.
- Confidently paving her path, Anjali aspires to see a shift in the Indian film industry's conventional mindset, casting based on talent rather than physical attributes, following the example set by pioneers like Shibani Dandekar and Sumeet Vyas.
- Anjali's brave sharing of her molestation experiences received an outpouring of support, teaching her the importance of emotional vulnerability not just as an actress, but as a human being.
