Malavika Mohanan, a prominent actress in Indian cinema, recently shed light on the body shaming and unrealistic beauty standards she has faced throughout her career in both Bollywood and South Indian films. In a candid interview, she opened up about her experience with criticism related to her body, which ranged from being too skinny to too curvy, and discussed how she struggled to meet the industry's expectations of female beauty.
Growing up in Mumbai, Malavika was initially taken aback by the intense focus on certain body features, particularly the navel, in South Indian cinema. "I had never seen such an obsession before," she admitted, highlighting how images of actresses on social media would zoom in on specific body parts. She described the emphasis on the navel as a "real thing" in the industry, which was completely new to her.
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The actress also spoke about the harsh trolling she faced during the early stages of her career. At 21, when she made her debut film, she was criticised for being too thin. As she entered her mid-20s and her body changed, she became curvier, only to face further body shaming. "I was called things like ‘skin on bones’ and told to gain weight. Some comments were even more degrading," she revealed. These experiences, she noted, had a significant impact on her, especially at such a formative age. She emphasised that body shaming, especially when it happens to young actors, is a form of bullying.
The constant scrutiny of her appearance even extended to her roles in various industries. In Mumbai, she would receive feedback to stay lean and fit, while in the South, she was told she looked better when she had more "chub." This conflicting feedback left her feeling confused about what was expected of her. However, Malavika has since embraced a healthier perspective, focusing on being fit and healthy rather than adhering to one-size-fits-all standards of beauty.
Malavika Mohanan poses during a fashion event in her signature bold and elegant styleGetty Images
On the professional front, Malavika is preparing for exciting new projects, including Sardar 2 alongside Karthi and The Raja Saab with Prabhas. Despite the challenges, Malavika continues to thrive while bringing to light the often-overlooked struggles that come with being a woman in the film industry.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.