Actor Anjali Anand has opened up about the challenges she faced as a plus-size performer in the Hindi film industry, revealing how actors are often judged by their appearance rather than their talent. The actor, who made her Bollywood debut alongside Akshay Kumar in Bell Bottom, reflected on how body stereotypes continue to influence the kind of roles offered to performers.
After making a name for herself on television, Anjali stepped into films with Bell Bottom. However, looking back at the experience, she shared that her character was written more around her body type than her abilities as an actor.
In an interview with SCREEN, Anjali recalled how she felt that plus-size actors are frequently pushed into limited roles, especially those created for comic relief or to highlight their physical appearance rather than their acting skills.
Talking about her role in Bell Bottom, she said that she felt her character was mainly used for a physical gag in the film. “I was in Bell Bottom only so that one terrorist could fall on top of me and get caught in the film,” she said, adding that such roles often come her way because of her body size.
Anjali explained that it is painful when people reduce an actor’s identity to their appearance instead of recognising their craft. She said that many times, people do not even consider whether she can perform well before making judgments based on her body.
The actor also spoke about how even some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry have faced criticism despite their success. Mentioning stars like Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan, Anjali pointed out that public opinions often exist regardless of an artist’s achievements.
According to her, criticism from others does not define an actor’s worth or talent. She said that people will always have opinions, but those opinions do not change reality or determine an artist’s capabilities.
Anjali’s comments highlight the larger conversation around representation and stereotypes in the entertainment industry. Over the years, several actors have spoken about the pressure of fitting into traditional beauty standards and the need for more diverse characters on screen.
Despite facing challenges, Anjali continues to focus on her craft and hopes that the industry moves towards a space where actors are recognised for their performances rather than judged by their appearance.
Her honest reflection has sparked conversations among fans about body positivity, equal opportunities, and the importance of looking beyond stereotypes when casting performers.
