Mitaali Nag says that our standards of beauty are based on the stereotypes of being fair and tall. The actress adds that one needs to be very strong mentally to not get bothered by what people say.
“If someone is commenting on your looks or weight in a derogatory way, it sure can lead to an inferiority complex unless you are very strong mentally and confident about your body and your size. There has been a certain stereotype of beauty that has been followed for ages. Tall and slim and fair is considered to be beautiful regardless,” she says.
However, she adds that there is a certain change that has happened because of various shows and films on body shaming. “Media or cinema and TV or even social media has to be credited with regards to the awareness of body positivity. Brands have started including plus size outfits in their collection and not just that, they have started hiring plus size models to advertise the same. There is no rule left as to what an oversized person can wear or not wear. Similarly, with regards to colour, cosmetic brands have now come up with dusky or dark models featuring their exclusive collection meant for dark skin. It is a positive sign that the disparity between sizes or colours is slowly disappearing. But there is always a con to a pro. Eating unhealthy and not taking care of your weight or skin just in the name of body positivity I think is not appropriate. So, the awareness around following a healthy lifestyle goes hand in hand with body positivity,” she says.
There is more pressure to look good on celebrities, as they are part of the glamour industry, says Mitaali, adding, “Where there is glamour, looks always play a major part. Being onscreen means you have to look presentable. We are in a way larger than life for the audience because what they see on screen, is what they feel we look like. So yes, that brings a lot of pressure on actors to look good or always be decked up. However, a lot has changed now. I would once again credit the social media and also reality shows like Bigg Boss to bring the raw or de-glam or real look of the actors. The audience has also evolved a lot in the sense of the content they want to see. They want to watch more realism, hence a lot of movies and series on the web prefer no or minimal makeup on their actors,” she says.
Talking about whether we will ever come to a point where body structure, weight and physical appearance won’t be the first thing that comes to our mind when we meet someone, she opens her heart out and speaks candidly.
“I think awareness has been created. But beauty standards that have been followed since ages and are still being followed, it wouldn’t be easy to break that stereotype. Having said that, if you have eyes, you will notice someone’s physical appearance for sure. How you react to the physical appearance is important. We have to consciously teach the next generation that beauty standards have changed and seeing others beyond their looks is important,” concludes Mitaali Nag.
