Anjali Anand feels she was cast in Bell Bottom because of her weight: ‘So that terrorist could fall on top of me…’

Anjali Anand Feels She Was Cast in Bell Bottom Due to Her Weight

Anjali Anand feels she was cast - Anjali Anand, the actress making waves in the entertainment industry, recently shared her thoughts on how her weight influenced her casting in Akshay Kumar’s film Bell Bottom. In a candid interview, she emphasized that her role was primarily chosen because of her body type, rather than her acting talent. This sentiment was echoed during her discussion with SCREEN, where she highlighted the challenges of being a plus-size actress in Bollywood.

Body Image and Industry Perceptions

Before gaining recognition for her debut film Bell Bottom, Anjali had already made a name for herself in television. However, she noted that her casting in the movie was not based on her skills, but on her physical appearance. “I was cast in Bell Bottom because of my weight,” she stated. “So that terrorist could fall on top of me and get caught in the film.” This comment reflects her frustration with stereotypical roles assigned to women with larger bodies, who are often seen as comedic figures rather than serious actors.

“It hurts when people just try to make fun of it,” she added. “They are not even seeing if I am a good actor or not. They just judge me on my body.”

While Anjali acknowledges that her weight has been a factor in her career, she also pointed out that other prominent actresses, such as Deepika Padukone and Aishwarya Rai, have faced similar scrutiny. “Even Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan have been criticized,” she said. “These are just people who want to have an opinion just because they can.” Her words underscore a broader issue in the industry, where body image often overshadows talent.

Challenging Norms in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Despite the challenges, Anjali used her platform to challenge traditional norms. Her role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, where she played Gayatri “Golu” Randhawa, was a turning point. “My character took a stand for herself against body shaming,” she explained. “It was not something that had happened before. Earlier, a fat girl was just a fat girl in a film, who was only eating large portions of food. She was only there for comic relief, where someone was falling on her, or she was having a burger.”

Anjali’s portrayal of Golu, a strong and independent character, allowed her to break away from the typical tropes associated with her body type. “In real life, Anjali has never needed to take that stand; no one has the guts to come and tell me anything,” she said. “Nobody sees my weight first. In my private life, people just praise me for the person I am.” This contrast between public and private perceptions highlights her determination to redefine her image in the industry.

While Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani marked a significant step forward, Anjali still feels the industry has placed her in a narrow box. She has since taken on diverse roles, such as in Dabba Cartel and Raat Jawan Hai, to showcase her versatility. Her latest project, Dhamaal 4, directed by Indra Kumar, further cements her growth as an actress. The film, which premiered on July 10, features Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, and other notable actors, including Arshad Warsi and Sanjay Mishra.

As Anjali continues to make her mark, she remains vocal about the importance of recognizing talent beyond physical attributes. “Their belief won’t change your reality,” she remarked. “But it’s a start. At least now, there’s a conversation about it.” Her journey reflects a growing movement in Bollywood to embrace diversity and challenge outdated stereotypes, paving the way for more inclusive casting practices in the future.