'Really bothered me': Sameera Reddy slams industry's fair skin obsession
What's the story
Sameera Reddy, the Bollywood actor, has been using social media to discuss various issues such as motherhood, mental health, and body positivity. In a recent interview with Mid-Day, she opened up about the early days of her career and how she was pressured to conform to certain beauty standards. On International Women's Day, she reflected on parenting, education beyond academics, and empowerment starting from home.
Body image
On Bollywood's obsession with fair skin
Reddy revealed that she was always made to feel that she had to be fairer. "As an actor...as a woman, I always felt I had to be fairer. For some strange reason, everybody was always putting fairer makeup on me." "So I had to do body makeup also, and that really bothered me." "I was always made to feel I was never slim enough. I'm a very tall girl, so I was made to feel I was too tall...too big."
Industry challenges
Carving out her own niche
When Reddy started her social media journey, she faced skepticism for her weight gain and gray hair. "I was told, 'You're a mother, you've put on weight, you have gray hair. You can't really get back into this line. People are not going to accept you.'" Instead of viewing it as a challenge, she saw it as an opportunity to carve out her own niche in the industry.
Empowerment
Empowerment starts at home
Reddy also emphasized the need for empowerment to start from home. "Understand your mother better, your sister, your cousin, your mother-in-law, and empower these women. Because empowerment starts at home." She also spoke about the changing dynamics of parenting today, with a focus on educating children about issues like "gender equality, bullying, and mental health."
Motherhood
Reddy on her emotional journey to motherhood
Reddy also opened up about the emotional turmoil she faced after becoming a mother. "I had postpartum weight gain, and I felt so alone and lonely. I felt judged, and my self-esteem took a big hit." However, this experience led her to create the 'messy mama' community, where she openly discusses such issues. "Now, trolling doesn't bother me. In fact, it's very rare on my page because my community of women is very safe and real."