TV industry no longer defined by body type: Nehalaxmi Iyer
The 'Ishqbaaz' actress has something important to say..
Published: Sunday,Jul 24, 2016 17:40 PM GMT-06:00
Nehalaxmi Iyer is not the typical slim and trim actress you would see on the small screen. But she says it's only a myth that only thin women can survive in the industry.
At a time when celebrities in India as well as abroad are talking unabashedly about bodyshaming, Nehalaxmi has also opened up about her views on having a 'body type' for showbiz.
Nehalaxmi was offered the lead role in Star Plus show "Ishqbaaaz" provided she gains back all the weight she had lost during a break. So, she feels that it is indeed her body type that got her the role of Saumya in the show.
"It is a myth that just because you don't have the thin curves, you won't survive in this industry. Every second day there are so many new girls struggling to be in the TV industry who starve themselves out of their wits to ensure they are thin enough to get roles, but I feel that is not required," Nehalaxmi said in a statement.
"As for me, I am really lucky to have got good work, especially 'Ishqbaaaz', that too because my producers have loved me the way I am and told me to gain or lose any weight," she added.
Nehalaxmi also shared that she is inspired by comedian Bharti Singh, who has a rotund frame.
She said: "Look at how much fame Bharti Singh has got over the years. Audiences love watching her and she is a household name despite her body type. I definitely feel that the TV industry is not defined by the body type."
In "Ishqbaaaz", Nehalaxmi will be seen paired with Leenesh Mattoo.
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Comments (17)
Making a fat girl one of the lead characters in a show like Ishqbaaz was the worst decision the makers made! I dont understand why they made her the lead. Instead they should have brought someone beautiful and fit unlike her! Why such injustice to Rudra's character? WHY??????
8 years ago
Nehalaxmi Iyer you rock always! The words are true to T Keep being this bold and beautiful! Love u forever and ever!! #Beingawesome! Keep being you Nehalaxmi Iyer! Love u!
8 years ago
I am so happy Nehalaxmi is one of the leads. She was awesome in qubool hai and looking adorable in Ishqbaaz. Keep up the good work girl!
8 years ago
I'm really glad Nehalaxmi has come so far as an actor and has been appreciated for her talents and beauty despite her "unconventional" body type. She's an amazing actress and is very deserving of her success so far! I applaud the production house that didn't dismiss her because of her body type. However, not all casting teams and CV's are as open minded and welcoming, and that is a shame! Can we move on from the typical skinny heroine and have women of all sizes featured on tv? Talent should be valued above everything!
8 years ago
Neha is a good actor,loved her as tomato in QH.IMO, she's unrealistic in dismissing the importance of looks in this industry.Show me a heroine who is big and had stayed that way & stayed on top! Bharati makes a living out of self-mockery& allowing others to body shame her. Neha's QH char had references to her being chubby & if i recall her current role was to be the opposite of a fitness-freak.Dont watch Isq,not sure how she's looking now. India is far far away from casting people based purely on talent.
8 years ago
Loving you as Somya Nehalaxmi Iyer!! You and Leenesh Matto make a cute pair Keep rocking!!
8 years ago
These materialistic things don't matter as long as talent exists. This girl Nehalaxmi Iyer has got that talent and nothing is gonna stop her from achieving great heights. We love Soumya.. Keep rocking, Girl !! :)
8 years ago
kucch bhi haan.. just bcuz her body type is not perfect she wil bakwaas on anything
8 years ago
@-Sarcy- her entry already happened, it was in episode 13th, 9th July. and she's adorable eagerly waiting for RumYa.
8 years ago
Body type, skin color, height, weight and other things don't matter at all if you have talent. What sells today is pure and raw talent, rest nothing matters. I am so glad that such a scenario is making way into TV as well. More power to you Nehalaxmi Iyer for putting this one fact out in the open! We are dying to see you rock it as Soumya in Ishqbaaz along with Leenesh Mattoo.
8 years ago