Actor Anjali Anand, known for her role in Dabba Cartel, expressed her "acceptance" when discussing a challenge in the film industry that is particularly faced by women. In an interview with Fever FM, Anjali revealed that she has turned down numerous roles due to their stereotypical nature, as they sought to cast her solely in roles designated for "plus-sized female actors."

Anjali says Rishi Kapoor, Govinda were accepted as they were

Anjali cited the late Rishi Kapoor and Govinda as examples, noting that their status as plus-sized actors was rarely discussed. She further mentioned that when Vidya Balan portrayed Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture, it sparked considerable conversation.

Anjali on what roles she gets

Anjali expressed, "Based on my experience, I have observed that there has been a lack of readiness to perceive me in the role of a lead or as a heroine. While I am actively engaging in such roles on the web and in various other platforms, I have yet to achieve this in mainstream cinema for larger audiences in theaters. It is interesting to note that no one questions the casting of actors like Govinda and Hrithik Roshan, who possess distinct appearances, both of whom I admire, with a particular fondness for Govinda. However, no one labels Govinda as a plus-size actor, nor do they refer to Rishi Kapoor in that manner; he is simply recognized as an actor. In contrast, I am consistently identified as Anjali Anand—a plus-sized actor."

Anjali on male and female actors being treated differently

She remarked, "I believe that the acceptance of women in this industry is lacking. I admire a film like Chandni, where Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor, and Vinod Khanna, all of whom have distinct appearances, are featured together without any scrutiny. This is never questioned. Why is that? It is because they are men. However, when a woman portrays a character like Silk Smitha, as Vidya Balan does, it becomes a sensational topic, with comments such as, 'Oh my, look at her stomach.' Why is it that we have never asked about men, 'Is he a plus-sized actor?' Have you ever heard anyone refer to a man as a plus-sized actor? No. So why am I subjected to such labels?"

About Anjali's career

Anjali has gained recognition for her roles in television series including Dhhai Kilo Prem and Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala. She made her debut in Hindi cinema with Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Additionally, she participated in Untag, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi season 13, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11, as well as in the films Bell Bottom, Bun Tikki, and Raat Jawaan Hai.

About Dabba Cartel

The series centers around five everyday women whose modest dabba service unexpectedly evolves into a high-stakes drug delivery enterprise. The cast includes Shabana Azmi, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey, Sai Tamhankar, and Lillete Dubey. Dabba Cartel made its debut on Netflix on February 28.

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