Sandeepa Dhar Speaks Out on Unrealistic Beauty Standards in Entertainment
In an exclusive interview with IANS, actress Sandeepa Dhar opened up about the intense and often unrealistic beauty standards that women face in the entertainment industry. She addressed whether these pressures push actresses toward cosmetic procedures, revealing a broader societal trend that extends far beyond the silver screen.
Cosmetic Procedures: No Longer Just for Actresses
Sandeepa Dhar emphasized that cosmetic procedures are no longer confined to actresses or public figures. She stated, "It is not limited to actresses anymore. Many young women who are not in the public eye are opting for cosmetic procedures. Earlier, people assumed only film stars did it, but today it has become common." This shift highlights how pervasive beauty ideals have become, influencing ordinary women to undergo surgeries in pursuit of confidence and perfection.
She explained that every woman now desires to feel like the heroine of her own story, but cautioned that this path can be dangerous if it stems from feelings of inadequacy. "We are creating unrealistic beauty standards that make people believe they are not enough. This needs to change, and it will only change when our immediate circles—friends and family—encourage us to embrace ourselves as we are," Sandeepa elaborated.
The Dangers of Comparison and the Quest for Perfection
Sandeepa Dhar pointed out that comparison is a significant factor in this issue, calling it "the thief of joy." She shared, "You can never be happy if you constantly measure your life against someone else’s." Her words underscore the psychological impact of societal pressures, where constant benchmarking against idealized images leads to dissatisfaction and risky behaviors like unnecessary cosmetic enhancements.
She warned that when cosmetic procedures are driven by a sense of not being good enough, they can lead to a cycle of dependency and further emotional distress. Instead, Sandeepa advocates for a cultural shift towards self-acceptance and support from loved ones to combat these harmful standards.
Sandeepa's Recent Work and Personal Insights
On the professional front, Sandeepa Dhar recently appeared in the film "Do Deewane Seher Mein" alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur. She revealed her reasons for joining the project, citing the unique storyline as a key factor. "After a long time, someone was making a sweet love story that is not typical. It is about two flawed individuals and how they gradually embrace their imperfections and learn to accept each other. That felt refreshing to me," she said.
She also discussed her character, Naina, who appears perfect externally but is internally lonely and broken. "Portraying that dichotomy—looking perfect on the outside while carrying turmoil within—was both challenging and exciting for me as an actor," Sandeepa added. This role resonates with her views on beauty standards, highlighting the contrast between outward appearance and inner reality.
In a related note, Sandeepa has previously shared personal connections to her work, such as in "The Kashmir Files," which she described as her own story due to her family's experiences. However, her current focus remains on promoting authenticity and challenging the norms that dictate how women should look and feel in today's world.
