Another actress exposes Tollywood’s dark side.
She began her acting career with Kotha Bangaru Lokam in 2008, a film that garnered attention for her performance. Over the years, she went on to feature in several other notable films, including Ride, Kasko, Kalavar King, Priyudu, and Genius. Each of these roles contributed to her presence in the Tollywood industry, allowing her to showcase her versatility and build a steady fan base, though she didn’t achieve widespread recognition in the industry.
Shweta Basu Opens Up About Bullying and Unfair Treatment on Telugu Film Sets
Actress Shweta Basu, known for her memorable debut in the Tollywood industry with the blockbuster Kotha Bangaru Lokam (2008), has recently shared an experience that sheds light on the challenges and biases actresses often face on film sets. While the actress has enjoyed a successful career across various film industries, her candid revelations about a particularly difficult experience on a Telugu film set have drawn attention to the prevalence of discrimination and bullying in the entertainment world.
In a recent interview, Shweta spoke about the only time in her acting career when she faced bullying. Despite her success in Tollywood, this moment of bullying stuck with her, highlighting the challenges that actresses often endure, even when they are established stars. Shweta shared how, during the making of a film, she was repeatedly reminded by crew members and co-stars of her height, which was much shorter compared to that of her male co-star. “The hero was almost six feet tall, while I am only 5’2,” she said. This height difference became a point of frequent teasing, with people on set constantly drawing attention to it.
The actress expressed her frustration, emphasizing that height is something people cannot control and how such comments made her feel undermined. “It’s not something I can change about myself, and yet, people wouldn’t stop bringing it up,” she revealed. These remarks, which many might consider harmless, became a form of bullying that negatively impacted her confidence and her experience on set.
However, Shweta’s frustration was not just about the bullying related to her height. She also pointed out the unfair treatment she witnessed when it came to the behavior of her co-star. Although the hero was a native Telugu speaker, he struggled to deliver his lines correctly and required numerous retakes. Yet, despite these repeated errors, no one pointed out his struggles or criticized his performance. Shweta, who was also not fluent in Telugu at the time, managed to get through her scenes without as many issues. However, the disparity in how both she and her co-star were treated left her feeling marginalized. “Even though I was not fluent in Telugu, I managed, and no one pointed out my mistakes,” she explained. The disparity in how we were treated was something that really frustrated me.”
Although Shweta chose not to name the specific film she was referring to, her words echo the frustrations many actors and actresses face in an industry where image and perception often take precedence over talent and hard work. Over the years, she has acted in several other Telugu films, including Ride, Kasko, Kalavar King, Priyudu, and Genius. However, her experience on this particular set remains one of the few instances in her career where she felt unfairly treated.
It is not only Shweta who has faced such challenges in the industry. Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, known for her roles in Dangal and Thugs of Hindostan, has also spoken out about similar issues. In the competitive world of entertainment, actresses often face discrimination and pressure to conform to certain physical standards, which can affect their mental well-being and self-esteem. Both Shweta and Fatima’s experiences are a stark reminder that even within the glamorous world of cinema, actresses are often subject to unfair treatment and unrealistic expectations.
The Industry’s Struggles with Discrimination and Unfair Treatment
The entertainment industry, especially in India, has long been criticized for its superficial standards and the unequal treatment of actors and actresses. Actresses, in particular, have been vocal about facing discrimination based on their looks, height, age, and other physical attributes, often in contrast to their male counterparts. This issue is not limited to Tollywood, as similar struggles have been shared by actresses in Bollywood, Kollywood, and other regional film industries.
While some actresses have managed to break barriers and create their own space in the industry, many others still face discrimination and pressure to maintain an idealized image. The constant scrutiny of their physical appearance, along with the challenges of balancing a career and personal life, takes a toll on many. The entertainment industry, despite its glamorous facade, often remains a harsh place for women, where they are judged more for their looks than their talents.
What’s Next for Shweta Basu?
Despite the challenges, Shweta Basu has continued to pursue her acting career with resilience. After several years of success in Tollywood, she has ventured into other industries, with a more recent focus on digital platforms. Shweta took to social media to announce her latest project, revealing that she is currently filming in Oslo, Norway. The actress is set to star in the upcoming Hindi series Oops Ab Kya, which is set to release on JioHotstar on February 20, 2024.
The new series marks an exciting chapter for Shweta as she explores new avenues in her career. Her continued presence on both digital platforms and in various film industries reflects her adaptability and commitment to her craft.
Shweta’s recent statements about the challenges she faced on film sets serve as an important reminder of the need for greater awareness and reform in the entertainment industry. As the conversation around discrimination and bullying in the workplace continues to gain momentum, it’s crucial that the industry takes steps to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all artists, regardless of their gender, appearance, or background.