Actor Sai Pallavi’s earlier comments on acne, beauty standards and self-acceptance have resurfaced online as social media continues to debate her portrayal of Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, writes NDTV.
Since the release of the film’s trailer, audiences have remained divided over Sai Pallavi’s casting.
While many have praised her natural screen presence and acting ability, others have questioned whether she matches their perception of the iconic mythological character.
One social media user argued that the criticism was not about conventional beauty but about the scriptural depiction of Sita, while many others defended the actor, saying performance should take precedence over appearance.
Amid the ongoing discussion, an earlier interview with The Hindu has resurfaced, in which Sai Pallavi spoke candidly about living with acne and rosacea and learning to embrace her natural appearance.
Reflecting on her journey, the actor said audiences helped her redefine beauty.
“When people accepted me for who I was, a girl with acne (rosacea), I learnt that confidence was the real beauty.”
Known for frequently appearing on and off screen with minimal or no makeup, Sai Pallavi has consistently advocated self-acceptance over conventional beauty standards.
In another interview with Bollywood Hungama, later republished by Brut India, the actor recalled her struggles with acne before making her acting debut.
“Before Premam, I would put on hundreds of fairness creams. I had so much acne. I put myself through so much. I wouldn’t want to leave home. I would just stay home thinking that people looked at my pimples and talked, but not my eyes,” she said.
Sai Pallavi added that the overwhelming response to her performance in the 2015 Malayalam blockbuster Premam transformed her confidence.
“After Premam, they accepted me with all of that. They liked me more, and I realised how much it influenced teenagers. That made me feel a lot more powerful,” she said.
The actor has also been vocal about colourism and unrealistic beauty standards in society.
Sai Pallavi reportedly turned down a ₹2 crore fairness cream endorsement, saying she did not want to promote beauty ideals that could negatively affect people’s confidence.
Calling it a personal decision, she explained that many of her friends and family had been made to feel inferior because of their skin tone, prompting her to take a stand against endorsing such products.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.
The recently released trailer has generated widespread discussion online, with audiences praising the film’s scale while continuing to debate its casting choices.
