The debate over beauty standards in the film industry has resurfaced after actors Arshad Warsi and Pratik Gandhi discussed the pressures faced by male actors, writes The Hindustan Times.
Pratik revealed that he had previously missed out on television roles because casting requirements called for actors who looked “rich enough”.
“This happened in my initial years when I would audition for television shows. Even today, when I speak to my friends, I realise that the messages that get forwarded to aspiring actors is still the same. There’s a requirement of rich-looking actors and that those who are rich-looking only should apply. What’s this rich look? I don’t know. It’s very weird,” he told News18.
Warsi described the idea as “the stupidest thing ever”. Director Tigmanshu Dhulia said such casting preferences could be linked to India’s long-standing obsession with fair skin. According to him, casting teams sometimes associate wealth with fair skin and look for tall, fair-complexioned men and women for wealthy characters.
Warsi also spoke about the need for actors to remain realistic about their appearance and the roles they can portray.
“Tomorrow if I say that I look like Hrithik Roshan, then I’m a fool. One has got to be realistic. I’m not 6’2″. I’ve to be realistic about that. These are simple facts. If a guy thinks he’s outstandingly good-looking, then he’s demented and has lost the plot,” he said.
He added, “If you ask me to play Thor, I’ll have a problem with that because I’m not that person and that’s not how I look. You’ve to be practical somewhere.”
Warsi and Gandhi currently star together in the crime drama ‘Ghamasaan’, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. Warsi will next appear in Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘King’, while Gandhi has ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan?’ and ‘Hum Hindustani’ in his upcoming projects.
