Anjali Anand has responded to criticism over her role in Dhamaal 4 after a content creator questioned why she took up a film featuring fat-shaming jokes despite advocating body positivity. Responding to the criticism, Anjali admitted that she cannot afford to be choosy about the projects she takes up. She added that she is focused on showcasing her talent and hopes the industry’s approach to body representation will change with time.
Anjali Anand on Dhamaal 4 criticism
Content creator Soumya Dubey shared a clip from one of Anjali Anand’s interviews in which the actress said that if someone called her “fat,” she would call them “ugly” because such remarks reflected more on the person making them. Reacting to the interview, Dubey pointed out that Anjali’s recent film, Dhamaal 4, seemed to contradict that stance. She argued that the actor’s character was repeatedly subjected to fat-shaming jokes in the film and questioned why Anjali chose to be part of the project despite advocating body positivity.
Reacting to the criticism, Anjali said, “Yes, my love. Because society still is ugly. Go see comments on my page and you’ll get it. Nobody is going to write me a part until I put myself out there and show what I can do with my talent, so yes, I’m biting a bitter pill to run my house and put food on my table and taking up projects that I’m getting. I do not have an option to choose what I want to do and what not. There aren’t directors lining up for me to give me parts.”
She added, “My first project—UNTAG, then Dhhai Kilo Prem, then Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and then this. If they want to cast a fat girl, honey, I’ll be the best damn fat girl they’ve ever seen because I’m here for the long run. I have to wait it out until the whole climate changes. It’s a revolution, and it will take time, and I have the balls to wait it out until then. A serial killer playing a part in a film does not mean he supports killing people. Don’t ridicule me for my size. See what I can do with my talent and where I have reached with it. Abhi bahot kuch karna baaki hai. Jai Mata Di, let’s rock.”
More about Anjali
The actress has often spoken about how she has been ridiculed for being overweight. She recently revealed that she has been cast in films because she is fat, and Bell Bottom was one of them. Her most notable appearance in recent times was Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Apart from her, director Indra Kumar also addressed the criticism surrounding her character and the jokes made about it.