‘People on social media have talked about my skin colour’

With success comes a lot of scrutiny on social media, especially if you’re in show business. And actor Priyamani has had her fair share of both. She has not only been subjected to body shaming, but colourism too. ”When you are in the spotlight and gain a few kilos or lose a significant amount of weight, people notice. It’s a part and parcel of being a public figure,” Priyamani notes, adding that while she hasn’t seen colourism in the film industry specifically, she believes that social media is a nightmare that frequently fosters self-doubt. “People on social media have talked about my skin colour. 99% of the population will love you just the way you are. But there’s this one percent who will tell you that your body looks fat and your skin looks dark,” rues the 37year-old.

Further, Priyamani adds that the film industry sets unrealistic beauty standards, which does not help the situation. She says, “In this industry, you need to look prim and proper all the time and you have to maintain your body, skin, hair and nails.” However, the actor admits that there are moments when things are difficult: “There are days when you want to hang up your boots and declare, ‘For one day, I want to be me’.”

The Family Man actor believes it is critical for public figures to speak out against these issues in order to start a conversation.

And “live and let live” is the mantra that she wants everyone to live by. The actor says, “The idea is to let people be happy. If you’ve got anything positive to say, say it. And if you don’t, just keep your comments to yourself. You may not like me, but why do you have to pass on your opinion to other people and ask them to not like me?”

PRIYAMANI,

Shivkumar Subramaniam, who appeared in a number of films, including 2 States (2014) and Kaminey (2009), died on Monday morning. The cause of death is unknown. The actor-writer was last seen in Meenakshi Sundareshwar (2021). Subramaniam worked as a scriptwriter as well, and his works include Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi

VISHAL MALHOTRA, ACTOR

“He really created calm on the set in the midst of chaos. He was the oldest member of our film set, but had a childlike quality that I will never forget. He was an intellectual force,” says Malhotra, who worked with Subramaniam in Tu Hai Mera Sunday (2016).

RONIT ROY, ACTOR HUNAR HALE, ACTOR

Hale, who worked with Subramaniam in the popular TV show Mukti Bandhan, is still in shock: “I loved him dearly. I wasn’t in touch with him after the show ended, but when I got my first show as a lead, he was the first person to call me and congratulate.”

“He was a fantastic person; I loved spending time with him. This new is shocking,” shares actor Roy, who shared screen space with the late actor in 2014’s 2 States. (2003) and 1942: A Love Story (1994). Parinda (1989) was his first major movie, both as an actor and as a writer.

Industry peers and friends took to social media to express their condolences. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta shared the news on Instagram: “With profound and heartfelt grief, we wish to inform you of the passing of one of the most dignified and noble souls to inhabit human form - our dearest Shiv Subramaniam.”

There are days when you want to hang up your boots and declare, ‘For one day, I want to be me’.

NOTE TO READERS: Some of the coverage that appears on our pages is paid for by the concerned brands. No sponsored content does or shall appear in any part of HT without it being declared as such to our valued readers.