‘BEEN TOLD I LOOK UNCONVENTIONAL’
Actor Aahana Kumra shares that she has often faced a bias in Bollywood because of her looks
Aahana Kumra has never shied away from saying it out loud that her journey in Bollywood hasn’t been a cakewalk. The actor has even spoken about how the struggle to create her own space in the industry is far from over. But very little is known about the kind of bias she faced when she stepped into the industry, especially for the way she looks.
“We all look different from each other. And there are certain features that define our individuality. Imagine facing problems for that, because many felt that I look unconventional,” Aahana continues, “Now the question is: what defines conventional? I’ve, in fact, asked these people and while some failed to explain, others would name popular actors to explain what they actually mean.”
The actor reveals that her looks have often led to her losing out on projects. Moreover, there have been times when she was told that there are only antagonist roles for her as her looks suit such parts.
“I have nothing against grey characters. In fact, I’d love to play such roles because there’s so much that can be done with them. But that can’t be the only thing that I could have possibly done. I feel grateful to those who believed in my capabilities and gave me the opportunities to play different characters in films, TV, and on the web, too,” says the actor, known for films such as Sona Spa (2013), Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016), and The Accidental Prime Minister.
Aahana is quick to admit, though, that “the perspective is slowly changing, because the audience is also changing in the way and kind of stories they want to see on screen”.
She also feels that web has come as a breather during this phase, especially for actors like her. “I never faced any such bias on the [digital] platform. That has been quite liberating. The web has been open to actors, irrespective of their looks... Also, since the platform is churning out a lot of content, a lot of actors are required, making way for more work for all of us,” she adds.
The question is: what defines conventional? I have asked these people, and while some failed to explain, others would name popular actors to explain what they mean. AAHANA KUMRA ACTOR