Vijay Sethupathi, the unassumingly charming actor who’s conquered Tamil cine hearts, is spilling the chai on Bollywood. But it’s not a sweet sip – it’s a bitter truth bomb about body shaming. In a recent interview, Sethupathi revealed he faced harsh criticism for his appearance in both Bollywood and Tamil industries, making him feel “conscious” even at events.
He confessed, “Main aisa hi tha, body shaming bohot kiya tha mujhe.” (“They body-shamed me a lot.”) It’s a shocking claim, considering Sethupathi’s relatable, everyday persona is a welcome departure from Bollywood’s usual chiseled heroes. But apparently, some couldn’t handle the lack of six-pack abs and designer suits.
The sting goes deeper when he admits, “Wahaan bhi kiya tha.” (“It also happened there.”) This double dose of negativity, in both his home turf and Bollywood, highlights the pervasive nature of body shaming in the industry.
But Sethupathi, like the masala hero he often plays, isn’t letting it defeat him. He finds solace in the love of his fans, declaring, “Today wherever I go, I am accepted, it is a blessing.” This acceptance is his armour, his vindication against the narrow-minded beauty standards.
However, the scars of body shaming remain. He admits feeling “conscious” about his attire at events, even resorting to his comfort zone of “chappals” because of past criticism. This vulnerability adds a new layer to his on-screen charisma, revealing a human behind the star, someone who battles insecurities like any of us.
Sethupathi’s candid confession doesn’t just spark outrage against body shaming, it sparks a conversation about inclusivity and representation. He challenges the industry’s obsession with unrealistic beauty standards, proving that talent and charm come in all sizes and styles.
So, Bollywood, take note: The audience is hungry for more Sethupathis, for actors who wear their hearts on their sleeves (and chappals on their feet). Maybe then, the spice of inclusivity will finally overpower the bitter aftertaste of body shaming.
In the meantime, we raise a toast to Sethupathi – the hero who dared to serve the truth, raw and unsweetened, proving that sometimes, the real masala lies in breaking the mould.
