There’s no denying it’s a woeful site for women. We are in 2023, and women are still subjected to frivolous statements that baffle us.
Recently Samantha Prabhu an actor from South was subjected to harsh criticism after she made her appearance for the trailer launch of her film Shaakuntalam. An insensitive tweet was posted by a Twitter handle stating, “lost her charm and glow”. She, on the other hand, did not hesitate to return it to the troller, saying calmly, “I hope you never have to go through months of treatment and medication like I did… And here’s some love from me to brighten your day:”
Samantha Ruth Prabhu was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Myositis last year. While it is admirable for the actress to stand up for herself, the question is why is it that an female actor is always publicly chastised?
While she appeared flawless during the trailer launch, is appearance the only thing that defines an actor?
We are so appalled by such a crude message that words cannot even begin to describe how we feel, but the trolls get away with every offensive remark. A woman has always been scrutinised for her decisions and for who she is, from pay parity to rape shame.
Fans and trolls demand that their female actors always appear flawless, no matter what. With age, one does notice physical and aesthetic changes, and if it can happen to us, its evident that it will happen to actors as well. It’s time to mainstream the idea of appearance and ageing. It’s high time to normalize the concept of looks and ageing.
This judgement around toxic beauty standards never allows the actors to step out without makeup. One should appreciate and enjoy themselves, not be compelled to use their vanity as a tool for the paparazzi or to pleas their fans.
Actors have been coping with the pressure to lose those additional pounds, especially post pregnancy as they are often subjected to body shaming. Although it’s a natural process, performers are constantly under pressure to stay in shape.
Given that Samantha the actor is already undergoing therapy, it is unjust to single out actors and make such offensive comments. Any actor should not follow the industry-established beauty standards as a guide. It just states the obvious inequality because the male performers are never subjected to the same scrutiny as the female actors.
Given that Samantha the actor is already undergoing therapy, it is unjust to single out actors and make such offensive comments.
It’s past time to normalise this, accept the actors for who they are, and stop placing unwarranted demands on them. Let them be and honestly, they don’t need any validation.
