I hope I get roles not defined by my body: 'Dhamaal 4' actor Anjali Anand

Mumbai, Jul 10 (PTI) Actor Anjali Anand, best known for her role in “Rocky Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”, says is still waiting for a film role that is not defined by her body and is hopeful that things will change soon. The actor made her acting debut with the OTT series "Untag" and later featured in television show "Dhhai Kilo Prem", among others, where she was often cast in roles centred on her being overweight, with her appearance frequently used as a source of humour. The actor said she has often been cast because of her body type before filmmakers recognised her acting abilities. “In case of films, I’m yet to get something which has nothing to do with my body.... Every opportunity that I have got has always first cast me for my body, then they have seen that she can do more things and then they have given me a different part. "I hope I get roles that are not defined by my body. But it's okay, it's a reflection of society. Society is still not ready to accept my body. The day it is, I will get better parts," Anand told PTI in an interview. In Karan Johar's 2023 directorial "Rocky Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”, Anand essayed the role of Ranveer Singh’s younger sister Gayatri Randhawa. The actor said the movie gave her wider recognition and she no longer had to introduce herself to people. "Karan Johar makes great films. I was like, I would rather be a part of something like that... After 'Rocky Rani', I got the series 'Dabba Cartel' and more people know me now. I'm reading more parts now," she said. The actor is currently awaiting her next film “Dhamaal 4”, in which she is paired opposite actor Riteish Deshmukh. Directed by Indra Kumar, “Dhamaal 4” is headlined by Ajay Devgn and also stars Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Mishra, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Upendra Limaye, Vijay Patkar and Ravi Kishan, among others. The actor said she was initially hesitant to take up the film as some of its jokes revolved around body size. The trailer of the movie also faced backlash for fat-shaming jokes with the makers being criticised for mocking plus-size women. “My first instinct was no. I had to marinate with it, sit with it and see how I can make it better,” the actor said. Anand said she chooses to play such characters on her own terms, ensuring they are portrayed as strong rather than as victims. “The feedback that I got was that some people were triggered that I chose to do something like this because I’m always against people who are body shaming. I was like if someone is going to do this part, I’m going to do it. I’m not going to give this responsibility to someone else’,” Anand said. “I’ll never play a part like a victim, I’ll always play a strong (role), even if it is written in a victim kind of way. If there is going to be a fat girl part, I’m going to play it and I’m going to play it so well that I’m going to get more parts like that. The audience's perception will change,” she said. Anand described this as a “vicious cycle” and said she took it upon herself to do her bit in the limited opportunities that a plus-size actor like her gets. “If I don’t do ‘Dhamaal 4’, I’ll sit at home. It’s not that if I sit at home someone will write a Rs 100 crore film for me, that is not going to happen. So, why would I lose that opportunity to be part of a film and it's on me how I play the part.” Anand said she does not currently feel the need to lose weight to get work, but she might consider it in the future if it becomes necessary to sustain her career. “Maybe I'll do it (lose weight) as I’ve to run my house. I don't think it's necessary for me to do so right now. If I can inspire one or two girls along the way to just see that it is possible (to work without losing weight), then why not do it?” she said. “Dhamaal 4” is set to release in theatres on Friday. PTI KKP RB RB