Fatima Sana Shaikh, in her very first film, proved that she is a face to look out for in the movies. She starred alongside Aamir Khan in the sports drama, Dangal, which earned her rave reviews. But landing this dream role comes with its share of struggles, doesn’t it? In a recent interview, Fatima opened up about how she faced criticism over her looks, faced sexism in the early days of her career.
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Fatima opened up about how she has faced sexism in her life and career and says that she was told that the only way she could get a job in the industry was through sex. She also goes on to add that it isn’t something that is prevalent only in Bollywood, but in all industries. She goes on to add that she was told many a times that she won’t be able to make it as an actress because she didn’t look like Deepika Padukone or Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She says that most people see that as the standard in order to become an actress, but she didn’t fall in that bracket. But she adds that now, there are more opportunities for actresses like her, who look ‘normal, average’.
Calling sexism a battle that women fight on an everyday basis, she says that she herself was molested when she was three years old. She says that women and all minority groups fight for equality every single day and hopes that the future at least is better.
We sure do hope for the same, Fatima. More power to you!
On the work front, the actress will next be seen in Anurag Kashyap‘s, Ludo, that is releasing on 12th November on Netflix. She also has Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari alongside Manoj Bajpayee and Diljit Dosanjh releasing on 13th November.