Last week popular Indian commedianne Bharti Singh made news when she was roped in by a body lotin brand for their TVC (commercial for TV). The advertisement managed to garner a lot of eyeballs due to än odd model for the said brand". Singh, in the advertisment, addresses all those who were taken with surprise saying that beauty is much more than having a size zero figure and shapely features. It is not the first time that advertisers have tried to break the stereotype of beautiful through a powerful message.
Rohit Mishra who has worked with many advertising agencies says while the thought is good, the outcome will not be as expected. Ït takes a lot of courage to break away from tradition but does that reap benefits for the brand? Only time will tell. But based on many studies, we can safely conclude that beauty is still considered equivalent to sharp features, white skin and a size zero figure," says Mishra.
Watch the Commercial here
Bharti Singh Says She Has Faced A Lot Of Flak For Her Unconventional Looks
Yes. I have been turned down by producers and filmmakers only because I look the way I look. I am not ashamed about my size and shape, but I think they were. It was very difficult for me to make a career in an industry which has a set standard for beauty and glamour. I am still struggling to make a mark in Bollywood. Small screen is more welcoming to newbies, freshers and unconventional actors who want to make a career in thie field. Not just me, actors with unconventional looks but great talent are shown the door in a regular basis.
I was shocked when I was offered this commercial but I wanted to send a message across. It is not a battle won, but a start has been made.
Youth Reporters Say Beauty Sterotypes Still Exist In Glamour Industry
We will be lying if we said that beauty doesn't lie in a person's skin colour or sharp features. As a society, we haven't moved on from these set "beauty"standards. It will take more than just an advertsiment to change that mindset.
Arnab Puri, class XI, Bal Bharati School
Like many other stereotypes, even this is here to stay. Such a thing exists at the grassroot level too. We are faced with such disparities in school itself. And this problem becomes manifold when someone wants to work in the glamour field.
Shilpi Jain, class VIII, Delhi Public School
I feel the society is more welcome to unconventional looks now. The situation is much better than what it used to be a few years ago. This change in stereotype won't happen over night. It requires a concerted effort and a few daring individuals like Bharti Singh to stand up and voice their feelings.
Riti Dhaneja, class XII, Sophie International School
Do You Think There Is No Place For An Overweight Model In Glamour Industry? Do You Feel It's Time To Break Away From The Traditional Notion of Beauty? Let Us Know