Anjali Anand Decodes 'Pretty Nepotism': Filmmakers Cast Me Without Knowing My Body Of Work | EXCL

Anjali

Anand has come a long way in the Hindi film fraternity. Making a successful transition to the big screen after leading television shows, the actress’ latest release, Dhamaal 4, emerged profitable at the box office by crossing the Rs 100 crore mark. While most filmmakers try to box her in stereotypical roles based on her ‘body’ type, she has broken the mould by choosing characters that are empowered, impactful and non-typical. In an exclusive interview with Zoom, Anjali dived deep into the concept of ‘pretty nepotism’ and revealed that filmmakers cast her because of her height and good looks.

Anjali Anand agrees beauty can outweigh talent

Anjali agreed that beauty can outweigh talent for an actress. Talking to Zoom, the Dhamaal 4 star said, “It becomes more about your beauty, and about your body. So many times, people have cast me without even knowing if I've done any work or not. They just cast me because they're like, ‘Oh, beautiful face. Let's just cast her.’ It's a bonus that I know how to act.”

She further added, “Yes, there is a pretty privilege. When it comes to acting, it can't last you long. You'll get one film because of ‘pretty privilege’, but then you have to keep proving yourself to get the other films. It's like pretty nepotism. You're pretty, you’ll keep getting the work. You'll get your first job, but then you keep getting it only if you're good at it. There is nothing that beats talent and will and intent.”

Anjali Anand on Dhamaal 4's success

In the exclusive interaction with Zoom, Anjali reacted to being a Rs 100 crore heroine as her films, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Dhamaal 4, were money-spinners at the box office. “I didn't even know something like this would ever happen to me, but it happened. I'm just happy that I got to contribute to the success of the film and people are loving me. It just feels so weird to say that, and I just hope I keep doing more work where I contribute hundreds and hundreds and more crores, and most of those hundreds come to me also someday (laughs). I love the love that people are giving. It is just outstanding, and I just want to keep working just for that.”

Anjali played the role of Paro in Dhamaal 4. Earlier, she was seen as Gayatri in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. She famously played the role of Loveleen in Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala. Her other popular titles are Raat Jawan Hai and Dabba Cartel on SonyLIV and Netflix, respectively.