Vidya Balan asked if she will lose weight for 'glamorous' roles

The tagline for Tumhari Sulu, starring Vidya Balan as a housewife-turned-RJ, states, ‘Main Kar Sakti Hai [I can do it]!’ But, apparently, not everyone has got the memo, it seems.

During a press interaction to promote the film, Vidya was asked an insensitive question by a male reporter. “We have seen you in films that are woman-centric. Thinking ahead, will you be seen in woman-centric films or have you thought about losing weight?”

To which the shocked actress replied, "What does weight loss have to do with woman-centric roles?"

The reporter said, “For glamorous roles.” Vidya laughed it off, saying, “I’m happy with the work I do. If [the media’s] gaze would change about it, it would be nice.”

The female reporters present chimed in after that with their support for her and a smiling Vidya thanked them. 

The National award-winning actress has had some hits and quite a few misses in the past few years with Kahaani 2 (2016), Te3n (2016) and Hamari Adhuri Kahani (2015). Her last release was Begum Jaan (2017). Vidya is known for her content-driven films and has always been forthcoming with her own challenge with body weight.

It’s about time the media takes heed to Vidya’s statement and brings about a change in its gaze. For example, in Hollywood, The Representation Project started an online campaign, titled #AskHerMore, as an effort to ask actresses questions on the red carpet beyond the usual ones on fashion and jewellery. Actresses like Reese Witherspoon and Amy Poehler have supported the movement. 

Watch the video of the incident below: