Think about it—when was the last time you saw a dark-skinned, plus-size woman as the unapologetic lead in a mainstream Bollywood film or Indian web series? Not the comic relief. Not the girl who has to lose weight to be “good enough.” Just a woman living, loving, leading—as she is.
We rarely get that.
Films like Kabir Singh, Student of the Year, and Heropanti all recycle the same visual fantasy: wafer-thin women with flawless skin, perfectly styled hair, and an existence seemingly defined by how much men desire them. This doesn’t just shape male expectations—it distorts how women see themselves.
And even when platforms like Netflix or Prime Video explore bold topics, they often do so with conventionally attractive, slim protagonists. Four More Shots Please and Made in Heaven earned praise for their themes—but they still fell into the trap of showcasing one kind of beauty.
Tokenism Isn’t Representation
Occasionally, shows throw in a plus-size or dark-skinned character to tick the diversity box—but too often, these characters are defined by their body or mocked for it. That’s not inclusion; that’s humiliation with a glossy filter.
In contrast, Pakistani dramas like Pyari Mona and Oye Moti give us something real. They explore what it means to exist in a world that constantly tries to shrink you—literally and emotionally. They don’t always get it right, but they try. And that effort matters.
Real Women, Real Damage
For young South Asian girls watching these shows, the impact is not abstract—it’s deeply personal. Eating disorders. Body dysmorphia. Anxiety. Depression. A quiet, constant war with the mirror. The belief that they must “fix” themselves before they deserve love, success, or even basic respect.
These aren’t just side effects—they’re symptoms of an industry addicted to selling perfection over reality.
What Needs to Change—and Fast
South Asian creators have the power to shape how an entire generation views themselves. And they need to start using it responsibly.
- Cast real women of all sizes, shades, and scars—not as exceptions, but as leads.
- Stop using weight as a punchline or a plot twist.
- Tell stories where women’s bodies aren’t obstacles to overcome but sources of power and identity.
- Consult mental health experts when writing characters navigating body image challenges.
- Hire diverse writers—because no one understands these battles better than those who’ve lived them.
A Future Worth Watching
Imagine a screen where every South Asian woman sees herself—not just reflected, but celebrated. A media landscape where body diversity isn’t revolutionary—it’s normal. A culture that stops selling shame and starts nurturing self-worth.
We have the tools. We have the stories. Now we need the will.
Because from Bollywood to Netflix, it’s no longer enough to entertain. It’s time to empower.
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