The media has long played a powerful role in shaping how South Asian women are viewed—not just by the world, but by themselves. From Bollywood heroines who embody perfection to Western films that flatten Desi women into stereotypes, the “ideal” South Asian woman is often portrayed as beautiful, docile, graceful, and self-sacrificing. While these portrayals might appear glamorous or harmless, they have a profound impact on how South Asian women experience and express their emotions. The Beauty Standard Trap One of the most persistent ideals pushed by media is physical beauty. Fair skin, long hair, delicate features—these have become visual markers of desirability, especially in Bollywood. Even outside Desi culture,…