Recently, Pakistani actress Sanam Jung made some eye-opening statements about how people view and treat women and men of plus size as compared to ‘average’ weighed people.
The ‘Pyari Mona’ actress has been in the spotlight for talking about how her latest role has become a must-have topic for society overall on plus sizes.
In a recent interview with BBC Urdu, Jung talked about how relatable Mona’s character is for people everywhere, even celebrities.
“Celebrities are expected to look stunning all the time and they should since it’s a part of their job,” the Dil-e-Muztar actor said in the interview. “I don’t see oversized actors onscreen. It has more to do with our industry as it’s still evolving. Having a skinny body makes it easier for designers, extra effort is not needed, they fit the ideal vision of beauty and makes everyone happy as well. Whereas for an over-sized person it is harder because things are specifically created for them, so I don’t think anybody wants to fo through that hassel. I’ve been through it so I know, it is tough, its difficult to get clothes or to asks stylists to style you, some do but others want to be sure about what they’re doing, they would rather work with people who will make their work look nice.”
She added, “Pyari Mona does not follow the tropes of mainstream television. Nothing that involves people falling in love, or cheating on each other, nor does it focus on mothers rejecting their son’s true love or getting their children married without consent. Pyari Mona focuses on mental health, depression and body positivity.”
“I know so many people who have come up to me and said, ‘Sanam, this is my story’. Even today I visited a salon and a girl there stopped me and said, ‘Thank you for doing this show, Sanam, this is my story’. Everyone is relating to it and I love it!”
“I know so many people who have come up to me and said, ‘Sanam, this is my story’. Even today I visited a salon and a girl there stopped me and said, ‘Thank you for doing this show, Sanam, this is my story’. Everyone is relating to it and I love it!”
Sanam Jung Opens Up About Struggles of Being Plus Size [Watch Video]
‘Women are Being Judged All the Time for Appearance & Weight’ Sanam Jung on Her New Role
Society’s Dilemma with Sizes
Society has long held the belief that thinness equates to beauty and success while being overweight is associated with laziness, lack of self-control, and unattractiveness. Unfortunately, this mindset is prevalent in the entertainment industry, where plus-sized models and actresses are often looked down upon and excluded from specific opportunities simply because of their weight.
The modelling industry, in particular, has long perpetuated a narrow standard of beauty, favouring thinness above all else. While there have been efforts to diversify the industry in recent years, with some brands and designers featuring plus-sized models in their campaigns and runway shows, most of the industry still adheres to this rigid standard. This means that plus-sized models often face discrimination and limited opportunities, simply because of their weight.
Similarly, actresses who do not fit the traditional Hollywood beauty standards often face criticism and ridicule, both from industry insiders and the general public. Plus-size actresses are often relegated to supporting roles, and when they are cast as leads, their weight is often a central focus of the media coverage surrounding the project. This can be incredibly damaging to these actresses, both personally and professionally.
This prejudice against plus-sized individuals is not only unfair, but it is also harmful. It perpetuates the idea that there is only one acceptable body type, and that those who do not fit that mould are somehow less worthy or valuable. This can lead to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and potentially dangerous behaviours such as disordered eating.
Furthermore, the lack of diversity in the entertainment industry reinforces these harmful beauty standards, leading to a cycle of discrimination that is difficult to break. When only thin, conventionally attractive individuals are given opportunities in the industry, it sends a message to young people that this is the only way to be successful or desirable.
It’s time for society to change its views on plus-sized individuals and start celebrating all body types. Plus-sized models and actresses should be given the same opportunities as their thin counterparts, and their weight should not be the defining factor in how they are treated or perceived. We need to move beyond the idea that there is only one acceptable body type and recognize that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Pyari Mona: Episode 01 Uncovers The Reality of Body-Shaming in Society, But is it Enough?
