Actor Anjali Anand believes that appearance can help create opportunities in the entertainment industry, but she is equally convinced that long-term success depends on talent, dedication, and perseverance.
Fresh off the commercial success of Dhamaal 4, which has crossed the ₹100 crore mark at the box office, Anand reflected on the realities of casting in Bollywood, the industry’s emphasis on physical appearance, and why she believes genuine ability ultimately determines an actor’s career.
“People Have Cast Me Without Knowing My Work”
Speaking in an interview with Zoom, Anjali Anand shared that there have been occasions when filmmakers approached her based on her appearance rather than her acting credentials.
“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.”
Her comments reflect an ongoing conversation within the film industry about the balance between visual appeal and performance when casting actors.
Anjali Anand Explains “Pretty Nepotism”
During the interview, Anand introduced what she described as “pretty nepotism,” referring to the advantages attractive individuals may receive when entering the industry.
While acknowledging that appearance can provide an initial opportunity, she stressed that sustained success cannot rely on looks alone.
“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.”
Her remarks underline the importance of consistent performances and professional growth in building a lasting career.
Celebrating the Success of Dhamaal 4
Anjali Anand also reflected on becoming part of another commercially successful film.
Having previously appeared in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, she now has another major box-office performer with Dhamaal 4, adding to her growing filmography.
Speaking about the achievement, she admitted the milestone still feels surreal.
“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.”
She added with a smile that she hopes to continue being associated with successful projects while growing as an actor.
“I just hope I keep doing more work where I contribute hundreds and hundreds and more crores.”
Breaking Away from Typecasting
Before entering films, Anjali Anand became a familiar face through television. Over the years, she has worked to move beyond conventional roles often associated with body type or appearance.
Instead of accepting repetitive characters, she has chosen roles that contribute meaningfully to the story, allowing her to showcase a broader acting range across television, streaming platforms, and cinema.
A Career Across Television, OTT, and Films
Anjali Anand first gained widespread recognition through television before making a successful transition to films.
Some of her notable performances include:
- Paro in Dhamaal 4
- Gayatri in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Loveleen in Kulfi Kumar Bajewala
- Roles in Raat Jawan Hai
- Dabba Cartel on Netflix
Her growing body of work reflects a career that spans multiple formats, from daily television dramas to streaming series and theatrical releases.
An Industry-Wide Discussion
Conversations around appearance, casting practices, and opportunities continue to shape discussions within the Indian film industry. Anjali Anand’s perspective adds another dimension by distinguishing between the initial advantages that appearance may offer and the sustained effort required to build a successful career.
For the actor, beauty may help someone get noticed, but she believes audiences ultimately remember strong performances.
