Barkha Bisht, a seasoned actress with over two decades in the entertainment industry, recently shared her thoughts on the prevailing beauty standards in showbiz during an exclusive interview. Known for her work across television, films, and web shows, Bisht addressed the harmful stereotypes that continue to shape perceptions in the industry, especially regarding looks.
Challenging the Stereotype of Looks in Casting
Bisht voiced her concerns over the rigid beauty norms that often dictate casting decisions. She explained that in India, there is a tendency to judge an artist’s suitability for a role based on their appearance. “In our country, there’s a stereotype that if you look a certain way, you’re not fit for certain roles. For example, I’m often seen as an urban, western woman, and because of this, people may believe I can’t portray a village girl, or vice versa,” Bisht said.
She emphasized that such perceptions limit the scope of an actor’s potential, pointing out the importance of judging a performer based on their talent rather than their looks.
Redefining Beauty Standards
The actress also criticized the enduring notion that fair skin is a benchmark for beauty. “Fair skin is still often considered beautiful, but more than looking the part, the key is whether the actor has the ability to play the role convincingly,” she remarked.
In a bid to challenge these conventions, Bisht highlighted her co-star, Riva Arora, from her latest project Power of Paanch. Bisht pointed out how Arora, despite her sweet appearance, could embody a powerful character—an example of how one should not judge an actor based on their looks. “Today, I would want to cast Riva in an extremely strong role, but people may dismiss her because of her appearance. That’s the stereotype we need to break,” Bisht said.
Barkha Bisht’s Latest Project: Power of Paanch
Barkha Bisht is currently starring in Ektaa Kapoor’s Power of Paanch, which premiered on January 17, 2025, on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema. The series, which also features Urvashi Dholakia and Yash Sehgal in pivotal roles, delves into the complexities of human relationships and power dynamics. Additionally, the show’s episodes are available on OTTplay Premium, offering fans an in-depth look at this compelling new series.
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