Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 17: Actress Manjari Fadnnis, known for her versatile performances, has made a candid revelation about the struggles she faced in Bollywood at the start of her career. In an exclusive conversation, she recalled being told as a teenager that she was “not hot enough” to be an actress, a remark that left a deep impact on her self-confidence.

Sharing her early experiences, Manjari said, “I was literally told to not be myself. People suggested wigs, colour lenses, blow-dried straight hair… basically, to look like everyone else trying to become an actress. At such an impressionable age, I started feeling insecure.”

Over time, the actress realised her individuality was her biggest strength. “I embraced my curly hair, my pakoda nose, my so-called imperfections. The moment I did that, audiences connected with me more,” she revealed.

The actress admitted that, for years, her looks overshadowed her acting abilities. “I was often judged by appearance before talent. Roles were limited, and I felt suffocated as an artist,” she said, recalling how theatre helped her hold on till she landed stronger roles like Barot House, which changed industry perceptions about her.

On cosmetic procedures, Manjari maintained a firm stance. “Yes, I once thought about it. But then I asked myself—what do I change? I’m perfect! I love the way I look. I’m camera-ready and relevant without trying.”

She believes audiences today are embracing authenticity over artificial perfection. “Viewers now want real, relatable characters. They reject unrelatable flawlessness and welcome emotional authenticity,” she added.

While acknowledging that cosmetic surgery is becoming a trend, the actress urged impressionable youth to value natural beauty. “I hope teenage girls don’t get their sense of beauty twisted. Imperfections make us unique. Even the most beautiful people have insecurities—it’s human,” she said, leaving a heartfelt message for her young fans.