Nithya Menen on challenging beauty norms in cinema: "I'm here to perform, not fit a mould"
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Actor Nithya Menen is once again making headlines, not just for her compelling performance in her latest film Thalaivan Thalaivi, but also for her steadfast commitment to redefining the conventional standards of beauty in cinema.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Menen opened up about the ongoing pressure in the industry to conform to specific aesthetic ideals.
"Yes, there is pressure," she acknowledged. "But it's very important for me to be someone who represents something beyond the superficial. If people feel an emotional or soulful impact. Something that hits the heart and not just the eye. That's what matters to me."
Her latest Tamil release, Thalaivan Thalaivi, which premiered on July 25, stands as a testament to her values. The film, set in the temple town of Madurai, stars Menen alongside Vijay Sethupathi. The two portray a married couple whose relationship unravels from a gentle romance into emotional turmoil.
Sethupathi plays the owner of a modest eatery, while Menen’s character navigates love, frustration, and emotional complexity as his wife. To bring the role to life, Menen fully immersed herself in both the emotional and physical nuances of her character.
Her appearance in the film is intentionally raw and unpolished.
"We make realistic films, and it's important to look real," she said. "For example, I didn't have a makeup artist on this film. We made sure things weren't too polished. The aim was to keep everything grounded and honest."
Menen’s consistent rejection of superficial beauty standards has shaped her unique space in the industry. "My subject isn't about looking a certain way. There are plenty of people who do that beautifully. But I'm here to perform, not fit a mould. Real human beings come in all forms. We don't all look the same, and we shouldn't have to," she stated.
