Sandeepa Dhar recently graced the screen in “Do Deewane Seher Mein,” sharing the spotlight with Mrunal Thakur and Siddhant Chaturvedi. In her role as Naina, the elder sister of Mrunal’s character, she beautifully captures a woman in search of validation. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, Sandeepa reveals her connection to this character and addresses the unrealistic beauty standards women often face.
When discussing Siddhant Chaturvedi’s character, Shashank, Sandeepa describes him as a positive influence. She reflects on the complexity of modern relationships, stating, “Relationships have always been intricate, but we tend to complicate them further. As women, we’ve reached a point where we refuse to settle for less. I believe that’s a positive shift.”
In the film, Naina appears to be the “perfect” woman, yet she battles with her own sense of identity and self-worth. Sandeepa shares, “I find parts of Naina relatable because we all navigate these struggles. As women, we often wear different masks for the various roles we play in life, constantly trying to meet others’ expectations. Ultimately, we are all searching for validation.”
She continues, “We simply wish to be accepted for who we are, but that acceptance rarely comes. There’s always something we feel we need to change to appear better or feel better. If you trace this back, it often stems from our childhood. This relentless comparison can be harmful. As children, we may not recognize it, but it can resurface as we grow older, leading to traumas we need to heal.”
Reflecting on her journey in Bollywood, Sandeepa made her debut with Rajshri Productions in the romantic drama “Isi Life Mein” back in 2010. She recalls, “Had it not been for Rajshri Films, my parents might have had reservations about my acting career. The perception of the film industry from a non-filmy background is often skewed, filled with uncertainty about the people and experiences one might encounter.”
Despite the film not achieving commercial success, Sandeepa remains optimistic about her career trajectory. She states, “I don’t harbor bitterness about the opportunities I’ve received. I believe that going through moments of frustration and irritation is essential for truly understanding life. For any actor, grasping the essence of life is crucial.”
Sandeepa also addresses the societal pressures surrounding beauty standards. In her portrayal of Naina, there’s an expectation to maintain a certain appearance. She asserts, “Women today face immense pressure. The film industry is heavily focused on looks, and this pressure spills over into real life. We constantly hear comments about being too fat or too thin, too dark or too fair. Each side has its challenges.”
When asked if she has ever faced rejection based on her appearance or her non-filmy roots, Sandeepa concludes, “I don’t define my life by others’ opportunities. When I look at actors like Sanjay Mishra, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Jaideep Ahlawat, it’s clear their talent took years to be acknowledged. Timing is everything, and many from star families don’t always succeed.”