Chennai, March 24 Actress Shivani Narayanan, who gained fame after participating in the Tamil television reality show Bigg Boss, has now pointed out to the leaders of the Tamil film industry that celebrating the "super hit" status of others while regional actresses are consistently overlooked for leading roles is a subtle, yet powerful form of systematic suppression.
The actress, in a note that she shared on her Instagram stories, appealed to both the film industry leaders and the audience to ensure that the daughters of this region also have the opportunity to live and grow.
She wrote, "To the leaders of the Tamil film industry and the honorable audience who support us, I am writing this as a daughter of this region and a dedicated aspiring actress in our cinema. It is disheartening when leading voices celebrate how "outsiders become super hits" in Kollywood, they often forget that a "hit" is created by the very opportunities, scripts, and platforms that our industry leaders choose to provide."
She then pointed out, "In a busy world, audiences don't always have the time to search for talent; they consume what is served to them on the biggest platforms. The truth is, audiences celebrate who they see on screen. But the industry decides who they are allowed to see. Celebrating the "super hit" status of others while our own regional actresses are consistently overlooked for leading roles is a subtle, yet powerful form of systematic suppression."
Shivani then said, "We often take immense pride in the saying "Vandharai Vaazhavaikum Thamizhagam" (Tamil Nadu, the land that gives life to those who come here). Our cinema reflects this spirit; we are "One Cinema" that welcomes and celebrates talent from every border. However, we must also ensure that the people of this region are given the opportunity to live and grow alongside them. We must also ensure that the daughters of this region are given the opportunity to live and grow. We believe in the power of art to unite us. We are one "Cinema". However, it is deeply painful to witness the persistent bias that overlooks our own regional actresses and local talent."
She ended her note saying, "In a democratic India, every individual has the fundamental right to speak. I am aware that this might just be another statement passing by, but I feel it is a necessary one. Raising this concern is not about being "against" anyone; it is about demanding representation in our own home. It is a plea for fairness. True inclusivity begins at home. Let us give the daughters of this region also a seat at the table. Don't make us feel like a "stranger in our own home." I hope you all understand the sensitivity of this matter and perceive it in the right way. Jai Hind."