EXCLUSIVE: “I’ve Been Rejected For Looking Too Good” — Banita Sandhu Gets Candid About Her Struggles in the West
In an exclusive chat with Instant Bollywood, actress Banita Sandhu opened up about something that might sound surprising to many — being too good-looking for a role.
EXCLUSIVE: “I’ve Been Rejected For Looking Too Good” — Banita Sandhu Gets Candid About Her Struggles in the West
Yes, you read that right. While most aspiring actors dream of being called ‘gorgeous’ or ‘stunning’, Banita says that her looks have actually come in the way of getting meaningful roles, especially in the West.
Banita, who made a powerful debut in October alongside Varun Dhawan and later stunned us in Sardar Udham, revealed that she has always been drawn to characters that are raw and real.
“I was drawn to roles like October and Udham, where I’m not exactly looking my best. I’m barely wearing any makeup in any of them because I wanted to show people in the industry that I can actually act. I never wanted to be just a pretty face.”
That’s a bold move in an industry that often celebrates glamour over grit. But for Banita, acting was never about being dolled up for the camera. She wanted to challenge herself and show a different side; one that didn’t rely on perfect hair or a flawless face.
However, despite this dedication to craft, Banita faced an unexpected hurdle while auditioning for roles in the West.
(Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Banita Sandhu Started Acting From Age 11, See Her 1st Paycheck!)
“I’ve been turned down for roles just because of how I look. Like, they think I look too good for the character in the West, not in India, but definitely in the West.”
Banita Recalls One Time She Was Being Rejected For Being Pretty – “We Just Don’t Believe A Girl Who Looks Like That Would Run Off And Join Isis”
She recalled one such instance that left a lasting impression. It happened even before her big break in October.
“There was this one time, it happened to me even before October. I met this really famous director in the UK, he’s won BAFTAs, and it was for a show about girls who ran away from home in the UK to join ISIS. It was a great casting company, and I was just happy to be there. I met the director, gave it my all, and then they were basically like, ‘Look, we just don’t believe a girl who looks like that would run off and join ISIS. The Western audience wouldn’t buy it.’”
Ouch.
It’s the kind of feedback that’s hard to swallow. Not because of a lack of talent or effort, but simply because of how someone looks.
Banita’s story is a reminder that stereotypes can work both ways. While beauty is often seen as an advantage, it can sometimes become a roadblock for actors trying to break out of a box.
