Fame often strips one of their privacy, and celebrities constantly find their lives and space invaded. The recent-most example of media insensitivity was the entire coverage of actress Sridevi's demise. One cannot deny that actresses find it more difficult than actors with every aspect of their being up for scrutiny. Questioning the media and the tough standards expected of actresses, veteran Amala Akkineni took to Facebook to ask, “Will you let me age gracefully?”
In a heartfelt message, the 49 year old wrote, “Will you let me dress without feeling low self esteem that I am not size zero anymore, nor that I wear the season's couture?” Last seen in Malayalam film 'C/o Saira Banu' in 2017, the actress further wrote, “Will you let me stop colouring my hair, let me wear it short, without referring to my long tresses in 'Pushpak', at 19? The bad hair days get captured, not the wisdom I carry, and that's demoralising. Surely cameras can show the depth of a person and not just the surface? Will you let me discuss meaningful things without interrupting the flow with questions on how I cook or what the season's latest gossip demands? My inner being thrives on accomplishing things that make a difference, things I seek to complete before my physical form is put to rest.”
Amala further wrote about meaningless questions actresses are asked, about their weight, finally adding, “You have caught me in a time warp, a cage of fame, while my spirit is free. Allow me a life, some privacy, to engage with humanity and the universe, with purpose, truth, compassion and some respect for those now gone.”
